CrushPress.AI

Tag: Instagram

  • Google Search Console Adds Powerful Social Video Reporting

    Google Search Console Adds Powerful Social Video Reporting

    I’m seeing Google Search Console get a useful new reporting layer for social and video content through what Google calls platform properties. This gives me a way to understand how my content on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube is performing in Google Search.

    The big change is that I can now connect supported social or video accounts to Search Console and see how people find that content through Google. Instead of only analyzing websites I own or manage directly, I can begin looking at search visibility for content hosted on third-party platforms.

    Google said this update makes it possible to track which search terms lead people to Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube content in Search, along with how audiences interact with those posts. I’ll be able to review this data inside the performance report, insights report, and achievements sections of Google Search Console.

    Google Search Console property selector showing a search field and an X platform profile option for the rustybrick account.
    A Google Search Console dropdown highlights the new platform property flow, with the rustybrick X profile appearing as a selectable property for reporting.

    In the performance report, I can review total clicks, impressions, and other key metrics. I can also filter and sort the data to see which posts and queries are driving the most traffic, and if I want to analyze it somewhere else, I can export the data.

    In the insights report, I can get a higher-level view of recent traffic trends, top-performing posts, and the ways people are discovering my account through Google Search.

    Google Search Console performance report for the rustybrick X profile showing clicks, impressions, CTR, position, trend chart, and top search queries.
    A Google Search Console platform property view shows how an X profile appears in Search, pairing 28-day click and impression trends with the queries driving visibility.

    The achievements section adds another useful angle by helping me track growth milestones, such as reaching a new threshold for total clicks from Google Search over the last 28 days.

    This feels similar to the social channel details that previously appeared in Search Console insights, but platform properties look like a more direct way to verify and analyze these accounts.

    Google Search Console Insights dashboard showing YouTube content with 17.8K clicks, traffic source cards, and a search performance line chart.
    A Google Search Console Insights view highlights how YouTube posts are gaining visibility in Search, with 17.8K clicks and traffic broken down by web, video, Discover, and image search.

    To set this up, I need to verify a platform property inside my Google Search Console account. I can start by opening Search Console, going to the Search Console verification page, or using the property selector dropdown anywhere in Search Console and choosing “Add property.”

    From there, I select one of the currently supported platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X, or YouTube. Then I follow the onscreen verification steps to securely authorize the connection.

    Neon Google search bar with microphone icon over a futuristic digital data background, representing search technology and SEO updates.
    A glowing Google search bar cuts through streams of digital data, capturing the fast-moving world of search, shopping visibility, and SEO innovation.

    Google said platform properties will roll out gradually over the coming weeks, so I may not see the option in my account right away. For setup details, Google points users to its help center documentation. The help document had briefly appeared a few weeks earlier before being removed, so this release makes the feature official.

    This is also different from Google’s search profiles feature, which has its own analytics.

    What stands out to me is the access this gives marketers, creators, and SEOs. Google has not traditionally given us a clear way to see how our content performs on domains or properties we do not own. With platform properties, I can finally start seeing how my social and video content performs in Google Search, even when I do not have developer access to those platforms. That opens up a much better view of search-driven visibility beyond my own website.

    Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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  • Instagram Empowers Users with Personalized Feed Controls

    Instagram Empowers Users with Personalized Feed Controls

    I’ve got exciting news for all Instagram enthusiasts! Instagram has now rolled out an update that allows us to tailor the Your Algorithm controls directly into our main feed experience. This means we have more power to manage the topics influencing our recommendations across Feed, Reels, and Explore.

    About Your Algorithm. This feature is designed to allow me to view the topics Instagram thinks I’m interested in. It gives me the option to remove topics I’m not keen on and add those I want to see more frequently. Although Instagram first introduced Your Algorithm for Reels last December, it has since broadened these controls across more recommendation surfaces.

    Feed joins Reels and Explore. Now, with this update, I can manage topic-level controls on my main feed. This change means the recommended posts I see—often from accounts I don’t follow—can be more aligned with my true interests.

    Instagram generates a list of topics based on my activity, and any tweaks I make to this list help the system fine-tune future recommendations.

    More user control. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, mentions that this update addresses how we often feel out of control in recommendation-driven feeds.

    “Our system learns from what I tap, watch, and share, but there hasn’t been a clear way for me to tell it what I truly want,” Mosseri explained. With the help of large language models, Instagram can now describe content clusters in simple language, offering me a clearer way to shape the system’s understanding of my preferences.

    Interest media. As Gary Vaynerchuk brilliantly put it, there’s a shift happening from follower-based feeds, which he called social media, to interest-based discovery, or interest media. Insights show that platforms like Instagram are focusing on engagement-driven content rather than purely the accounts I follow. With this update, Instagram is transparent about the interests behind my recommendations.

    Why we care. Matching user interests has become a priority in Instagram’s discovery process. If you’re creating content, it’s crucial to signal specific topics and audience intent to increase visibility in recommendations.

    More controls are planned. Topics are just the beginning! Mosseri assured us that Instagram is also working on controls for people, moods, content types, and other signals.

    Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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  • Boost Your News Visibility in Google’s Social-First Era

    Boost Your News Visibility in Google’s Social-First Era

    We’re stepping into an era where the visibility of web content is spreading across a multitude of search and social platforms. Google has always been a force to reckon with, but it’s no longer the only player in the search experience. Video-based social media platforms like TikTok and community sites such as Reddit are carving out spaces as go-to search engines for their dedicated audiences.

    This evolving landscape is reshaping how we consume news content. Google’s news SERP is adapting to the era of personalized query responses afforded by LLMs and the influence of social media platforms. To keep up, Google has introduced AI-powered SERP features like AI Overviews and AI Mode. These features prioritize content that is “helpful, reliable, and people-first,” drawing heavily from social media platforms.

    As search and social media intertwine more closely than ever before, we need to embrace a new strategy. This involves creating newsroom teams comprising social media experts, SEO specialists, and AI enthusiasts working together towards a unified content visibility goal.

    ```json { "alt": "Bar graph showing cost-of-living adjustments from 2019 to 2025 with peak at 8.7% in 2022.", "caption": "This insightful bar graph illustrates cost-of-living adjustments over the years, highlighting the significant peak in 2022. Discover how these changes impact Social Security.", "description": "The image presents a bar graph detailing cost-of-living adjustments from 2019 to 2025, with a notable peak at 8.7% in 2022. The data emphasizes fluctuations that influence Social Security. Yahoo Finance has published this as part of a video discussing how government shutdowns could impact these adjustments, featuring commentary from experts." } ```

    When I optimize news content for social platforms, I also consider the potential performance of these posts on the Google SERP. I’ll delve into optimizing specific SERP features, but first, let’s explore making news content friendly for social platforms.

    First, let me offer some sanity tips. It’s tempting to optimize content for every social media platform, but I find it more effective to focus on one or two where my audience is active and my growth opportunities are highest. By reviewing analytics and conducting audience surveys, I can identify the platforms where my audience consumes news content.

    ```json { "alt": "The CapmatchOne logo with a gradient circle and bold text.", "caption": "Discover innovation with the CapmatchOne logo, featuring sleek typography and a modern gradient circle.", "description": "The CapmatchOne logo features bold, modern typography coupled with a gradient circle, symbolizing connection and innovation. The sleek design conveys a sense of progress and creativity. This image can be used for branding or promotional purposes, appealing to audiences interested in innovative solutions and forward-thinking designs." } ```

    Optimize News Content for Social Media Platforms

    I begin by considering how my content might appear on different platforms. Here’s my breakdown of which content types work best on each platform and how they might appear on Google:

    YouTube

    Creating YouTube video content involves following video SEO best practices. With guidance from this comprehensive YouTube SEO guide, I create a successful video strategy by ensuring my video titles align with the content.

    ```json { "alt": "Social media post stating John Harbaugh is out as Ravens head coach, with an ESPN logo.", "caption": "Breaking news: John Harbaugh steps down as the Ravens head coach, as reported by ESPN.", "description": "A social media post announcing the departure of John Harbaugh as the head coach of the Ravens. The post includes a link to an ESPN article for more details and features the ESPN logo on the right. The post has engaged users, as indicated by the 21K upvotes, 5K comments, and 10 awards. Keywords: John Harbaugh, Ravens, ESPN, head coach, social media." } ```

    Google prioritizes YouTube’s search ranking through relevance, engagement, and quality. I make sure my metadata accurately reflects my video content to ensure it stands out as relevant in a search.

    One trend I’ve noted is that older event content on YouTube continues to rank well on Google, even after related articles have faded. Similarly, explainer videos show longevity on the SERP.

    ```json { "alt": "Top stories about the 2026 Detroit Auto Show with images and headlines.", "caption": "The 2026 Detroit Auto Show kicks off with impressive crowds and stunning car displays at Huntington Place, capturing the attention of auto enthusiasts.", "description": "This image showcases a news aggregation screen highlighting top stories related to the 2026 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place. Featured are headlines from various sources such as Detroit Free Press and USA Today, accompanied by images like crowds at the event, car displays, and key people involved. The content underscores the event's highlights, public turnout, and media coverage, making it an engaging insight into the auto industry's latest developments." } ```

    Facebook

    Facebook, though perhaps not as trendy as it once was, still reaches a diverse audience. This platform excels with community-based content and entertainment news that incites conversation.

    Even though Facebook’s dedicated news tab was removed, its posts are becoming more visible on Google’s SERP, which might make it worth reconsidering from a search perspective.

    ```json { "alt": "Screenshot of social media reactions to severe snowfall, showing video thumbnails and descriptions from various users.", "caption": "Travel woes and snow day stories: Social media buzzes with reactions to widespread snowfall and disruptions.", "description": "This image features a collection of social media interactions highlighting the impact of severe snowfall, including video thumbnails from platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Users share personal experiences of travel chaos, school closures, and power outages, reflecting widespread disruptions. Terms like 'lake-effect snow' and 'insane snowstorm' emphasize the severity of the weather, while viewer statistics provide a measure of engagement. Keywords: snowfall, social media, travel disruptions, winter weather." } ```

    X

    Since Elon Musk’s takeover, X’s audience has shifted more to the political right, while its role as a hub for breaking news, live updates, and political content remains strong. Sports content also performs well here, especially in the U.S.

    Instagram

    For Instagram, focusing on visually-driven stories, such as celebrity fashion and health topics, is key. The platform also performs well for sports highlights, often appearing in Google’s dedicated publisher carousel or “What people are saying.”

    ```json { "alt": "Profile of English actor Tom Holland with multiple images, including a social media post and video thumbnail.", "caption": "Tom Holland shines in a dynamic collage showcasing his versatile roles and media presence, illustrating his impact on both screen and social media.", "description": "This image collage features English actor Tom Holland, known for his dynamic performances, alongside images of social media and video content. It includes a stylized portrait, a contemplative image, and related videos, emphasizing his broad reach in entertainment and digital media. Keywords: Tom Holland, actor, social media, video, entertainment." } ```

    Reddit

    Reddit’s unique user base requires a specific strategy to engage niche communities outside other platforms. Whether the content is about tech trends, health, or sports, it’s crucial to understand Reddit’s audience and adhere to its guidelines.

    TikTok

    The predominantly young, diverse user base on TikTok gravitates towards visual, conversational, and opinion-based content. Short-form videos that are authentic and engaging perform best.

    ```json { "alt": "Person standing under icy cave with colorful icicles at sunset.", "caption": "A winter wonderland: Explore the breathtaking beauty of an icy cave with vibrant icicles under a serene sunset. Discover why some national parks shine in the cold season.", "description": "A stunning image captures a lone figure standing under a cave adorned with vividly colored icicles, set against a backdrop of a serene winter sunset. The icy formations glow in hues of green and yellow, complimented by the warm tones of the sunset sky. This scene emphasizes the unique beauty of visiting national parks during the winter months, highlighting the tranquility and transformative nature of the season." } ```

    Pinterest

    Pinterest might be old-school, but it’s growing with Gen Z, making it ideal for lifestyle content. When I create on Pinterest, I focus on fashion, DIY, and motivational content, using high-quality visuals and a more relaxed posting schedule.

    Social Content Opportunities by Google SERP Feature

    Understanding how social content appears in different SERP features helps me maximize visibility. For instance, Top Stories capture breaking news while the “What people are saying” feature emphasizes emotionally engaging user-driven content.

    Threat or Opportunity?

    Instead of viewing social media content on Google’s SERPs as competition, we can leverage it as an opportunity to increase visibility. Our focus should be on integrating social-forward strategies to expand brand engagement and not solely relying on traditional SEO tactics.

    Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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  • Unlocking Instagram’s Algorithm: Boost Your Brand’s Visibility

    Unlocking Instagram’s Algorithm: Boost Your Brand’s Visibility

    Instagram recently unveiled a groundbreaking tool called Your Algorithm in the U.S., empowering me to discover what the algorithm thinks I prefer and even tweak it. This exciting feature could redefine how brands are found on Reels.

    Why I care. This new capability could substantially change my content discovery experience. By indicating my interest in particular niches, like vintage fashion or fitness gear, Instagram might show me more content relevant to those interests, which is fantastic news for brands aiming to extend their reach through Reels.

    How it works for me. A newly introduced Reels icon gives me access to a personalized array of topics Instagram’s AI believes I’m currently into, such as sports, horror movies, or skateboarding. Here’s what I can do:

    • Discover how to see more or less of any topic, or introduce my own suggestions.
    • Share my algorithm snapshot on Stories.

    The future of exploration. Instagram plans to roll out this tool globally to other sections like Explore and the search tab, with controls broadening beyond Reels in due time.

    ```json { "alt": "Three smartphone screens showing social media interface with videos and interests.", "caption": "Explore your personalized social media algorithm showcasing unique interests like skateboarding and creativity.", "description": "The image displays three smartphone screens. The first screen shows a social media video of people interacting with shopping carts in a parking lot. The second screen highlights an algorithm customization interface, listing interests such as sports and skateboarding. The third screen depicts a skateboarding video, emphasizing the dynamic and engaging nature of personalized content recommendations. This image illustrates the modern interactive experience and content curation on social media platforms." } ```

    Insights from Instagram. Tessa Lyons, Instagram’s VP of Product, expressed to Fast Company how they aim to enhance my Instagram experience by giving me more control: “We want our users to feel like they are in charge of their Instagram journey, tailoring what they see based on their evolving interests.”

    Comparison to TikTok’s feature. Though TikTok previously introduced Manage Topics, its offerings are broader and less tailored to individual behavior compared to Instagram’s more personalized suggestions.

    A declaration by Adam Mosseri. The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, shared the announcement directly on Instagram.

    Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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