Your Instagram Posts Will Soon Show Up in Google Search

Here’s What That Means for Hospitality and Tourism
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Starting July 10, 2025, Instagram content—including reels, captions, alt text, and hashtags—can now appear in Google search results, even for people who aren’t logged into Instagram.

This is more than a social media update.
It’s a shift in how travelers and guests will discover your property or destination online.

Instagram is no longer just for in-app engagement—it’s now part of your search strategy. That means every photo, caption, and tag you publish could influence how and where you show up on Google.

Here’s how to take advantage of it—and what to watch out for.

🔍 Why This Matters

• Instagram SEO is now crucial: Google will crawl not just your images, but also your captions, hashtags, and alt text.
• Mobile travelers will see your posts first: Instagram’s mobile-first content is likely to perform well in mobile search results—which is where most travel searches begin.
• Organic links are shifting: With Google’s AI Overviews and other changes pushing websites lower in search results, your Instagram feed may be your most visible presence online.
• Guest-generated content matters more: Encourage guests to tag your property or use branded hashtags—their posts can show up in Google, too.

7 Ways to Make Instagram Work Harder for You

1. Think SEO, Yes, Even on Instagram

Use keywords your future guests actually type into Google, like:
“eco-lodge in Oregon” or “romantic cabin near Asheville.”

✅ Add those terms to:

• Captions
• Alt text
• Hashtags

And be sure your posts are public, private or restricted accounts won’t be indexed.

2. Write Like It’s a Mini Ad, Not Just a Vibe

Instead of just describing the photo, use your captions to tell a story and include key info:

• Who it’s for
• What makes it special
• Location terms guests would search

Tip: Hashtags should be specific, not generic.
Use #SkiCabinVermont or #RivieraMayaRental instead of just #vacation.

3. Use Captions and Subtitles in Videos

Reels and videos are searchable now, too.
Add on-screen text or captions so Google can understand what’s being shown, and so guests with sound off still get the message.

4. Treat Posts Like Landing Pages

Each post can act as a little marketing page.

Make sure your:

• Image is scroll-stopping
• Caption is keyword-friendly
• Link in bio leads somewhere helpful (booking, FAQ, welcome guide, etc.)

Tools like Later’s Link in Bio can help you keep it organized.

5. Review and Refresh Old Posts

Instagram is temporary, but Google indexing isn’t.
Take a quick audit:

• Are there outdated or off-brand posts that need edits or removal?
• Do your most recent posts reflect your current offerings?

💡 Note: Deleting an Instagram post won’t guarantee it disappears from search. Be intentional about what you publish moving forward.

6. Support Instagram Posts with Web Pages

Got a great post about your outdoor shower, stargazing hammock, or farm-to-table breakfast?
Link it to a landing page or blog post on your site.

This helps Google see that your content is valuable, not just visual.

7. Decide What You Don’t Want Indexed

Not every post needs to show up in search results.

✅ If you're a professional account, make sure you’ve opted in to allow indexing in your Instagram privacy settings.

✅ For sensitive or personal content, either:

• Adjust post visibility
• Change settings to keep specific content private

✨ Who This Helps—and How

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This isn’t a small feature change, it’s a major shift in digital visibility.

Instagram is now a core part of your SEO and guest discovery strategy.

• Optimize every post like a landing page.
• Use searchable captions, hashtags, and alt text.
• Encourage guest tags and UGC, they now play a role in your visibility.
• Review your privacy settings so your posts work for you.

When people search for stays, experiences, or destinations like yours—your content can meet them there.

Make it count.

🤖 How AI Can Help You Optimize Instagram for Google Search

With Clear, Practical Prompts for Hospitality Pros

Everything above is doable—but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
AI tools can help you optimize Instagram content faster, smarter, and with less guesswork.

1. Write Captions with SEO in Mind

What to Use AI For:
Generate captions that include keywords your guests are searching on Google.

Prompt Example:
You’re a vacation rental host in Akumal. Write 3 Instagram captions that include SEO-friendly keywords like “beachfront rental” and “Riviera Maya snorkeling.” Keep it natural, guest-focused, and under 220 characters each.

2. Generate Hashtags Based on Real Search Data

What to Use AI For:
Get a blend of high-volume and niche hashtags that match guest search behavior.

Prompt Example:
Give me 10 Instagram hashtags for a boutique hotel in Lisbon. Focus on what guests might search on Google (e.g., #RooftopViewLisbon). Include a mix of popular and niche tags.

3. Create Alt Text Automatically

What to Use AI For:
Write image descriptions that improve SEO and match your visual brand voice.

Prompt Example:
Describe this image for alt text: A guest sipping coffee on the balcony of a rainforest eco-lodge in Costa Rica at sunrise. Focus on mood, setting, and keywords.

4. Summarize Video Content for Captions or Subtitles

What to Use AI For:
Turn your reels into searchable content with on-screen text, summaries, or captions.

Prompt Example:
Summarize this 30-second reel about a boutique hotel’s farm-to-table breakfast. Include a hook, one unique feature, and a soft call to action. Make it SEO-friendly.

5. Audit Existing Posts Without Going Post-by-Post

What to Use AI For:
Analyze your Instagram content in bulk to spot gaps or off-brand language.

Prompt Example:
Here’s a list of 25 Instagram captions from my property. Identify which ones are missing location keywords or don’t reflect a consistent brand tone. Suggest which 5 I should update.

6. Brainstorm Complementary Blog or Page Content

What to Use AI For:
Expand your best Instagram content into blogs, landing pages, or email topics.

Prompt Example:
Based on this post about stargazing at my desert glamping site, suggest 3 blog post titles and outline one short article I could link to from Instagram.

Final Thought: Let AI Handle the Heavy Lifting

AI isn’t here to replace your voice—it’s here to support it.
Use it to speed up writing, polish your messaging, and keep SEO in mind, so you can focus on what really matters: the guest experience.

Curious how AI can help with captions, guest messages, or even blog content?

Explore more hospitality AI tips here.