Let’s be real — when was the last time you Googled something simple like “best cafes in Jaipur” or “how to style a blazer”?
Chances are, you searched it on Instagram or TikTok instead.
Welcome to 2025 — where short-form video isn’t just entertainment anymore. It’s the new search engine.
People don’t want links… they want answers, fast — in video form.
1. The Shift: From Search to Scroll 🔍➡️📱
According to Google’s own data, 40% of Gen Z now uses Instagram or TikTok to search instead of Google.
That’s massive.
Think about it:
- You want to learn business tips → you search “how to grow a startup” on Reels.
- You want product ideas → you type “gift ideas under ₹1000” on TikTok.
- You want to find a restaurant → you scroll through local influencer videos.
People now search visually, not textually. They want instant proof, human voice, and trust.
💡 Example: Instead of reading a 1000-word blog on “how to increase Instagram reach,” they’ll watch a 30-second Reel showing it happen.
2. Why This Matters for Founders and Creators
If your business still relies only on SEO and blogs… you’re missing half the audience.
Because your potential customers are searching — just not on Google anymore.
Reels = Discovery Engine.
Your videos appear when users explore topics they care about.
✅ Example searches:
- “How to start a business in India”
- “Branding ideas for small business”
- “Social media growth hacks”
If your Reels match these keywords, the algorithm pushes them to exactly those audiences.
So yes, your content is your SEO now.
3. The Rise of “Video SEO” 🎥
Just like traditional SEO, there’s now Video SEO — optimizing your Reels to show up in social searches.
Here’s how to do it right:
1️⃣ Keywords in captions:
Use natural keywords like “startup tips,” “digital marketing,” “how to validate an idea,” etc.
2️⃣ On-screen text = new title tag:
The first few words you show on screen act like your headline.
Example: “3 Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make”
3️⃣ Hashtags = metadata:
Use 3–5 niche hashtags — not 20 random ones.
👉 #BusinessTips #StartupGrowth #Marketing2025
4️⃣ Engagement = ranking factor:
More saves, comments, and watch time = higher visibility.
💡 Fun Fact: Instagram now tests “Topic Search” that lets users type phrases like “best UGC ideas” — and it pulls Reels, not websites.
4. TikTok & Reels: Human Google with Personality
Why do people prefer Reels over Google?
Because people trust people — not faceless articles.
When a creator explains “how I scaled my business to ₹5L/month,” it feels real.
When a founder shares a behind-the-scenes story, it feels relatable.
This human connection builds trust faster than any blog post or ad.
And in marketing, trust = conversion.
5. The Opportunity: Be the Answer, Not the Ad
Every search on Reels is a question waiting for your answer.
✅ Instead of saying: “We offer marketing services.”
🎯 Say through a Reel: “Here’s how we helped a brand grow 10x in 30 days using smart UGC.”
✅ Instead of posting generic content,
🎯 Create searchable Reels: “How to create a business plan that actually works.”
You’re not just building a following — you’re building discoverability.
Alepp Platform Angle
At Alepp Platform, we help entrepreneurs, coaches, and small brands show up where people are searching — Reels, not Google.
Our UGC and Social Media teams specialize in:
- Video SEO strategies
- Reel scripting and trend research
- Brand positioning through storytelling
Because we believe your business shouldn’t just exist online — it should be discoverable instantly.
💬 As we say at Alepp:
“Don’t wait for clients to Google you — make them find you while scrolling.”