Hashtags Are Dead? Use These Keyword Tricks to Rank in Explore
5/26/2025
|Team CapsAI
Instagram’s 2025 algorithm is shifting focus - from hashtags to keywords. While hashtags aren’t completely obsolete, they no longer guarantee visibility. Instead, the platform now scans captions, alt text, and profile bios for keyword relevance. Here's how to optimize your content to rank higher in Explore without relying solely on hashtags:
- Capsai Auto Subtitle Generator for Keyword-Rich Captions
Use Capsai’s subtitle tool to convert your spoken content into text, then pull impactful keywords straight from your own voice. Add these keywords to your captions and alt text for better alignment with search intent.
Link: https://capsai.co/auto-subtitle-generator
- Write captions like mini blog posts
Instead of stuffing hashtags, write natural sentences using relevant keywords. Example: Instead of#FitnessMotivation, write “Here’s my favorite 3-minute morning workout to boost energy before work.”
- Use Instagram’s search bar to find trending keywords
Type a topic in the search bar and see what Instagram suggests. These autocomplete phrases reflect what users are actively searching for. Use these exact terms in your captions or Reel descriptions.
- Optimize your profile bio with searchable keywords
Your username and bio fields are now searchable. Include niche-specific terms like “Hindi Food Blogger,” “Tech Reviews in Hinglish,” or “Fitness Coach India” in your profile to show up in search results.
- Alt text isn’t just for accessibility
When uploading a post, tap Advanced Settings > Write Alt Text. Add a sentence describing your image with natural keywords. This is indexed by Instagram and improves discoverability.
- Leverage keywords in Stories via text and stickers
Instagram now detects keywords used in Story text and location tags. For example, adding “Delhi Street Food” as plain text can help that Story appear in location-based searches.
- Monitor analytics and refine
Check which posts are getting the most impressions from “Explore” via Instagram Insights. Study the language used in those posts and replicate successful patterns.
By writing smart, searchable captions and optimizing your profile and posts with relevant keywords, you'll improve your chances of ranking in Instagram Explore - no hashtags required.
Instagram’s 2025 algorithm is shifting focus - from hashtags to keywords. While hashtags aren’t completely obsolete, they no longer guarantee visibility. Instead, the platform now scans captions, alt text, and profile bios for keyword relevance. Here's how to optimize your content to rank higher in Explore without relying solely on hashtags:
- Capsai Auto Subtitle Generator for Keyword-Rich Captions
Use Capsai’s subtitle tool to convert your spoken content into text, then pull impactful keywords straight from your own voice. Add these keywords to your captions and alt text for better alignment with search intent.
Link: https://capsai.co/auto-subtitle-generator - Write captions like mini blog posts
Instead of stuffing hashtags, write natural sentences using relevant keywords. Example: Instead of#FitnessMotivation, write “Here’s my favorite 3-minute morning workout to boost energy before work.” - Use Instagram’s search bar to find trending keywords
Type a topic in the search bar and see what Instagram suggests. These autocomplete phrases reflect what users are actively searching for. Use these exact terms in your captions or Reel descriptions. - Optimize your profile bio with searchable keywords
Your username and bio fields are now searchable. Include niche-specific terms like “Hindi Food Blogger,” “Tech Reviews in Hinglish,” or “Fitness Coach India” in your profile to show up in search results. - Alt text isn’t just for accessibility
When uploading a post, tap Advanced Settings > Write Alt Text. Add a sentence describing your image with natural keywords. This is indexed by Instagram and improves discoverability. - Leverage keywords in Stories via text and stickers
Instagram now detects keywords used in Story text and location tags. For example, adding “Delhi Street Food” as plain text can help that Story appear in location-based searches. - Monitor analytics and refine
Check which posts are getting the most impressions from “Explore” via Instagram Insights. Study the language used in those posts and replicate successful patterns.
By writing smart, searchable captions and optimizing your profile and posts with relevant keywords, you'll improve your chances of ranking in Instagram Explore - no hashtags required.
