Instagram and Google search results, as you know them, are changing.
Instagram has been a growing social media platform since its release in 2010. Since then, it has undergone numerous changes, updates, and makeovers. However, on Friday, July 11, 2025, it underwent arguably one of its most significant and impactful changes yet.
On that day, Google began indexing Instagram content, meaning your Instagram posts (from business or creator accounts) can now appear in Google search results.
What does this mean for you and your business? Let’s break it down.
What Does Instagram Indexing on Google Mean?
Every search result you see on Google is there because Google has indexed it. That means Google has discovered the content and stored information about it in its internal database—its “library,” where keyword relevance helps determine discoverability.
When you search for something, Google looks through this indexed content to find and display the most relevant results.
Think of it like asking a librarian for a book on a specific topic. The librarian doesn't search the entire world for the book—they check their catalog (an index) to find something that matches your request. Google does the same with the content it has already indexed.
So, when Google is now saying it's going to index Instagram posts, it will add the content found in Instagram posts to its “library,” which means Instagram results can appear directly in search engine listings and Google results when the post content matches what users search for.
Instagram is also becoming a place where people discover businesses and information, not just browse social content.
What Does This Mean For A Dance Studio Owner?
All of the posts on your business Instagram account will now be visible to Google—unless you turn this off in your settings (Settings > Privacy > Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engine results). This applies to public posts from professional accounts, including business and creator profiles, and is essentially a new feature tied to external visibility. Turning this on gives eligible accounts access to search visibility beyond the app. However, if you're looking to grow your studio, we recommend keeping this feature enabled.
This change can be incredibly beneficial for your business. It's a powerful way to gain more reach, put your brand in front of more people, and enhance your marketing efforts through search results. Your Instagram posts won't just be for your followers, but also for anyone on Google and will be competing with YouTube videos, web content, blog posts, news, TikTok, and more.
Captions and hashtags on your posts will now function similarly to keywords on a website, so using relevant keywords can help your content appear in relevant Google searches and support your search engine optimization efforts.
How To Make The Most Out Of This Update
Your Instagram captions are now one of the key factors that will get your Instagram posts seen on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page). When writing them, use natural language and helpful wording so they read clearly to people and search engines alike. Keep the following tips in mind:
Use keywords. Include specific phrases like “Dance Studio in Southend-on-Sea” or “Beginner Ballet Classes Croydon.” Think about what someone might search for when looking for services like yours, and align those phrases with your target audience, service area, and, when relevant, your profile name or username.
Treat the first line of your caption as a headline. This is what Google may prioritize, so make it clear, eye-catching, and be sure to include your main keyword. It should also answer common questions clearly so the post can serve as evergreen content over time.
Be strategic with your hashtags
Use location-specific and keyword-rich hashtags. These now play a role in helping your posts appear in Google search results, but they should support, not replace, descriptive caption text.
Add descriptive alt text for better accessibility and SEO. Describe the image clearly so search engines can understand it better, not just for accessibility. To do this:
Upload your photo to Instagram.
Choose a filter or edit your image if you like, then tap Next.
Tap Accessibility, then write your alt text in the box.
To add alt text to existing posts (recommended):
Tap Edit on the post.
Tap Accessibility, add your alt text, and save.
Studios should also create content around common class questions, schedules, and beginner concerns to improve long-term visibility.
Are My Instagram Posts Going To Appear In Search Engine Results?
Yes. This latest update is already live for eligible public content on Instagram pages, especially those using business or creator profiles, and in some cases, Instagram posts are appearing in the top ten results on Google as a complement to traditional SEO, not a replacement for your website or blog.
If you're a dance studio owner looking to grow your business, this is not an update to ignore.
Don't worry, this change shouldn't negatively impact you. Just follow the tips above or continue posting as you normally would, and you may start to see results. Only feed content like posts, photos, videos, reels, and carousels are being surfaced here, while stories and Instagram stories are not part of this visibility change.
Keep in mind that Google doesn't index Instagram in real time. It can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days for your content to appear in search results, though that can vary based on how relevant the content is to the query and how clearly it answers search intent.
Should we learn anything more at Class Manager learn anything more, we will continue to update you.
