Search engines can now index public content from Instagram

Instagram has begun allowing search engines such as Google and Microsoft Bing to index public content from professional accounts, marking a shift in the platform's approach to content visibility beyond its own ecosystem.

The change, which took effect on 10th July 2025, enables photos, videos, and reels from eligible accounts to appear in external search engine results. Previously, Instagram had requested that search engines avoid indexing user-generated content from the platform.

The new indexing policy applies to accounts that meet specific criteria: users must be over 18 years old, maintain a public profile, and operate a professional account (either business or creator). Only content from public, professional accounts belonging to users over 18 is eligible for indexing, with the policy covering posts and reels uploaded from 1st January 2020 onwards.

Under the updated terms, once an account qualifies for search engine indexing, all public photos and videos from that account become eligible for inclusion in search results, including content posted before the user turned 18. Additionally, when users allow others to remix their content, those remixed versions may also be indexed and displayed in search results.

Instagram has provided users with several options to opt out of search engine indexing. Account holders can disable the feature through their privacy settings, switch their account from public to private, or convert from a professional to personal account type. The platform notes that third-party search engines may require time to remove previously indexed content, and profile information such as usernames and biographical details may continue to appear in search results.

The company has clarified that it does not own or control third-party search engines, and that these platforms may use indexed content at their discretion according to their own terms and privacy policies.