An overview of the new features of Google’s AI search and Instagram visibility.

The way we search for information and discover content is fundamentally changing.
Google has introduced a new AI mode in Search, and at the same time Instagram is opening its platform to Google Search. These developments clearly show that artificial intelligence, social media, and SEO are becoming increasingly intertwined. What were once separate worlds are now merging into a seamless digital experience.

New AI Mode from Google:
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With the new AI mode, Google is bringing a significantly more intelligent, interactive, and multimodal search experience to the market. Users can now submit their queries not only in text form, but also via voice or image. One particularly exciting element is the new photo tool. It allows users to simply take a photo or upload an existing image and then question the AI directly about it.
For example, if a photo of a plant is taken, the AI can immediately identify the type of plant, provide care instructions, and determine whether it is healthy. This feature makes searching much more natural and intuitive. It helps users better understand visual information and grasp complex topics with just a single query.
This is made possible by Google’s advanced Gemini models and the so-called query fan-out process, which breaks down queries into subtopics and processes them in parallel. This results in more precise and comprehensive answers than would ever be possible with a conventional search.
What is especially practical is that no new app is required for any of this. Google bundles all functions into one system. Whether searching by voice, uploading an image, or chatting directly with the AI, everything comes together in one place—intelligently connected and in real time.
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Instagram Now Also in Google Search:
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Google is now officially displaying Instagram posts in its search results. This means that Instagram is not only more discoverable via keywords, but entire posts can now be found directly through Google Search. This opens up new opportunities for content creators, brands, and businesses, as content becomes visible to a much broader audience—regardless of whether users already follow the account.
The integration of Instagram into search shows just how closely social media and SEO are converging. Content must be strategically designed and enriched with relevant keywords to maximize discoverability. At the same time, responsibility for protecting one’s own privacy increases. The more easily content can be found, the more important it becomes to review privacy settings.
Users must enable the option “Show public photos and videos in search engine results” in their privacy settings in order for posts to actually appear in Google Search. More reach always means less control, making a conscious and mindful approach to content more important than ever.
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How Companies Can Increase Their Visibility:
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To benefit from the new opportunities offered by Google’s AI search and the integration of Instagram, companies should deliberately optimize their online presence. An important step is strengthening local visibility by carefully maintaining the Google Business Profile, including address, contact details, and meaningful photos. By using relevant local search terms strategically, companies can significantly improve their discoverability.
In addition, technical optimization of the website is crucial. Fast loading times and optimal display on mobile devices ensure that visitors stay on the site longer and that search engines rate the content more favorably. Complementing this, building authority and trust helps ensure that content is classified as high quality by search engines and partners—for example, by acquiring backlinks from trusted partners and media outlets.
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Note on AI Answers:
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Google itself points out that AI-generated answers may contain errors. Users should therefore always verify the information and consult additional sources when necessary.
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Assessment by amce studios:
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“The combination of Google’s AI mode and the integration of Instagram into Google Search shows just how much our online world is changing. Artificial intelligence is making search faster, more visual, and more personal, while social media is simultaneously becoming a key SEO factor. These developments open up new ways to discover content and build reach, while also demanding a more conscious approach to data protection and privacy. There is no end to this development in sight, as it is already becoming apparent that Google Ads will soon offer new options for advertisers who want to place their ads within AI mode,” says Amelie Diehl, Managing Director of amce studios GmbH.