Revitup.Direct Blog

Instagram Reels & SEO: How to Make Them Searchable on Google

Wednesday, August 06, 2025
Young People Using Reels

The power is no longer just on the platform. It’s also in search.

For years Instagram was a closed world. Photos Reels stories, all great but hidden behind login screens and platform restrictions. Now something is changing. Google is starting to see Instagram differently. And with it the content strategy is changing too.

If you have a professional Instagram account, the Reels you post no longer stay only inside the feed. They can appear in Google searches bringing traffic and exposure from places you did not expect. Not just from followers but from people who are searching exactly for what you offer. However, this does not happen by chance.

How Google Sees Instagram Reels

Google does not “see” videos inside the platform like we do. It relies on metadata text captions and other elements that connect content to searches. If your Reel is public and accompanied by a proper description alt text and hashtags, then the chances of appearing in relevant searches increase.

This means SEO is not just for your website or blog. Instagram and its Reels become part of the search ecosystem. Especially for hotel travel agencies or local businesses this new exposure path can bring significant visibility growth.

Five Practical Steps to Make Your Reels Stand Out on Google

  1. Write Clear and Targeted Captions
    The caption is not just for Instagram. It is the “text” that Google will look for. Try to include keywords relevant to your content and service. For example if you showcase a boutique hotel in Santorini clearly mention “Santorini boutique hotel” or “luxury stay in Santorini” to target relevant searches.
  2. Use Alt Text Descriptions
    When uploading the video add descriptions explaining what is shown in the Reel. It might be the sunset from the room, the pool or the hotel restaurant. Alt text helps Google understand the content even if the video cannot be “read” as an image or sound.
  3. Optimize Your Profile
    Your username and bio play a role in search. A descriptive bio including key keywords about your business enhances the visibility of your Reels on Google. An example: “Boutique hotel in Santorini offering sea view suites and local cuisine.”
  4. Target Specific Hashtags and Location Tags
    Instead of generic hashtags use more specific ones related to your location or audience. This helps better categorization and shows your Reels in more targeted searches. Always enable the location tag.
  5. Integrate Reels Across Other Channels
    Create articles or pages on your website that host or refer to your Reels. When you connect content between your site and social media you increase the authority and SEO value of both.

Successful Examples

Hotels that have adopted this strategy see significant growth in organic traffic. For example, a small hotel in Crete focused on Reels with themes like “Beaches of Crete” and used geo-tags and targeted hashtags climbed to the first page of Google in local searches.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Storytelling

Reels that tell a story show the guest experience or showcase daily hotel life keep users engaged and increase engagement. Google considers engagement as a ranking factor. Therefore, combining good storytelling with proper SEO brings multiple benefits.

Key Takeaway

Instagram Reels are now much more than a trend. They are a powerful marketing and SEO tool worth integrating into your strategy. Create content that goes beyond the platform and “speaks” to Google. With the right techniques and attention to detail every Reel can bring new customers, new opportunities and new revenue.