Is your Instagram content built to work beyond the feed?

In this episode, I break down a big update that's been quietly rolling out since 2020—but creators and business owners are just now getting notified. Google is indexing Instagram content. Yes, even your Reels.

Here’s what that means for your business, how to optimize your posts for discoverability, and why it’s time to stop treating Instagram like a walled garden. If you're ready to get your content found by people outside the algorithm, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Instagram posts and Reels from public, professional accounts are eligible for Google indexing
• If your content solves a problem or answers a question, it can now show up in search results
• You need to optimize your captions, alt text, and even file names for SEO visibility
• This isn't a new feature—it’s just being rolled out more widely and more visibly
• Social and search are converging fast. Your strategy needs to reflect that

Timestamps:

00:14 – Instagram content + Google = new discoverability

01:30 – What triggered the update notification in July

02:51 – Why this matters for creators and small businesses

04:28 – Eligibility rules for Instagram search indexing

06:00 – How to opt out (and why some might want to)

06:51 – SEO best practices for Instagram captions and alt text

08:40 – Why short-form video and Reels matter more than ever

09:03 – Strategic wrap-up + actionable steps

Ready to optimize your content for both search and social? Book a 1:1 strategy session at yournextstep.agency

Share this episode with a friend who’s still building for the algorithm—Google is watching.

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTrendsNow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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