Including a link in your Instagram Story is a good way to share valuable information with your audience. Whether you want to promote your blog, sell a product, or send people to your YouTube channel, you can better content your audience with this function.
This blog will show you step-by-step how to add a link to your Instagram Story with simple language and a clear process.
Table of Contents
Why It’s Important to Use Links in Instagram Stories
Links in Instagram Stories can do a few different things and provide a variety of benefits:
- Increased Traffic: You can direct your followers directly to your website, blog post, or product pages without forcing them to look for you elsewhere.
- Greater Engagement: You can make it easier for your audience to perform actions with your content, whether it’s reading an article, purchasing an item, or subscribing to your newsletter.
- Professionalism: Links can make your stories look more polished and professional, especially in relation to business accounts.
- Analytics: You are able to evaluate how many people clicked on your links, which can help you identify what content resonates with your audience.
Instagram Story Links Requirements
There are things you need to consider before you start adding links to Instagram stories:
Account Type Requirements
- Business accounts are allowed to add links in stories
- Creator accounts can add links
- Personal accounts with 10,000+ followers can add links
- Verified accounts regardless of followers count can also add links.
Technical Requirements
- You have an updated Instagram app on your mobile device
- You have a stable internet connection
- You can access the link that they want to share.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Links
Method 1: Using the Link Sticker
Step 1: Open Instagram and Create a Story
To begin, open the Instagram app on your phone. You can do this by tapping your profile pic or “Your Story” option in the top left-hand corner of the home screen.
Step 2: Add Your Content
Now you’ll need to either take a new photo or video, or select a piece from your camera roll. If you want to create a text-only post, you can select a background color to do so.
Step 3: Open the Sticker Menu
After your content is added, notice the sticker icon for options which appears as either a square face or a collection of small icons.
Step 4: Select Link Sticker
Scroll through the sticker options until you find “Link.”
Step 5: Add Your URL
In the URL field paste/type the complete URL that you’d like to share. Make sure the link is right and includes “https://” at the top.
Step 6: Customize Your Link
You can add custom text to appear on the link sticker. You’d want it to be engaging and make people want to click. For example, you can say “Read More,” “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” etc.
Step 7: Position and Style Your Link
You can move the link sticker to your desired placement. You can pinch with your fingers to resize it. You can rotate the sticker.
Step 8: Share Your Story
Once you’re happy with it, just tap “Your Story.”
Method 2: Using the “Swipe Up” Feature (Legacy)
Instagram is gradually removing swipe up functionality and replacing it with link stickers, but there may still be the option for some accounts to use it.
- Step 1: Create your story content as usual
- Step 2: You will find a chain link icon or “Link” option in the top menu
- Step 3: Add your URL and any custom text, if you like
- Step 4: Share your story with the swipe-up option.
Best Practices for Using Links in Stories
Create Compelling Call-to-Actions
Your link text should encourage people to click. Use action words like:
- “Discover more”
- “Get yours now”
- “Read the full story”
- “Join now”
- “Learn how”
Make Links Visually Appealing
- Choose colors that stand out against your background
- Position links where they’re easily visible
- Don’t overcrowd your story with too many elements
Check Your Links
Make sure to check your links before you publish and that they are working to the right place.
Use Analytics
Check out your story insights to see how many people clicked on your links and your best performing content.
Common Issues and Solutions
Link Sticker Not Available
When you do not see link sticker options, please review the following:
- Your account type and follower count
- Whether your app is up to date
- Whether or not you are following Instagram’s terms of service
Links Not Working
If your links are not working, check to ensure that you:
- Are using the full URL starting with “https://”
- Are leading viewers to a legitimate website that is live and working correctly
- Are correctly following Instagram’s community standards
Low Click-Through Rates
If viewers are not clicking your links, please check for the following:
- If the call to action is enticing enough
- If the relevant piece of content is leading to the link
- If it is placed higher in the story step to more clearly facilitate viewer connection
Advanced Link Success Strategies
Time Your Posts
The best time to share your linked stories is when your audience is most active. Refer to your Instagram insights for your best posting times.
Create Series for Stories
When posting longer content, break the content into several story frames leading up to the link in the last frame.
Use Different Formats
Mix photos, videos, and text to create interesting stories that flows in a way that leads right to your link.
Cross-Promote Stories
If you’re linking to stories, mention the stories in your regular posts, or say it on your other social media platforms to generate attention for the linked stories.
Final Thoughts
Links in the Instagram Story is a great way to help bring traffic and engagement. By following this step-by-step process and using the best practices above, you will be well on your way to using links successfully on your Instagram Story!
Keep in mind that the focus with success on links in Instagram Stories is providing value to your readers. Always keep in mind that what you are linking to is relevant and provides Instagram users with enough value to click through for the duration of their scrolling. If your links on stories do not provide enough value, your followers will likely not click on your links!
By continuing practice and looking at your analytics, over time you will be on your way to being a master of linked stories in Instagram Stories online presence and purposes.
