How to Add a Link in IG Story Using Link Sticker
Learn how to add a Link Sticker to your Instagram Stories, from eligibility and setup to design tips that boost clicks and engagement.
How to Add a Link in IG Story Using the Link Sticker
Instagram Stories have become a powerful tool for creators, brands, and influencers to connect directly with their audience in a highly visual format. One standout feature is the Link Sticker, which allows you to direct viewers straight to an external page—eliminating the need for the old “swipe up” gesture. If you’ve been searching for tips on how to add link in IG story effectively, this guide covers everything from requirements to performance tracking, so you can maximize clicks and engagement.
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Understanding Instagram Story Link Options
When Instagram first launched Story links, access was limited to verified accounts or those with over 10,000 followers, using the Swipe Up feature. In late 2021, the platform replaced Swipe Up with the universal Link Sticker, opening up new creative possibilities.
Link Sticker vs. Swipe Up
| Feature | Link Sticker | Swipe Up (Deprecated) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | All accounts (with some restrictions) | Accounts with 10k+ followers or verified |
| User Interaction | Tap sticker | Swipe up gesture |
| Customization | Can change sticker text & position | No customization |
| Engagement Options | Sticker can be part of creative layout | Full-screen overlay at bottom |
Tip: Link Stickers blend naturally into Stories and give you more creative freedom for design and placement.
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Check Eligibility & Account Requirements
Before adding a link, make sure your account meets Instagram's requirements:
- Follow community guidelines and terms of use.
- Link Stickers are generally available, but new accounts or those with violations may not have access.
- Avoid repeated posting of misleading or spammy links.
If you don’t see the Link Sticker option, update your Instagram app or switch to a professional account (free) to improve your chances.
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Keep Your Instagram App Updated
An outdated app can cause features like the Link Sticker to disappear or malfunction.
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for Instagram.
- Tap Update if available.
- Restart the app afterward.
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Create a New Story
Follow these steps to create the Story where your link will live:
- Open Instagram and swipe right from your feed or tap your profile picture with the “+” icon.
- Record a photo or video, or upload from your camera roll.
- Use the Aa option for a text-only background if desired.
Best practice: Design vertical visuals at 1080 x 1920 pixels for the best viewer experience.
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Add the Link Sticker
The Link Sticker is your gateway to embedding clickable URLs in a Story.
Step 1: Tap the Sticker Icon
In your Story editor, tap the smiley square sticker icon at the top.
Step 2: Select “Link”
Scroll through and tap the “Link” (chain link) option.
Step 3: Paste & Customize Your URL
- Include the full `https://` or `http://` prefix.
- Optionally change the sticker text to an enticing phrase (“Shop Now”, “Read More”, etc.).
Step 4: Position & Style
- Drag the sticker to a visible area.
- Resize for prominence.
- Align placement with your visual composition.
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Optimize Position and Style for More Clicks
Strategic placement and styling can dramatically increase your link taps.
- Place in the center or lower third of the screen.
- Avoid cluttered backgrounds.
- Use contrasting colors to make it stand out.
- Don’t obscure faces, key visuals, or captions.
Pro insight: People’s gaze in Stories often focuses on the middle-right side.
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Create Engaging Story Designs
Your design should guide the eye toward the Link Sticker.
Tips:
- Keep on-screen text short but persuasive.
- Add graphic elements like arrows or animated pointers aimed at the link.
- Maintain brand color and font consistency.
Tools like Canva or Adobe Express can help you design Stories, after which you can place the Link Sticker.
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Use Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Even visible stickers benefit from persuasive CTAs.
Effective phrases:
- “Tap here to learn more”
- “Shop this look now”
- “Download your free guide”
- “Join us today”
Incorporate CTAs in both text and spoken content for best impact.
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Measure Story Link Performance
After publishing your Story, analyze performance to refine your approach.
Access Story Insights:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap Insights (professional accounts only).
- Select Content You Shared → Stories.
- Choose the Story with your link.
Monitor:
- Link clicks — number of taps.
- Reach — unique viewers.
- Exits — how often viewers left early.
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Avoid These Common Mistakes
Steer clear of these errors:
- Using overly long or complex URLs (shorten with Bitly).
- Placing stickers too close to the edges (risk of UI overlap).
- Overloading with too much text or graphics.
- Not referencing the link in spoken content.
Always preview before posting to confirm everything looks as intended.
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Other Ways to Share Links if Link Sticker Is Unavailable
Sometimes the Link Sticker isn’t an option — or you may want additional placements.
Link in Bio
Place primary links in your Instagram bio and direct Story viewers with a “Link in bio” note.
Highlights
Convert link-focused Stories into Highlights to give them permanence beyond the 24-hour Story limit.
Direct Messages
Send direct links in DMs for more personalized engagement — ideal for high-value leads.
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Summary & Next Steps
The Link Sticker transforms how you drive traffic from Instagram Stories. By learning how to add link in IG story and combining creative visuals, strategic placement, persuasive CTAs, and performance tracking, you can significantly boost engagement and conversions.
Start experimenting today, refine based on insights, and watch your results grow. Ready to see more traffic from Instagram? Open the app now and create your first link-powered Story!
