Have you ever Googled a business and seen a little row of videos pop up? A lot of those are Reels and TikToks.
So your content might already be showing up on Google, and you have no idea what people typed to find it. Now you can find out.
What changed
Google Search Console is a free tool that used to only track websites. In 2026, Google added "platform properties," so you can now connect your Instagram, TikTok, X, or YouTube account. You don't even need a website.
Once it's connected, it shows you the clicks, impressions, and actual search terms that Google Search, Discover, and Google News send to your posts.
How to connect your Instagram
Go to search.google.com/search-console and sign in with your Google account.
Click the property dropdown in the top left, then click Add property.
Under the website option, you'll see Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Pick Instagram.
Log in to your Instagram account and approve the connection.
Give it about 48 hours, then open the Performance report.
Don't panic if it's empty on day one. The data takes a couple of days to fill in. Repeat the same steps for TikTok and YouTube if you post there too.
The part that actually matters: the search terms
The clicks are nice. The search terms are the gold.
They show you the exact words real people typed before they found your content. Once you know those words, use them in your captions, your on-screen text, and your scripts. That way, the next time someone searches that phrase, you show up again.
For example, if people are finding your med spa Reels by searching "lip filler aftercare," that's a topic to make three more videos about, using those exact words.
What to check once a month
Which posts get the most impressions from Google?
What search terms keep showing up?
Are there terms you show up for but don't have a dedicated video about yet?
That last one is your next content idea, handed to you for free.
Real talk
Most small businesses treat social media and Google as two separate things. They're not anymore. Your Reels can be working as search results, and now you can see it happen.
Want to turn search data into content?
Doing it yourself? Grab my free Clear Messaging Checklist to write captions that use the words your customers actually search. Get the free resources →
Want help reading your Search Console data? In the 1:1 Concierge Program, we can go through your search terms together and turn them into post ideas. Spots are limited each month. See the 1:1 Concierge Program →
Ready to hand it off? Social Outfit builds your content around what your customers are already searching for. Start an inquiry →
Sources: Search Engine Roundtable, TechRadar
