Instagram 🤝🏽 Google Search Results: Utilise for Ticket Sales

Instagram posts are now being indexed by Google. Which could be a game changer for when you’re selling tickets to your next event. 

Big changes are happening to Instagram and Google Search, and they could mean big opportunities for your upcoming events.

As of Friday, July 11, 2025, Google has started indexing Instagram content, meaning posts from business and creator accounts on Instagram can now appear in Google search results.

If you promote any of your upcoming ticketed events on Instagram, this could be a game-changer for your ticket sales.

What Does Instagram Indexing on Google Mean?

When Google “indexes” something, it adds that content to its searchable database, the results that appear on the search engine results page (SERP). Up until now, Instagram content stayed inside the app, but now, your event and behind-the-scenes posts on Instagram could show up when people Google terms like:

• “Live theatre London July 2025”
  
• “Tickets for kids' dance show in Bristol”
  
• “Comedy night tickets Liverpool”
  

In short: your Instagram posts are no longer just for your followers—they’re for everyone searching on Google.

How To Use The Instagram Google Indexing Update To Boost Ticket Sales

Here’s how to make the most of Instagram indexing to boost ticket sales for your next event:

1. Use Relevant Keywords in Your Captions

Make your captions searchable. Use phrases people might actually Google when looking for events like yours:

• “Musical theatre tickets in Leeds”
  
• “Family-friendly shows this weekend in Glasgow”
  
• “Ballet performance tickets Manchester”
  

2. Lead with a Strong First Line

Google often prioritizes the first line of your caption—think of it like a headline. Include your event name, location, and type in that first sentence.

3. Add Descriptive Alt Text

Alt text is not just for accessibility—it can boost your SEO, too. When you upload your Instagram image:

• Tap Next
  
• Tap Accessibility
  
• Add a short, keyword-rich description of what’s in the image (e.g., “Young performers rehearsing for The Lion King Jr. in Cardiff”).
  

You can also go back and add alt text to older posts to help them show up in search.

4. Get Smart with Hashtags

Hashtags now help with Google search visibility, not just within Instagram. Use location-specific and event-specific tags like:

• #LondonStageShow
  
• #YouthTheatreTickets
  
• #DanceRecitalBirmingham

Are My Instagram Posts Going To Appear On Google Search? 

Yes, and it’s already happening. In some cases, Instagram posts are showing up in the top ten Google results.

If you’re selling tickets through Stage Stubs, this is an opportunity to:

• Extend your reach beyond followers
• Drive more traffic to your ticketing page
• Sell more tickets with zero additional ad spend
  

Just remember: Google doesn’t index Instagram in real time. It might take 30–60 days for new posts to start showing up in search results.

Final Tip: Make Sure Instagram Indexing Is Enabled

To make sure your posts can be found on Google:

• Go to Settings > Privacy
  
• Ensure “Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engine results” is enabled
  

We’ll continue to keep you updated on how to make the most of this powerful new feature. In the meantime, keep posting, keep optimising, and keep directing people to your Stage Stubs ticket link, and let Google help sell your next event.