Can Instagram Posts Rank on Google? A Guide for Digital Marketers in Calicut

Instagram has always been a stronghold for visual marketing, but now it’s also becoming a secret weapon in SEO. As of mid-2025, Google has started indexing public Instagram content, meaning your posts can now show up in search results. This opens up powerful new possibilities for digital marketers, especially if you’re targeting local audiences in cities like Calicut.

In this blog, we’ll break down how Instagram content gets indexed, what factors influence ranking, and how you can optimize your posts to show up in Google search.

Why This Matters for Calicut Marketers

As a digital marketer in Calicut, your audience is actively searching for services, businesses, places, and products online. If your Instagram content ranks on Google, you get:

1. Free organic traffic

2. Extended reach beyond Instagram’s app

3. Stronger local visibility

4. Enhanced brand authority

Imagine someone searching “best street food in Calicut” and landing directly on your visually rich, well-captioned Instagram post. That’s the future of hybrid social-SEO marketing.

Can Instagram Posts Actually Rank on Google?

Yes, But Under Specific Conditions

In July 2025, Google started indexing public posts from Instagram Business and Creator accounts. This includes:

• Static image posts

• Carousels

• Reels

• Captions

• Hashtags

• Alt text

• Geotags

Excluded from indexing:

• Personal or private accounts

• Instagram Stories

• Highlights

• DMs and comments

So yes, your Instagram posts can rank, but only if they meet Google’s crawlability and relevance criteria.

How Google Ranks Instagram Posts

Like webpages, Instagram posts must align with searcher intent to appear in results. Google assesses:

• Content relevance to the query

• Engagement levels (likes, comments, saves)

• Quality of metadata (captions, hashtags, alt text)

• Public accessibility

• Account authority

The goal is to surface the most helpful and trustworthy content, even if it lives on a social platform like Instagram.

How to Make Your Instagram Posts SEO-Friendly

If you want your posts to rank on Google, here are the most important strategies:

1. Use a Public Business or Creator Account

Only posts from professional accounts are indexed. Ensure your account is:

• Public (not private)

• Business or Creator type

• Has the setting “Allow posts to appear in search engines” turned on

2. Write Keyword-Rich Captions

Treat captions like mini blog posts. Use keywords people might search for, especially in the first sentence. For example:

“Discover 5 hidden beaches in Calicut perfect for a peaceful weekend escape.”

This gives Google clear context about the content and location.

3. Fill In Alt Text Thoughtfully

Instagram allows you to write custom alt text for every image. Use this space to describe the image using SEO keywords:

“Sunset at Kozhikode Beach with fishing boats in the foreground – Calicut travel photography.”

This boosts your chances of appearing in Google Images and rich results.

4. Tag Locations Precisely

Always geotag your posts when relevant. If you’re a food blogger or local business in Calicut, tag exact neighborhoods (e.g., SM Street, Beypore, Valiyangadi).

Geotags act like local SEO signals, helping Google match your post with searches like:

• “Best coffee near SM Street Calicut”

• “Top biryani places in Beypore”

5. Use Relevant Hashtags

Include both broad and specific hashtags:

• General: #Calicut, #KeralaFood, #TravelIndia

• Specific: #CalicutStreetFood, #KozhikodeSunset, #BeyporePortWalk

Hashtags give Google more context and help with discoverability inside Instagram too.

6. Use On-Image Text in Reels

If you’re posting videos, use on-screen captions or overlays summarizing the topic:

“Top 3 Budget Cafes in Calicut Under ₹150”

Google may use this text as part of its interpretation for video content.

Sample SEO-Friendly Instagram Post (Local Focus)

Photo: A vibrant biryani plate from Paragon Restaurant
Caption:

“Looking for the best biryani in Calicut? Paragon on Kannur Road serves authentic Malabar biryani that blends spices, ghee, and tender meat to perfection.
📍 Location: Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Kozhikode
📅 Open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM
#CalicutFoodie #MalabarBiryani #BestBiryaniCalicut #KozhikodeEats #ParagonRestaurant”

Alt Text: “Paragon Restaurant’s signature Malabar biryani served in a copper plate – Kozhikode, Kerala”

With such a post, you’re covering search intent, location, keywords, and visual value all in one.

What Kind of Content Has the Best Chance of Ranking?

Based on early analysis, the following types of posts have high ranking potential:

Local Guides

• “Top 5 Cafes in Calicut with Wi-Fi”

• “Hidden Waterfalls Near Kozhikode”

Events & Reviews

• “Recap of the 2025 Calicut Book Festival”

• “Review: New Rooftop Bar in Nadakkavu”

Photo Essays

• “A Day in SM Street Market”

• “Sunrise Shots from Kappad Beach”

Product or Service Posts

If you run a boutique, salon, agency, or restaurant, your promo posts can rank for local business terms like:

• “Bridal Makeup in Calicut”

• “Digital Marketing Services Kozhikode”

Things to Avoid

• Overusing hashtags with no relevance

• Keyword stuffing in captions

• Low-quality images or stock visuals

• Copy-pasting web content

• Posting without geotags or alt text

Keep it authentic, local, and useful to your target audience.

Final Tips for Digital Marketers in Calicut

• Combine Instagram SEO with your local blog or website. For example, link to your Instagram post from your blog article using the anchor digital marketer in Calicut.

• Run regular checks using search queries like site:instagram.com/yourhandle keyword to see if your content is being indexed.

• Track engagement through Instagram Insights to see which posts get the most traction and visibility.