How Search Works on Instagram

When we want to understand how Instagram works, we like to ask Instagram. We go to the source, and find out so much when we peruse the news and blogs and updates on their very helpful official site.

Here we find myths busted (“If posts get a lot of reactions in the first 30 minutes are they ranked higher? No, we can confirm this isn’t true!”) and explainers for how the algorithms (because there are MANY) work.

Recently, we wanted to better understand Search on Instagram, which is how you show up and why. Of the gazillion gin joints all over the world, how can we help someone wander into ours? Again, go to the source.

Breaking Down How Search Works on Instagram

In an article on Instagram’s official site, titled “Breaking Down How Instagram Search Works” (by Adam Mosseri) we pulled out three key points as excerpts. For the full article, visit the Instagram blog.

Here are a few best practices that you can use to help show up in search results:

Use a fitting handle and profile name. Search results are matched by text. Using an Instagram handle or profile name that’s related to the content of your posts is your best bet for showing up in relevant searches. If your friends or fans know you by a certain name, include that name in your username or profile so that you can show up when they search for you.
Include relevant keywords and locations in your bio. Same principle here. Make sure your bio includes keywords about who you are and what your profile is about. If your account is location-specific, like for a small business, sharing your location in your bio can make it easier for people in your area to find you.
Use relevant keywords and hashtags in captions. For a post to be found in Search, put keywords and hashtags in the caption, not the comments.