With Instagram’s new indexing feature, professional accounts can now get found on Google through Instagram posts, Reels, and carousels.
Posting on Instagram but not getting web traffic?
You’re missing out – search engines still dominate digital discovery, with 68% of sessions starting with a Google search and over 63% of traffic referrals coming from it.
Instagram’s latest update flips the script.
Now, your public business or creator posts can get found on Google through Instagram, unlocking powerful visibility without needing a website.
Instagram Indexing Update, What's It About?
Diya Singh"This is a chance to transform Instagram from a social silo into a powerful SEO asset."
Instagram’s new indexing feature officially launched on July 10, 2025, allowing public content from professional accounts to appear in Google and other search engine results. This update affects millions of business and creator accounts globally and gives sellers a new way to boost visibility without relying on traditional websites.
Eligible content includes photos, videos, carousels, and Reels. Accounts must be set to public and belong to users over 18 years old to qualify for indexing.
This rollout, as reported by PPC Land, signals a major shift in how Instagram content is treated by search engines. Sellers who rely heavily on Instagram for brand presence now have the opportunity to get found on Google through Instagram, even without running a separate blog or eCommerce site.
The indexing feature is enabled by default and controlled via account privacy settings. Users who prefer to stay off search engines can toggle the option off under Settings → Privacy → Search Engine Visibility.
Instagram’s shift from a closed platform to one with open search engine access creates new SEO opportunities for sellers. Content optimization strategies now need to include:
- Writing keyword-rich, natural-sounding captions
- Adding alt text for accessibility and search context
- Using relevant hashtags as searchable elements
- Placing key phrases at the start of captions for best visibility
- Optimizing Instagram bios with industry and location terms
For sellers, this means more than just increased views. Indexed Instagram content can drive meaningful traffic and improve brand discoverability across multiple channels.
As Instagram content now appears alongside news articles, product listings, and YouTube videos in search results, sellers must treat posts like micro landing pages, each with the potential to pull in new visitors directly from Google.
This development highlights a continuing trend in digital marketing: the merging of social and search ecosystems. Instagram’s move aligns it more closely with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, both of which already dominate search visibility.
With this change now in full effect, professional accounts that take content optimization seriously will be best positioned to get found on Google through Instagram and turn search traffic into real business results.
Is This Update Really New?
This update builds on existing capabilities – Google has already been indexing some Instagram content since 2020. From SEOZoom’s data, over 613,000 Instagram Reels and nearly 670,000 keywords are currently indexed in Italy alone.
According to an analysis from Andrew Hutchinson on Social Media Today, this development is not a fundamental change for most regions. Public Instagram posts have already been indexable by Google for several years.
Instagram’s own Help Center documentation confirms this long-standing policy. The platform has allowed search engines to index public posts and reels from eligible accounts since January 1, 2020.
The notifications users received around July 10 signal that the feature is now active in their specific region. This is part of a gradual global rollout that has been underway for some time.
Therefore, the update is primarily new for users in regions where content indexing was not previously enabled. If you received a specific notification, Google can now index your public posts, but for many, this has been the standard practice for years.
SEO Gains for Businesses from Instagram Indexing
According to Forbes, Instagram’s new indexing update represents a major advantage for business owners aiming to increase online visibility. The platform now allows public posts from professional accounts to appear in Google search results, giving brands a new SEO channel without needing a website.
This update supports greater visibility for brands, creators, and entrepreneurs whose customer base actively searches online. It turns everyday Instagram content, such as photos, Reels, and carousels, into long-lasting digital assets that can generate traffic over time.
For businesses, this shift offers a path to attract new audiences organically, especially for those who haven’t invested in traditional websites or blogs. Indexed content can stay discoverable long after posting, making Instagram content more evergreen than before.
Social media is already becoming a search engine alternative, especially among younger users. Research cited by Forbes shows that 41% of Gen Z prefer searching via social media over traditional engines like Google, which saw a 25% decline in Gen Z usage for search.
With that shift in user behavior, the line between social and search continues to blur. This indexing update formalizes Instagram’s role as both a discovery platform and a search tool for content with commercial intent.
To fully benefit from the update, sellers and content creators should take proactive steps to make their posts more SEO-friendly:
- Set your Instagram account to Professional (Business or Creator) and keep it public
- Ensure the indexing feature is enabled in your account’s Privacy settings
- Use keywords naturally in captions and on-screen text
- Add alt text to your images for accessibility and search context
- Use relevant hashtags that match your target search terms
- Focus on value-based content like how-tos, guides, or tutorials
- Optimize your bio section with clear business details and keywords
It’s also worth reviewing old posts to decide whether you want them to appear in search results. Older content that aligns with your brand’s messaging can be updated with keywords to extend its shelf life.
Instagram’s shift to indexed content means your posts should now be treated as micro-landing pages, each one carrying the potential to bring in qualified traffic through Google. With careful optimization, businesses can improve brand reach, visibility, and engagement beyond the platform.
Core Instagram Sales Strategies for Ecommerce Success
From Convertcart, a comprehensive guide outlines how ecommerce sellers can turn Instagram into a revenue-generating tool, especially in light of the new indexing update. With content now searchable through Google. A strong Instagram strategy isn’t just optional, it’s essential.
To build a high-performing Instagram presence, brands should focus on consistent, value-first content. A sporadic posting schedule weakens engagement, while a regular calendar supported by tools keeps visibility steady.
Successful sellers also take advantage of seasonal promotions. Campaigns built around holidays or events, paired with urgency-driven messaging and exclusive codes, can boost conversions dramatically.
Video content remains a top performer, especially when paired with closed captions. Since many users scroll on mute, captions help communicate messages while improving accessibility and engagement.
Other key Instagram strategies include:
- Optimize your bio link using link-in-bio tools for product categories, deals, and lead magnets
- Use Story Highlights to build trust and surface customer reviews or product education
- Create collaborative posts with brand founders or partners using Instagram’s co-author feature
- Post Reels and trending content regularly to maintain algorithm visibility
- Switch to a Creator account if under 50K followers to benefit from expanded reach and trending audio access
Finally, optimizing Instagram SEO is no longer just about in-app discovery—it’s about search engine ranking. With public posts now indexed by Google, captions, alt text, and hashtags all play a role in helping your brand get found beyond the platform.
As Instagram continues merging with search, treating each post like a mini product page or landing page becomes the new normal. An Amazon agency specializing in Amazon and DTC growth can help sellers create SEO-ready content that drives meaningful traffic and conversions in 2025 and beyond.
admetrics"The social marketing space is evolving at breakneck speed, with social platforms like Instagram playing a crucial role for e-commerce brands."
