How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Story

Instagram Stories have become one of the most powerful tools for engaging your followers and driving traffic to your website, blog, or online shop. Whether you’re a creator, influencer, or business owner, knowing how to add a link to your Instagram Story can significantly boost your marketing efforts. But here’s the twist: while adding a link sounds straightforward, there are nuances, requirements, and strategies that you should be aware of.

In this article, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about how to add a link to an Instagram Story, why it matters, and how to maximize the impact of your links. By the end, you’ll be a pro at using Instagram Story links to drive traffic and engagement to your content! And if you’re looking to improve your overall Instagram strategy, this Instagram marketing guide is a great companion resource to explore.

Why Adding a Link to Instagram Stories Matters

Instagram Stories are temporary by nature — they vanish after 24 hours — but the engagement they generate can have a lasting effect. One of the biggest perks of Instagram Stories is the ability to direct your audience to external links, such as your website, product pages, blog posts, or other social media platforms.

If you’re not leveraging the ability to add a link to your Instagram Story, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to:

• Increase traffic to your website or online shop.

• Boost conversions, whether that’s a sale, newsletter signup, or app download.

• Engage your audience in a more meaningful way by offering direct access to your content.

Now, let’s get into the practical steps of adding links to Instagram Stories.

How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Story: Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a link to your Instagram Story is pretty simple once you know the process. However, Instagram has been rolling out different ways of doing it, depending on your account type and region. We’ll go through the most common methods, but also note some requirements and tips for success.

Method 1: Using the Link Sticker (For All Users)

Instagram has replaced the old “Swipe Up” feature with the new Link Sticker. This is available to all Instagram users, including personal accounts, business accounts, and creators. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Instagram: Start by opening the Instagram app on your mobile device.

2. Create a Story: Tap on the camera icon or swipe right to open the Story creation screen. Capture your photo or video, or upload media from your gallery.

3. Tap on the Sticker Icon: Once you have your content ready, tap the sticker icon (the square smiley face) at the top of your screen.

4. Select the Link Sticker: Scroll down the list of stickers and select the Link sticker.

5. Enter Your URL: Type in the URL you want to add to your Story. This could be a website, blog post, landing page, or any other link.

6. Customize the Sticker: You can customize the text of the link sticker. Choose something attention-grabbing, like “Shop Now” or “Learn More,” depending on your goal.

7. Position and Share: Position the link sticker where you want it on the screen and share the story with your followers.

With this method, your followers can simply tap on the link sticker to visit the destination you’ve provided.

Method 2: Adding Links Using the Swipe Up Feature (For Verified Accounts or Accounts with 10k+ Followers)

If you’re a verified Instagram account or have over 10,000 followers, you may still have access to the older “Swipe Up” feature. Although Instagram has slowly phased this feature out in favor of the Link Sticker, some users may still see it.

To use the Swipe Up feature:

1. Create a Story: Capture your Story content, just as you would for a normal post.

2. Add the Link: After capturing your media, tap the link icon (a chain link) at the top of the screen.

3. Enter Your URL: Paste or type the URL you want to direct followers to.

4. Custom Call to Action: Add a call-to-action like “Swipe Up to Learn More” or something relevant to the link you’re sharing.

5. Post the Story: Once you’re done, post your story as usual. Your followers can now swipe up to visit the link.

Although this feature is being replaced by the Link Sticker, it still exists for many users.

Method 3: Using the Shopping Feature (For E-Commerce Accounts)

If you run an e-commerce business, Instagram’s shopping feature can allow you to tag products directly in your stories. While this isn’t exactly the same as adding a generic link, it’s a powerful tool for driving purchases directly from your Instagram stories.

Here’s how to tag products:

1. Connect Your Instagram to Your Shop: Ensure your Instagram account is connected to your Facebook Shop or an e-commerce platform like Shopify.

2. Create Your Story: Upload your media and tap the sticker icon.

3. Select the Product Sticker: Choose the Product Sticker option.

4. Tag Your Product: Search for and select the product you want to link to.

5. Position and Share: Position the product sticker on your image or video and share your story.

Followers can then tap the product tag and go straight to the product page to make a purchase.

How to Maximize the Impact of Links in Your Instagram Stories

It’s not just about adding a link; it’s about how you present it. Below are some tips to make your links more effective:

1. Use Strong Calls to Action (CTA)

A great link is nothing without a compelling reason to click it. Use CTAs like:

• “Tap to Shop”

• “Learn More”

• “Swipe Up to Discover”

• “See More”

Clear CTAs encourage users to take action rather than passively viewing your story.

2. Make the Link Relevant

Only add links that are relevant to your content. If you’re posting a story about a recent blog post, link directly to that post, not to your homepage. Relevance increases engagement and reduces frustration for your audience.

3. Use the Link to Add Value

Don’t just use links to sell. You can add value by linking to informative content, discounts, special promotions, or exclusive offers. Providing valuable content via links creates more long-term engagement with your followers.

Adding links to Instagram Stories is a game-changer when it comes to driving traffic, increasing engagement, and promoting your content. Whether you use the Link Sticker or the old Swipe Up feature, knowing how to add a link to your Instagram story effectively is key to harnessing the platform’s full potential.

Remember, it’s not just about the links, it’s about using them strategically. Always consider your audience and provide them with value through your links. With the right approach, you can turn your Instagram Stories into a powerful tool for growth and success.

FAQ: Adding Links to Instagram Stories

1. Can everyone add links to Instagram stories?

No, only accounts that are verified or have over 10k followers used to have access to the swipe-up feature. However, Instagram has now rolled out the Link Sticker to all users, making it accessible to everyone. You can read more about it in Instagram’s official announcement.

2. Why can’t I see the Link Sticker option?

Ensure your Instagram app is up-to-date. If you’re still unable to use it, it may be due to regional restrictions or a temporary issue with your account.

3. Can I add multiple links to a single Instagram story?

No, you can only add one link per Instagram Story. However, you can link to different destinations in different stories.

4. Is there any limit to how many links I can share in a day?

Instagram doesn’t impose a daily limit on link sharing, but be mindful of how often you post links. Too many links may irritate your audience.

5. Will my followers know if I add their tagged story to a link?

No, adding a tagged story to your link doesn’t notify the user unless they are tagged again in the story.