📣 Instagram Goes Public (Literally!): What Google’s New Indexing Means for Your Business?
Instagram just made a major move that could change the way your brand shows up online. In a new update, Instagram will allow Google and Bing to index public posts from professional accounts, meaning that your content could now appear directly in search engine results!
This shift puts even more power in your hands as a business or content creator, but also calls for a more strategic approach to what you post, how you write captions, and how visible you want your old content to be. Let’s dive into what this update means for you and why it matters.
🔍 What’s Changing?
Historically, Instagram content has been pretty hidden from the outside world. Unless someone was logged into the app and following you, your posts didn’t have much visibility outside the platform.
Now, professional accounts (like business or creator profiles) will have their public content crawled and indexed by search engines. This means that if someone Googles your business or searches for related keywords, your Instagram posts might show up, right alongside your website, blogs, and other digital assets.
That’s a big win for visibility. But it comes with responsibility, too.
⚠️ Think Before You Post: Visibility Is Going Up
With increased visibility comes the need for greater mindfulness. If your posts are showing up on Google, ask yourself:
“Is this something I’d be happy for a potential customer, client, or partner to see in a search result?”
What was once casual or short-lived content might now have long-term public impact. So whether you’re posting memes, product shots, or behind-the-scenes reels, consider how your message supports your brand reputation and marketing goals.
🧹 Time for a Content Audit
Now’s a great time to go back and review your old Instagram content. Think of it as a digital spring clean:
✅ Are you happy for older posts to appear on Google or Bing?
✅ Do they reflect your current brand identity and tone of voice?
✅ Could any of those posts be improved with better captions or relevant hashtags?
If the answer is yes, give them a quick SEO refresh. That might mean updating captions with keywords your audience is searching for or even archiving anything that no longer aligns with your brand values.
💡 SEO Meets Social: A Smart Move for Your Strategy
This update is one more sign that social media is no longer separate from search, it’s a central part of how people find and evaluate your business.
Instagram becoming searchable on platforms like Google:
📌 Extends the lifespan of your posts
📌 Increases discoverability beyond followers
📌 Helps reinforce your brand credibility
At CDA, we often remind clients that social media isn’t just about likes anymore, it’s about visibility, traffic, and trust. And now, your Instagram profile can do some of the same work your website does, when it comes to attracting attention online.
🚀 What Should You Do Now?
Here’s how to take advantage of this update:
🔎 Switch to a professional or creator account if you haven’t already
✍️ Review your captions, make sure they’re keyword-rich and on-brand
📸 Be strategic with new posts. Each one could live on Google
🗂️ Audit and update old content to align with your current goals
This is a fantastic opportunity for your brand to get even more reach with content you’re already creating. But it’s also a wake-up call to treat every post like it could go viral, not just on Instagram, but across the web.
✍️ Caption Optimisation: What Does That Look Like?
Want your content to show up in searches? Start with SEO-friendly captions. Here are a few examples to guide you:
❌ Instead of this: “Our best-seller is back!”
✅ Try this: “Our bestselling vegan skincare serum is back in stock! Loved for reducing redness and boosting hydration naturally 🌿 #VeganSkincare #SensitiveSkinRoutine”
❌ Instead of this: “We’re at the market today!”
✅ Try this: “Catch us at Camden Market today with our artisan sourdough toasties! 🧀 Find our food truck near the entrance and try our new Summer special toastie #LondonFoodTruck #StreetFoodUK”
Small changes like these help search engines understand what your post is about—and make it easier for new customers to find you.
⚙️ Instagram Settings: Make Sure You’re Index-Ready
Before your content can show up in search engines, your profile and posts must be public. Here’s how to check:
1. Use a Professional Account
Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account
Choose either Business or Creator
2. Make Sure Your Account Is Public
Go to Settings > Privacy > Account Privacy. Ensure ‘Private account’ is turned off
3. Keep Your Posts Public
When publishing a post, ensure visibility isn’t limited. Avoid setting posts to “Close Friends” if you want them indexed
💡 What This Means for Your Business
This update confirms what we’ve been saying at CDA for years: Social media and SEO are no longer separate. They work together. Your Instagram is no longer just a place for followers to engage, it’s a searchable brand touchpoint.
💥 More traffic
💥 More authority
💥 More opportunities to turn content into conversions
🚀 What To Do Next?
To take advantage of this new update:
- Switch to a professional Instagram account
- Make sure your profile and posts are public
- Start adding keywords to captions and hashtags
- Audit and update your old posts for better visibility
- Create content that educates, inspires, and converts
As experts, we know that today’s digital presence goes way beyond a single platform. Updates like this one blur the lines between social media, SEO, and branding. If you’re unsure how to optimise your Instagram content for SEO, or want help building a strategy that makes the most of your social presence, our team is here to help.
