Geotags on Instagram: Complete Guide
What Is a Geotag on Instagram?
A geotag (or location tag) is a piece of geographic metadata attached to your Instagram post or story. When you add a geotag, your content appears on that location's page, making it discoverable to anyone browsing that area.
Example: Tagging "Brooklyn, New York" on your photo adds it to the Brooklyn location page, where millions of people browse content from that area.
How to Add a Geotag on Instagram
On Posts
- Create your post and write your caption
- Tap Add location below your caption
- Search for the location or choose from suggestions
- Select the location and share your post
On Stories
- Open your story and add your photo or video
- Tap the sticker icon (smiley face) at the top
- Tap the Location sticker
- Search for and select your location
- Resize and position the sticker
On Reels
- Create your Reel
- On the share screen, tap Add location
- Search for and select the location
- Post your Reel
Why Geotags Matter for Reach
Geotagged posts tend to get more engagement because they're discoverable by people browsing that location:
- Posts appear on the location's Explore page
- Local audiences find your content organically
- Business profiles show up in local search results
- Stories with location stickers appear in location-based story feeds
- Combine geotags with the right Instagram hashtags for maximum discoverability
- Location pages act as a browsing hub, giving your content extra visibility
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding
A local bakery wants more foot traffic from Instagram. What's their best geotagging strategy?
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Hint: Local businesses benefit most from specific venue tags. People browsing nearby locations are your highest-intent audience.
Types of Instagram Geotags
Geotag Strategy Tips
For Businesses
- Always tag your business location on every post
- Create a custom location if one doesn't exist
- Encourage customers to tag your location in their posts
- Monitor your location page for user-generated content
- Use location-specific hashtags alongside geotags
- Use our hashtag generator to find location-relevant hashtags
For Creators and Influencers
- Tag popular locations to increase discoverability
- Use specific venue tags for higher relevance
- Mix broad and specific locations across posts
- Tag locations even when posting later (not in real-time)
- Learn about all types of Instagram tags beyond just location
For Travel Content
- Tag each destination specifically
- Use both the city and the specific landmark
- Create content for less-tagged locations — less competition, more visibility
Privacy Considerations
- You can remove a geotag after posting by editing the post
- Consider not tagging your home or frequently visited private locations
- Delayed posting (tagging after you've left) protects real-time location privacy
- Private accounts still show geotags to approved followers
How to Create a Custom Geotag
If your business location doesn't exist on Instagram:
- Open Facebook (not Instagram)
- Create a new post and click Check In
- Type your business name
- Select Add [your location name]
- Enter the address and category
- Post the check-in
- The location will now be available on Instagram within a few hours
Related Reading
- How to Add Location to Instagram Posts — step-by-step guide to adding geotags
Related Terms
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