Don’t let your content get lost in the feed. Use this simple trick to help the algorithm find your audience.
1. Use the “Captions” sticker
Instagram has a built-in tool that transcribes your audio automatically. This is the most efficient way to ensure your keywords are “baked into” the video’s metadata.
- Record or upload your Reel.
- Tap the Stickers icon (the smiley face) at the top of the screen.
- Select the Captions sticker.
- Once the text appears, tap it to edit any typos. Clear, accurate text helps the algorithm understand your niche.
2. Optimise your on-screen text
Beyond the spoken word, adding manual text overlays acts as a “headline” for the search engine.
- Tap the Aa icon to add manual text.
- Include broad keywords related to your topic (e.g., “Easy pasta recipe” or “London travel tips”).
- Keep the text within the “safe zone” (the middle of the screen) so it isn’t covered by the UI elements like the Like button or caption.
3. Don’t ignore the “Advanced Settings”
This is a hidden gem for searchability. Before you hit share, you can tell Instagram exactly what is in your video.
- On the final share screen, scroll to the bottom and tap Advanced settings.
- Scroll down to Write alt text.
- Describe your video using natural language and key search terms. For example: “A woman showing how to style a trench coat for spring in London.”
4. Write a keyword-rich caption
The text below your video is just as important as the text on it.
- Skip the “vibe” captions and be descriptive.
- Use the first line to state exactly what the Reel is about.
- Incorporate 3–5 relevant hashtags at the very end to categorise your content.
