How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story (and Customize It)

Would you like to add a link on your Instagram story? We have good news and then better news. (And as a bonus, we have a cute new Instagram Story Hack!

The good news is that even though Instagram has stopped swiping up, you can still add links to Stories using Instagram link stickers.

The even better news is that the 10,000 follower minimum is officially over when it comes to adding a link to your story. That’s right, in theory EVERYONE now has link stickers. (Learn more about the update here.)

Which leads us to the OTHER good news: We have an easy hack to customize your link sticker to match your brand and design! Read all the steps on.

Wait, what was Instagram’s swipe-up feature?

the Instagram swipe-up function Helped brands and influencers reach their audiences as well gain more followers by allowing them to add links directly to their Instagram Stories.

Viewers can swipe up on a story or tap an arrow at the bottom of the screen to access a link without exiting the Instagram app or navigating back to the bio to find that “link in bio”.

In August 2021, however, Instagram announced that it would discontinue the swipe-up function. Why?

There are a couple of theories. Maybe Instagram has secret plans to move stories vertically like TikTok rather than horizontally? The riddle remains unsolved. (Actually, Instagram gave its reasons, which we’ll get to in a moment.)

Regardless, the bottom line is that users can now include links on their Instagram Stories by adding a link sticker instead.

What is the Instagram Link Sticker?

The Instagram Link Sticker replaces the swipe-up feature that allows users to add an external link to an Instagram story.

Story link stickers are the easiest way to drive traffic to external content and products on Instagram. You can also track link taps using Instagram Analytics.

According to Instagram, the sticker has three big advantages over the swipe-up function when it comes to links:

• Stickers are known and loved by users who use them for music, questions, places and polls, etc.
• Stickers allow more creative control over what a story looks like than links up did.
• And most importantly, stickers enable viewers to deal with a story, while the swipe function does not allow any responses or reactions.

Simply put, just like swiping in front of them, Instagram link stickers are an essential tool for anyone Instagram business strategy.

How to use the Instagram link sticker

Instagram Stories will only stay active for 24 hours but will add a link to yours Instagram story is helpful for increasing your conversions, increasing organic engagement, and making it easier for your followers to access the content you want to share.

Source: Instagram

How to add a link sticker to your Instagram story. (Spoiler: it’s the same as any sticker.)

1. In the Instagram app, press the plus sign in the lower center
2. Scroll to select story (instead of post or live).
3. Build your story using all of the great media available to you.
4. Tap the sticker symbol in the top row.
5. Add your link.
6. Then send it to your story and you’re done!

It will look something like this:

Who can use the Instagram link sticker?

From October 2021 everyone (not just with more than 10,000 followers) should have access to the link sticker in their Instagram stories.

Of course, rolling out over a billion accounts takes time, as always, and we’ve heard from a lot of people (including our own social team at Hootsuite!) Who still don’t see the sticker in their accounts. If this is the case with your account, all our advice is to keep your Instagram app updated and say a prayer. It will show up at some point.

And if you’re one of the lucky few to have contacts on Instagram HQ, maybe you send those contacts a message?

How to Customize Your Instagram Link Sticker Design

If you find that the Instagram Link Sticker doesn’t live up to your brand’s aesthetic, or that you’re getting fewer clicks because your audience isn’t sure what that weird blue link is, you’ll be delighted to know that you are can customize it in a few simple steps.

Check out the video below for a quick guide on how to customize your Instagram link sticker.

How to Customize Your Instagram Story Link Sticker Design:

1. Create your Instagram story and add a link sticker as usual
2. Go to the design app of your choice
3. Design a brand-appropriate, visually appealing sticker with a clear CTA (e.g. “Continue reading” or “Tap here!”)
4. Export it to your phone as a a PNG file with a transparent background
5. Go back to your Instagram story draft and add your custom sticker from your photo album or files on your phone
6. Place the custom sticker right over your link sticker

Voila! That’s it: you have perfect aesthetic control over your story, and people can still type their way through.

Pro tip: Remember to keep track of yours Story metrics This is how you can optimize your click rate. If you’re not getting as many taps as you’d like, make sure you have a clear call-to-action and don’t clutter an Instagram post with too much information.

Still at a loss? Read our five other Reasons Your Stories May Not Convert.

Other ways to drive traffic from Instagram to your website

Sharing links with your audience is useful whether your goals are relationship building or conversion. If you don’t have access to the link sticker yet, there are a few alternatives:

Link in bio

You probably already do this, but you can add a call to action and link in the bio section of your Instagram profile. Some IG users choose to include the one specific link they want in their bio or use link shortening tools for customization.

You can also use tools that allow you to host multiple links on one landing page (fewer updates on your links, more conversions!). It’s called on Instagram link tree and it’s very easy to do.

Remember to say “Link in bio“In your caption when you post (we ran an experiment, and don’t worry, it won’t hurt your commitment if you say so.)

Use your DMs

Post your story and let your followers know they can send you a direct link via DM. It’s super easy for them and a great way to build a relationship with your audience as it may feel even more personal when they receive the link directly from you.

Bonus tip: use the DM me Stickers: Your followers can contact you with a tap of a finger!

Create survey

Share your content, then create a poll asking people if they would like to receive the link. All you have to do is check who said yes to your survey and you can send a link via direct message on the Instagram app.

Are you ready to drive traffic from Instagram to your website? Use Hootsuite to plan stories, posts and carousels, engage your audience and analyze performance – along with all of your other social networks.

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