Mar 5, 2025
Google still index and show snippets of deleted instagram post
One Instagram account posted some information regarding my credentials and upon my request, they deleted that post several weeks ago. But when I search for my name, google still shows the post's content and appeared in the first few results. I have used "refresh outdated content tool" and asked google to remove the cache/snippet information. All request got approved while the results still show up. Very annoying.
So, the post's link is not 404, it automatically redirects to the account main page, that may explained why this is not straightforward. Regardless, I had the same request to Bing and they immediately removed all results, very efficiently. I requested Google like 20+ times (all approved) but still there. Please help!
Community content may not be verified or up-to-date. Learn more.
All Replies
Hello dear, in the Google Search Help Forum
Madison Q
Thank you for contacting Google Search Help Forum in English and we hope to help you and solve your problem as soon as possible, so please continue until the problem you are facing is resolved.
Understanding the Problem
- Caching and Indexing Lag:
- Google's search engine crawls and indexes the web periodically. Even after a post is deleted, its cached version might persist for a while.
- The redirect from the deleted post's URL to the account's main page is likely causing the issue. Google's system might still associate the old content with that URL, even though the actual content is gone.
- Snippet Persistence:
- Even after the cached page is updated, the snippet (the short preview of the page's content) in search results might take longer to update.
- The fact that Bing was able to resolve the issue, shows that the information is no longer on the originating site, and that google is simply having issues updating its index.
- Redirects:
- When an Instagram post is deleted, and it redirects to the main account page, this does not give google a 404 error. A 404 error is what google needs to understand that the page is gone. This redirect is what is causing the issue.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Double-Check Removal Requests:
- Although you've submitted removal requests, ensure they were specifically for the snippet and cached version of the URL.
- Verify the URL you're submitting is the exact URL of the deleted post, even if it redirects.
- Wait and Monitor:
- Google's indexing process can take time, especially for less frequently crawled pages. Continue to monitor the search results.
- Sometimes it can take several weeks for google to fully purge old data.
- Provide Feedback to Google:
- Use Google's feedback tools to report the issue. While there's no guarantee of immediate action, it can help bring the problem to Google's attention.
- You can provide feedback by scrolling to the bottom of the search results page and clicking "Feedback."
- Instagram Support (Limited Effectiveness):
- While Instagram might not directly control Google's indexing, you could try contacting their support to explain the issue. They might have insights into how their redirect system affects search results.
- Google Search Console (If Applicable):
- If you own or have access to the Instagram account's Google Search Console, you can use the "URL Inspection" tool to request indexing and check the page's status.
- Although this is not your account, if you have any contact with the account owner, this would be the fastest way to get google to remove the information.
- "Outdated Content" Tool:
- You have already used this tool, however, it is important to make sure that you are submitting the correct URL.
Key Considerations
- Google prioritizes providing relevant search results, and sometimes outdated information can persist.
- The redirect from Instagram is the primary reason for the delay in google removing the snippet.
- Be patient, and continue to monitor the search results.
__________
Sahand Aso Ali
If the answer was helpful, please let us know so that we can improve Google Forums English
Thank you
Last edited Mar 5, 2025