Posts

Read Instagram’s 5 SEO Major Updates

Instagram SEO & Algorithm Changes in July 2025: Everything Creators and Brands Need to Know

/0 Comments/in /by

Introduction:

The Instagram landscape has shifted dramatically in July 2025. With new SEO fields, algorithmic priorities, and discovery logic updates, brands and creators need to rethink their strategy to stay relevant and discoverable. If you’re wondering how these updates affect your content and what you need to do right now, this blog breaks it down in a way that’s simple and actionable.

Top 3 Common Queries:

  • What changed in the Instagram algorithm in July 2025?
  • How do I optimize for Instagram SEO in 2025?
  • Are Reels affected by the new Instagram algorithm?

A Quick Recap – What Changed in Instagram’s July 2025 Update

Instagram’s July 2025 algorithm update is more than a visual refresh and it significantly shifts how content is ranked, discovered, and recommended across the platform. Here’s what’s new:

  • Alt text is now SEO gold – Posts with keyword-rich, descriptive alt text are indexed for Instagram’s internal search and external engines like Google.
  • Behavioral targeting is in full swing – Instagram now uses your profile interactions (likes, saves, searches) to decide which posts show up in your feed.
  • Searchable post settings expanded – New fields inside Instagram’s post settings let users define SEO titles, descriptions, and target niches.
  • Reels prioritization has changed – Discovery now depends more on context, topic clarity, and keyword match than simple popularity.

Read Instagram’s 5 SEO Major Updates

Instagram SEO 2025 – What It Means for Brands

Instagram is now functioning like a social search engine to closely resembling Google in how it ranks and recommends content. That’s a game-changer for F&B brands, e-commerce retailers, and creators who want visibility.

Here’s how to align:

  • Keyword optimization is mandatory – Use specific, high-intent keywords in your captions, headings, and alt text fields.
  • Every image needs alt text – Think beyond accessibility. Descriptive alt text gives your images a chance to rank in Instagram’s visual discovery engine.
  • Smart hashtag strategy – Niche-relevant hashtags (not generic ones) now carry more weight in discovery and categorization.

Optimize with Instagram SEO Update 2025

Post Settings You Need to Turn On in 2025

Instagram’s new post settings offer more granular control over how your content gets surfaced. If you’re not turning these on, you’re leaving reach on the table.

Here’s what you should enable:

  • Custom SEO alt text field – Now fully editable and indexed for both in-app and external search visibility.
  • Schedule-based delivery preferences – Posts can be timed for when your audience is most active based on historical engagement data.
  • Discovery toggles – Choose how your post is classified (Reels, Explore, Topic Feed) to improve targeting.

Turn on These 6 Must-Have Instagram Settings

Instagram Reels Algorithm Update – Explained

Reels continue to be Instagram’s highest-engagement format, but the July 2025 update changes how they’re ranked and recommended:

  • Text > Trend – Simply using trending audio no longer guarantees reach. Instagram now emphasizes contextual clarity in captions and overlays.
  • Keyword scanning – Captions, subtitles, and even image overlays are now scanned for topic relevance.
  • Descriptive storytelling wins – Reels that clearly communicate a theme or benefit (visually and verbally) now get a visibility boost.

Pro tip: Use Mavic’s AI-powered editor to auto-generate optimized Reels scripts, captions, and overlay text that align with the new algorithmic rules.

Optimization Tips for Instagram SEO in 2025

Want your content to consistently show up on Explore, Reels, and Search? Here’s your 2025 playbook for Instagram SEO:

  • Use long-tail keywords – Instead of generic tags like “foodie,” try “best vegan brunch in NYC.”
  • Overlay text = SEO bonus – Use tools like Mavic to layer relevant keywords directly into your visuals.
  • Carousels = multiple keyword targets – Each slide can target a unique angle, keyword, or audience segment, improving overall reach.

Learn how to automate Instagram content creation and stay ahead of every update

Final Thoughts:

To succeed with Instagram SEO in 2025, you must align with how the platform indexes and distributes content. These updates are built for search visibility. Want help automating SEO-aligned content?

Start optimizing with Mavic’s AI-driven content tools