Instagram SEO Update | What It Means for Your Business & Reach
Recently I shared information regarding Instagram platform and how it can help you….and today is a huge day for anyone that runs a business and has a IG handle! Read on to these updates. But first watch the video so you have a foundation to what I’ll share next!
Instagram has rolled out major SEO-focused updates that transform the platform into a powerful search engine—both within the app and across the web.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how to adapt:
🔍 1. Google Indexing Begins (July 10, 2025)
Public business & creator accounts (18+) will now have their posts, Reels, carousels, and videos indexed by Google—and other search engines.
Stories remain private, and users can opt out via account settings or switch to private/personal accounts.
Why this matters: Content visibility extends beyond Instagram, living longer and boosting organic traffic and brand exposure.
🧠 2. In‑App Search Gets Smarter
Instagram is improving its own search algorithm: plans include better indexing of comments—important context that enhances relevance.
Search signals now include text in usernames, bios, captions, hashtags, alt text, and user behavior such as likes, saves, shares, and DMs.
Resond to your DM’s and comments, engagement is vital & it’s fun!
⚙️ 3. SEO Best Practices for Instagram
Use clear, searchable keywords naturally in your username, name field, bio, captions, and alt text including your city.
Limit hashtags: 3–5 targeted tags is better than mass spam; keyword‑rich captions now out‑shine bulk tagging strategies.
Optimize alt text for accessibility and SEO—Instagram reads this too.
Subtitles in Reels & Captions matter—contextual text both inside and outside Instagram boosts discoverability. Captions are very important as most people don’t watch with the sound on.
Consistent niche and style help the algorithm understand and categorize your content effectively .
4. Think “Search Everywhere” Strategy
This isn’t just Instagram. It’s about syncing search behavior across Google, TikTok, YouTube, and other content platforms .
Brands are now blending SEO & social (a “SEOcial” strategy) that leverages caption keywords, alt text, carousels, video filenames, and more.
New IG Updates since This Video
Trial Reels are a huge level up. Here is a snippet of how and why they can help you!
Music - trending audio and music is merged and MUCH easier to apply and figure out.
BIO - you can add up to six lines now, yay!
LINKS - you can add up to 5 now, yippee
✅ SEO Checklist for Instagram
Include relevant keywords in username, name field, and bioPosts.
Authentic keywords in captions, alt text, and on‑screen text/subtitles.
Hashtags: Use 3–5 specific, strategic tags
Media: Use video subtitles and descriptive file names for Reels
Engagement: Encourage shares, saves, comments, and follow‑up content
Consistency: Post in your niche and maintain a clear content voice and style
🎯 Why It Matters Now
Before July 10, your content lived within Instagram’s walls; starting then, it also lives on the public web via Google.
Your Instagram presence is now a dual-channel SEO asset: visibility both inside the app and across the internet.
Ignoring these SEO tactics means missing out on extended reach, prolonged content life, and new audiences.
Ready to grow on IG? Let’s set up a coaching call to help you build your platform out. Its a VERY powerful tool!
GO ahead on over to IG and see my feed, you’ll learn how I work and who I am in the presence of clients.
Thank you for stopping by to learn more about Mckinney Headshots from your #happyheadshotgal!
