Instagram Captions Now Rank on Google: A 2025 SEO Guide for Artists
- Morgan Nugent
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
How Google’s New Indexing Update Could Help Artists Go Viral (Without Even Leaving Instagram)
If you’re an artist trying to grow online, this is the update you’ve been waiting for—and barely anyone’s talking about it.
On July 10, 2025, Google quietly rolled out a major change: Instagram posts and captions from creator and professional accounts are now being indexed organically in Google Search.
Yes, that means your Instagram captions can now appear on Google’s front page.
If you’re wondering what that means for your art visibility and discoverability, the answer is simple: a caption could now be the bridge between your fanart and a future client. Your words are no longer just context—they're search signals. We'll break down everything you need to know about the update in this SEO Guide for Artists!
Why This Update Matters for Artists
Most of us spend so much time perfecting the art itself, and we forget the caption can be a strategic tool. It's now more important than ever. With this new update, Google can read your Instagram captions, alt text, and hashtags like blog content—meaning it’s time to treat every post like it’s part of your website’s SEO.
Here’s what to do next.
1. Think Like a Search Engine, Not Just an Artist
If you're posting a Howl's Moving Castle fanart, don’t just write “hope you like this one 💛.” Instead, write:“Howl's Moving Castle fanart inspired by the original novel written by Diana Wynne Jones, the scene of Calcifer's iconic "May all your bacon Burn!". Painted digitally with Procreate.”
Use specific, relevant terms that match what your audience is searching for—think:
“Howl's Moving Castle fanart”
“Calcifer character illustration”
“anime digital art Procreate”
You’re doing keyword research, even if you don’t really know what that is. YouTube has tons of free videos to help if you want to level up.
2. Avoid Keyword Stuffing, Write Like a Human
Cramming buzzwords doesn’t work. Google rewards clear, natural writing.
Instead of a caption that says: “anime, anime fanart, digital anime art, anime style illustration, anime fan artist”
Try: “A moody anime-inspired portrait created in my signature digital style, with soft cel shading and a melancholy tone.”
SEO is about relevance, not repetition. Intentional, thoughtful language wins.
3. Use Hashtags as SEO Assistants (But Keep Them Clean)
Hashtags still matter, especially for Instagram’s own search engine. Use 5–10 relevant, descriptive hashtags like:
Don’t go overboard. Think of hashtags as the “tags” for your mini blog post.
4. Alt Text Is Not Optional (And It’s Crucial for Ranking)
ALT TEXT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ADDITIONS TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS. It isn’t just for accessibility, it’s now a core component of SEO. And everyone needs to experience your work, no matter their ability.
Use clear, specific language like:
"A digital illustration featuring Howl and Sophie from Howl’s Moving Castle standing close under a twilight sky; both dressed in elegant, 1910s-inspired outfits, evoking a romantic, magical mood."
This helps Google understand your image content and makes your work more inclusive.
5. Always Include a Call to Action
Guide your audience! Don’t let them scroll past your work and forget you. Try:
“Follow for more anime-inspired illustrations.”
“Come back tomorrow to see the full piece.”
“Tag your favorite Howl's Moving Castle fan.”
Give them a reason to engage or return.
6. Use a Caption Template That Works
No one wants to rewrite the wheel every time. Build a structure that balances creativity and strategy:
Hook ➝ Context ➝ Call to Action ➝ Hashtags/Links
Example:
"Howl's inner battle has always been the most quietly devastating part of Howl's Moving Castle for me. This digital piece explores his melancholy as he tries to overcome his cowardly nature. Follow for more narrative-driven anime art.#howlsmovingcastlefanart #howlpendragon #digitalartistchicago"
*Pro tip: Vary your wording. Google penalizes copy-paste spam, but will reward nuanced variations like:
“Chicago Digital Artist” or “Fan Artist Based in Chicago”
“Howl's Moving Castle Fan Illustration” or “Howl's Moving Castle Anime Artwork”
7. Track What’s Working
Use tools like Meta Business Suite (linked to your IG Professional/Creator Account) to monitor what performs best.
Look at:
Engagement trends
Caption structure
Time of post
Keyword-rich content vs vague posts
Data doesn’t lie, and it helps you grow smarter, not just louder.
8. Level Up with Google Tools
If you have a website or plan to monetize your art, don’t sleep on these:
Google Search Console – See what keywords you're ranking for.
Google Analytics – Track who’s coming from where.
Google Business Profile – Yes, artists can have one. Great for visibility.
(Optional) Paid Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs for deep-dive analysis.
Most of what you need is free and already available.
Final Thoughts: SEO Guides for Artists
This update is a huge leap for artists looking to be seen. If you’ve ever felt like the algorithm was gatekeeping your audience, Google just cracked the door open. You just need the right words to walk through it.
Start small: edit your last 5 captions, add real alt text, and write like someone is searching for what you’re sharing.
Because now, they really are.
About the author: Morgan Nugent | Cjrisami
Morgan (she/her) is a Chicago based marketing professional by day, illustrator by night. 5+ years of professional experience in this rare combination have allowed her to refine an expertise in illustration, digital marketing, and all of the design elements in between. Check out Morgan’s work here: Cjrisami
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