Instagram Reels Algorithm 2025: How to Get More Views After the July Update

Instagram’s July 2025 algorithm update is one of the biggest shifts Reels creators and brands have seen in years. Gone are the days when trending audio and flashy visuals were enough to go viral. Today, Instagram behaves more like a search engine — rewarding content that is keyword-rich, context-driven, and highly engaging.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this update brings both challenges and opportunities. If you’re a restaurant, café, boutique, or startup relying on Instagram for visibility, the new Reels algorithm could feel overwhelming. But with the right strategy — and the right tools — you can actually use this update to grow your reach faster than before.

In this post, we’ll break down what changed, what it means for your brand, and how you can optimize your Instagram Reels in 2025 to get discovered by more people.

Top 3 Questions People Ask About the Instagram Algorithm July 2025

• What changed in the Instagram Reels algorithm July 2025 update?
• How do I optimize my Reels to rank higher after the update?
• What tools can help me stay consistent with Instagram’s SEO changes?

A Quick Recap — What Changed in July 2025

Instagram’s July 2025 update isn’t cosmetic — it’s algorithmic. The way Reels are ranked and surfaced has shifted toward search intent and content relevance. Here’s the breakdown:

• Keyword-rich alt text now impacts SEO rankings. Posts with descriptive, keyword-optimized alt text appear higher in Instagram search results.
• Profile behavior signals influence content delivery. The algorithm looks at what accounts your audience follows, saves, and interacts with — then matches your Reels to that behavior.
• Expanded post settings add more searchable fields. Creators can now add keywords in more places: descriptions, alt text, captions, and overlays.
• Context > popularity. Reels that are relevant and context-rich are prioritized over those that simply use trending sounds.

📌Want the full breakdown?Read Instagram’s 5 SEO Major Updates.

Instagram SEO 2025 — What It Means for Brands

Instagram is no longer just a social feed. It’s evolving into a search-first discovery platform — closer to Google than TikTok in terms of how users find content.

Here’s how brands can adapt:

• Use target keywords in your captions and post descriptions. Treat captions like mini blog posts with SEO-rich phrases.
• Optimize alt text. Instead of generic “photo of coffee,” use “best iced latte recipe with oat milk for summer 2025.”
• Leverage niche hashtags. Skip broad hashtags (#business, #marketing). Instead, use intent-driven ones (#smbmarketing2025, #localbakeryrecipes).

📌Need more guidance?Optimize with Instagram SEO Update 2025.

Post Settings You Need to Turn On

The new Instagram post settings give creators more control over visibility than ever:

• SEO field for custom alt text. Write descriptive, keyword-rich alt text for every Reel.
• Schedule-based targeting. Release Reels when your audience is most active.
• Algorithm preference toggles. Adjust discovery settings so your Reels show up in “Explore” and “Search.”

📌Don’t miss this: Turn on These 6 Must-Have Instagram Settings.

Instagram Reels Algorithm Update — Explained

The July 2025 update specifically transformed how Reels are ranked for discovery:

• Captions are scanned for relevance. The words you use matter more than ever.
• Trending audio isn’t enough. Using a popular track won’t guarantee reach.
• Descriptive overlays drive visibility. Reels with keyword overlays (like “How to make crispy tacos”) rank higher.
• Engagement quality > engagement quantity. Saves, replays, and shares are weighted more than likes.

💡Pro Tip: Use Mavic’s AI-powered editor to generate Reels captions and overlays that align with Instagram SEO signals.

Optimization Tips for Instagram SEO in 2025

Here’s how SMBs can future-proof their Instagram strategy:

• Add long-tail keywords to captions. Instead of “coffee shop vibes,” use “best coffee shop in Brooklyn with oat milk lattes.”
• Embed keywords in overlays and alt text. The more context, the better.
• Use carousel posts strategically. Each slide can target a different keyword variation, increasing chances of discovery.
• Prioritize saves and shares. Create content worth bookmarking (e.g., recipes, tutorials, how-to guides).

How Mavic Simplifies Instagram SEO Updates

Mavic AI makes adapting to Instagram’s July 2025 updates easy — even if you don’t have a marketing team.

• SEO Keyword Suggestions: Mavic recommends captions, hashtags, and alt text based on trending searches.
• AI-Powered Content Creation: Turn product names or hashtags into Reels scripts, visuals, and captions.
• Smart Scheduling: Publish Reels when your audience is most active — automatically.
• Analytics That Matter: Track which captions, hashtags, or formats drove reach.

📌 Learn more here: Save Time and Money with Mavic’s AI Workflows.

Final Thoughts

Instagram’s July 2025 Reels algorithm update may feel like a challenge, but for SMBs it’s also an opportunity. By treating every Reel as a searchable, SEO-rich asset, you can reach new audiences without massive ad budgets.

With Mavic AI, you don’t just keep up with Instagram’s algorithm shifts — you stay ahead. From SEO-ready captions to smart scheduling and cross-platform publishing, Mavic ensures your Reels not only look good but also get found.

👉 Ready to scale your Instagram presence with less effort?

Start with Mavic AI and optimize your Reels today.