Instagram's SEO Game Changer: Get Your Content Found on Google!
The Buzz You Can't Ignore
The biggest Instagram update for visibility is here, as of today, July 10th! What's the fuss? Instagram content—including public photos, videos, and Reels—will now be automatically indexed by external search engines like Google. This is a huge deal, and it's why everyone is buzzing! Simply put, those with a professional account will now be able to enhance their online visibility even further, potentially reaching audiences far beyond their current followers.
The Big News: Instagram Content Hits Search Engines
With so much changing in the way people search online, it's no wonder social platforms are honing in on being found on major search engines like Google. Have you ever searched for something on Google and seen a YouTube video appear to provide the solution you're looking for? Or perhaps a LinkedIn profile of a business or person? Most recently, TikTok has been taking up significant space in search results, inevitably since it's increasingly used as a search engine within the app itself.
With all this in mind, it's clear why Instagram saw an opportunity. Now, let's be clear: the feature of having your posts appear in search results isn't entirely new. However, the significant update is that Instagram will now automatically start to index your content, including photos, videos, carousels, and Reels posted from January 1, 2020, onwards. This means that instead of going into your settings to actively turn this feature on, starting today, July 10, 2025, you would need to go into your settings to turn this feature off if you do not want your content indexed by other search engines.
As the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, discussed in a recent interview, this move is part of Instagram's broader strategy to make creator content more discoverable through external search engines, expanding its reach beyond the app. For more insights on this shift, you can read about how Instagram will start to automatically show public posts in search engine results. But before you go changing that setting, keep reading to see how this can actually benefit you!
Why This Matters for YOU: The SEO Factor
Since Instagram is no longer focusing solely on gaining internal visibility for accounts but rather tapping into the rest of the search world, it brings major opportunities for you as a business owner and creator. Imagine this: your latest Reel, showcasing the top best coworking spots in Houston, suddenly showing up for someone searching on Google for solutions to find a new workspace. That's the power we're talking about!
Here are just a few reasons why:
Increased Visibility: Your content can reach a much wider audience beyond your followers.
New Traffic Source: This drives external traffic directly to your Instagram posts and profile.
Brand Discoverability: It makes your brand or personal brand more discoverable for new audiences searching for relevant topics.
Leveling the Playing Field: It gives smaller creators and businesses a new way to compete for organic reach.
I plan to go deeper into how all of this works and what you can do to fully leverage this for yourself in upcoming posts. For now, here's some strategy to get you started.
Key Strategies to Optimize Your Content for Search
Yes, you already know I was going to say keywords! Keyword-rich content is going to be the key. To keep things simple, start with your captions. How do you make Instagram captions keyword-rich so they're searchable? Think about how your target audience is searching. How would they search on Google to find "X" as the answer they need? For example, if you're a coffee shop, what would your audience search on Google to possibly find you as the solution? "Quiet coffee shop near me?" "Best iced lattes in [your town]?" These are known as search terms or search queries. To use them in a caption, you want to make sure it sounds natural. Be strategic but natural. For example, you could say, "One of the best quiet coffee shops in Houston, TX is finally here…"
While there's more to the puzzle, adjusting how we create captions and content in general to increase our visibility is a great start.
Checking Your Settings: Ensure You're Indexed (or Opt-Out)
To ensure your content is eligible and indexed, first, make sure you have a professional account (business or creator profile) and are 18 years or older. Remember that this feature is now automatic for eligible accounts starting July 10, 2025.
Is your Instagram searchable with search engines ?
If you want to "double-check" or opt-out, here's how:
Go to your Settings and activity.
Tap on Privacy.
Ensure your account privacy is set to Public.
Look for a setting that says "Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engine results."
If you want to opt-out, toggle this off. However, this should be toggled on to reap the full benefits of this feature.
Embrace the Search Revolution!
As search continues to change and evolve, one thing is for sure: what people are searching for isn't changing as fast as where they go to search. This new Instagram feature will not only help with traditional search engines like Google but also potentially with other emerging search engines, including AI-powered ones.
If you're unsure what keywords have volume and can truly increase your visibility, be sure to connect with me. As an SEO strategist, I provide a holistic approach to your online marketing, extending beyond your website to help you create amazing harmony with your overall online visibility.
Ashley, The SEO Strategist
Hey Bestie!
Ready to truly leverage Instagram's new visibility and craft content that gets found? If you're looking for an SEO Content Strategy Vault that will empower you to create content backed by data and designed for maximum search engine impact, let's chat.
