Table of Contents
Today Instagram is not just a social media platform to share photos and videos but it has also become a search tool. Instagram public posts will now appear on search engines like Google and Bing which means that even more people can see what you post. This is why learning Instagram SEO is becoming important. It helps your posts show up when people search both on Instagram and on search engines. According to a survey, 46% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials search for things on Instagram instead of using Google. This is of great advantage if you are a small business, a brand or just someone who creates content. This article will show you simple ways to make your posts easier to find so that more people can see them and follow you.
Before we jump in, here’s a quick look at what makes SEO great:
| Focus Area | Benefit | Ease of Use | Impact on Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyword Optimization | Boosts discoverability | Medium | High |
| Google Indexing | Expands external reach | Easy | Very High |
| Competitive Insights | Refines strategy | Medium | High |
| Engagement Focus | Drives rankings | Easy | High |
Why Instagram SEO Matters
It means making your profile and posts easier to find not only on Instagram but also on Google. In July 2025, Instagram allowed public posts (posted after January 1, 2020) from creator accounts to be indexed by search engines given that the account owner is public and over the age of 18.
This is a ground breaking update as your Instagram content will now be discovered by people just by searching on Google even if they don’t use Instagram. For example, If someone searches for “easy dinner recipes” on Google, they might see Instagram Reels from food bloggers sharing quick recipes and meal ideas. So by learning how to do Instagram SEO you can ensure that your content will show up on both places.
How Instagram Ranks Content
Instagram looks at the following three things to decide which post show up first when someone searches:
Words Used in Text
If your post has the same words that match the user’s query whether in caption, hashtags or in the image then it is more likely to show up.
What the Person Likes
Instagram algorithm remembers what people like, who they follow, and what they often look at. It then shows them more of that kind of content.
How Popular the Post Is
If a post has received a lot of likes, comments and shares, Instagram algorithm thinks that this post has a lot of engagement and shows it to more people.
How Anonymous Instagram Story Viewers Can Help Your Instagram Grow
Many people watch your Insta stories without following you or engaging with you. These are called anon igviewer. They can discover your content through search results or hashtags etc. You might not know who they are but they can actually help your Instagram grow.
Make Your Story Popular
When these anonymous viewers watch your story it indirectly contributes to higher impressions. Instagram sees that a lot of people are interested thus giving your posts a boost due to content popularity.
Search and Hashtags
Many of these secret viewers find your stories by searching or clicking on hashtags. If you use the right words in your story or reels like “vegan recipes” or “travel hacks 2025,” more people can find you.
Engaged Followers
To make your story more interactive and convert those anonymous viewers into followers, you can add story features like polls and quizzes to engage them. If your poll receives responses then this will signal to Instagram that you are providing quality content and will further improve your search rankings.
Use Instagram Insights
Look at your story stats to see how many people actually viewed it and what tags you used for a particular story. If you see more viewers on a certain story then try using those same words or hashtags again in your posts and Reels to strengthen your Instagram SEO strategy.
An Easy Guide to Instagram SEO
Do you want more people to find your Instagram page? Here’s how to do it:
-
Make Your Profile Easy to Find
Your Instagram profile is the first thing people see when they search for anything. Make it clear and easy to understand.
Username
Add a word about what you do. Example: @FitnessWithEmma (for a fitness coach).
Name Section
Write your name, then what you do. Example: Emma Smith | Fitness Coach
Bio
Use words that explain your work. Example: “solo travel tips, budget trips, travel guides.”
-
Turn On Search Settings
To show your posts on Google or Bing, change your settings:
Steps
Go to Profile → Tap 3 lines → Account Privacy → Turn on “Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engine results.”
-
Use Keywords in the Right Places
Keywords are the words people search for. Use them in these areas:
Captions
Use 1–3 important keywords naturally in your captions.
Reels & Carousels
Add keywords as text on videos or images.
Alt Text
Add descriptions when posting, so Instagram and search engines understand your content.
Hashtags
Use 3–5 relevant hashtags that fit your topic.
-
Find the Best Keywords
Discover what people are searching for with these methods:
Instagram Search Bar
Type a word like “yoga” and check suggestions Instagram gives you.
Competitors
See which keywords popular accounts in your niche are using.
Other Apps
Look at TikTok, YouTube, or Pinterest for trending keyword ideas.
Google Tools
Use Google Trends to get fresh keyword ideas and demand data.
-
Update the Old Posts
Boost older posts by adding stronger keywords:
Steps
Go to your old post → Tap 3 dots → Edit → Update caption & alt text with keywords.
-
Build Topical Authority
Focus your page on one main theme so Instagram understands your niche.
Example (Fitness)
Create content about home workouts, bodyweight exercises, and beginner workout plans.
-
Boost Engagement
The more likes, comments, and shares you get, the higher your post ranks:
Post Timing
Post when your audience is most active (around 3 p.m. or 6 p.m.).
Reply
Respond to comments quickly to keep the conversation going.
Conversation Content
Make posts that people want to discuss and share.
-
Consider Meta Verified
A blue checkmark can improve trust and visibility, especially if your name is common.
Note
It costs money, so decide if it’s worth the investment for your brand.
-
Add Location Tags (If Relevant)
When posting about cafés, events, or cities, use location tags for better local reach.
Tip
Location tags help nearby users discover your content faster.
How to Know If Your Instagram SEO Is Working
- Reach & Impressions: Check how many people saw your posts in search or Explore.
- Likes, Comments, Shares: More engagement means better performance.
- Profile Visits: Track how often users visit after seeing your posts.
- Google Search Console: See if your posts appear on Google and what search terms bring traffic.
To check if your posts are showing up on Google, you can use a free tool called Google
Search Console.
It shows which posts appear in Google searches and what words people used to find them.
Conclusion
In 2025, Instagram SEO is helping more people to find your content not just on Instagram but also on search engines like Google. To increase your reach, make sure your profile is clear and simple. Include the right keywords in your posts and stories, especially those that people are searching for. Create and post content that people enjoy and engage with. You can also learn what others are doing by anonymously watching what they do using anonymous insagram story viewers. Keep posting regularly and use Instagram’s analytics to see what’s working. If you follow these steps then your content can show up in more searches and reach new people all over the world.
Ready to Start With Best Instagram Story viewer of 2025?
Try our recommended insta story viewer and experience the freedom of private browsing today.