Instagram Is Stepping Into The SEO Game
If there's one Instagram update to pay attention to this summer, it's this.
Starting July 10, Instagram content: Reels, carousels, and single photos can now appear in Google search results. That’s right. Your public posts aren’t just living inside the app anymore, they’re now searchable on the world’s largest search engine.
This changes everything when it comes to discoverability!
Before, someone had to be on Instagram and actively follow you (or search you up directly) to see your content. Now, your posts can reach people who don’t follow you and don’t even use Instagram.
What This Means for Your Business
Whether you're a service provider, creative, or product-based business, this update gives you a massive opportunity to extend your reach beyond the app. Think of your Instagram like a mini website now, one that can drive traffic straight from Google.
But visibility isn’t automatic, you have to optimize.
How to Get Your Instagram Content to Show Up on Google
To give your content the best chance of appearing in search results, here are a few quick but powerful strategies to start using now:
1. Use Keywords Your Ideal Client Is Searching For
Think like your audience. What would they type into Google to find a business like yours? Use those keywords naturally in your captions and, importantly, in your Name Field on your Instagram profile. (Yes, that field is searchable too!)
2. Write Descriptive Alt Text
Alt text isn’t just for accessibility — it helps with search. You can add custom alt text when posting photos or carousels. Use this space to describe exactly what’s in the image using keywords relevant to your niche.
3. Geo-Tag Your Posts
Especially if you’re a local business or service-based brand, geo-tags help boost local visibility in search results. Tag your city, neighborhood, or business location whenever it’s relevant.
4. Keep Your Account Public + Switched to a Business or Creator Profile
Only public content can be indexed by Google. And Creator/Business profiles offer more tools and data to help you track what’s working, so make sure you're set up correctly in your settings.
5. Use Native Fonts for Reels
Text overlays in Reels should use Instagram’s native fonts, not imported text from editing apps. This helps Instagram and Google “read” your content more easily and improves your chances of ranking in search results.
Instagram isn’t just social anymore, it’s searchable. And this shift gives you a huge opportunity to be discovered by the people who are already searching for what you do. If you’ve been posting just to post, it’s time to shift your strategy.
