How Do You Link in Instagram Stories Step by Step
Learn step-by-step how to add clickable links to Instagram Stories using Link Stickers, plus customization tips and strategies to boost engagement.
How Do You Link in Instagram Stories Step by Step
Instagram Stories are a powerful marketing and engagement tool, allowing you to share short-lived, eye-catching content with your audience. One of the most valuable features is adding a clickable link directly inside your Story—ideal for driving traffic to a product page, blog, registration form, or any other online destination. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how do you link in Instagram Stories step-by-step, cover customization tips, best practices, and methods to track performance for maximum impact.
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Understanding Instagram’s Link Feature (Stickers vs. Swipe-Up)
For years, the Swipe-Up feature was the go-to method for adding links to Instagram Stories. In August 2021, however, Instagram replaced Swipe-Up with Link Stickers to offer increased customization and engagement.
Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | Availability | Customization | User Interaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swipe-Up | Accounts with 10k+ followers or verified | None (fixed call-to-action) | Swipe gesture |
| Link Sticker | All accounts (since late 2021) | Custom text, color options, free placement | Taps sticker directly |
The Link Sticker can be resized, moved, and labeled with enticing text—making it the more interactive and widely accessible option.
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Check Eligibility and Account Requirements
Before linking in your Stories, you should ensure:
- Your Instagram app is updated to the latest version.
- You have no account violations that may restrict features.
- Your account is public for greater reach (private Stories are limited to followers).
Good news: Link Stickers are now available to all Instagram accounts, without the 10k follower limitation of Swipe-Up.
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Update Instagram App to the Latest Version
To make sure the Link Sticker option appears:
- Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for "Instagram."
- Tap Update if available.
- Relaunch Instagram and sign in.
Regular updates also improve security, performance, and access to new features.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Link Sticker
Here’s the full process to add a link to your Instagram Story:
- Open Instagram and tap your profile picture or the "+" icon to add to your Story.
- Capture or upload content (photo, video, or Boomerang).
- Tap the Sticker icon (square smiley face at the top menu).
- Select Link from the sticker options.
- Enter your URL into the field.
- (Optional) Tap "Customize sticker text" to create a clickable label.
- Drag to reposition and pinch to resize the sticker.
- Add enhancements such as GIFs, polls, or extra text.
- Tap Your Story or Close Friends to publish.
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Customizing Link Sticker Text and Placement
Making your Link Sticker more eye-catching can significantly increase clicks:
- Custom text: Replace raw URLs with “Shop Now,” “Read More,” or “Sign Up Today.”
- Contrast colors: Select a sticker color that pops against your Story visuals.
- Strategic positioning: Place stickers near key visual elements.
- Add directional cues: Use arrow GIFs or animations pointing to the sticker.
Test different positions and designs across multiple Stories to see what gets the most taps.
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Best Practices for Choosing URLs
When inserting a link into your Story:
- Ensure the page is mobile-friendly.
- Use fast-loading pages to minimize drop-offs.
- Only link to HTTPS-secured pages to boost trust.
- Make sure the link is highly relevant to the Story’s content.
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Strategies to Drive Clicks
Boost your link’s performance with these tactics:
- Include a clear call-to-action such as “Tap the link to learn more.”
- Use compelling visuals that tease the content behind the link.
- Post during peak audience activity times identified via Instagram Insights.
- Create a Story sequence that leads viewers toward your linked Story for context and anticipation.
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Examples from Creators and Brands
Here’s how successful accounts make use of Link Stickers:
- Beauty brands: Showcase a tutorial and link directly to the featured products.
- Food bloggers: Share a taste of the recipe and link to the full version.
- Fitness coaches: Offer a workout snippet with a link to a full program.
- E-commerce stores: Advertise a limited-time offer using a strong CTA.
Brands like @glossier and @gymshark regularly pair link stickers with engaging visuals, vibrant colors, and persuasive CTAs.
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Tracking Link Performance
Instagram’s Story Insights will track metrics such as:
- Taps forward/backward
- Sticker taps
- Exits
- Replies
Access these by:
- Viewing your active or archived Story.
- Swiping up to open Insights.
- Reviewing “Link clicks” for engagement.
To go deeper, append UTM parameters to your URLs and track them in Google Analytics, or use tools like Sprout Social, Later, or Hootsuite for advanced reporting.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Pitfalls to watch out for:
- Posting broken links—test every link before publishing.
- Using redirect pages with inconsistent branding.
- Linking to suspicious or spammy domains.
- Overcrowding your Story visuals, making the CTA hard to spot.
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Alternatives if You Can't Add Links
If, for any reason, you don’t have access to Link Stickers:
- Use a link in bio service like Linktree or Beacons.
- Create Story Highlights containing prompts to visit your bio link.
- Ask users to send a DM for the link.
You can also embed QR codes into your visuals for offline-to-online engagement.
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Summary & Next Steps
Mastering how do you link in Instagram Stories with Link Stickers is essential for creators, influencers, and brands aiming to drive traffic and conversions through visual content. By following the steps above, customizing placement, and tracking results, you can turn your ephemeral Stories into powerful engagement tools.
Start experimenting with Link Stickers today—apply these tips, measure your results, and refine your approach to maximize clicks and audience interaction.
