How to Add Links To Instagram Stories

To add a link to an Instagram Story, create the Story, open the sticker tray, choose Link, paste the destination URL, and publish. Instagram uses a Link sticker rather than the retired Swipe Up control.

Why Add Links to Your Instagram Story

Instagram stories are a great way to engage with your audience and share content, but without links, it can be challenging to drive traffic to your website. Adding links to your stories allows you to direct your followers to your website, blog, or online store. This can help increase engagement, drive traffic, and ultimately lead to more sales.

How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Story

Adding a link to your Instagram story is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Step 1: Create Your Instagram Story

To add a link to your Instagram story, you'll first need to create a new story. Open the Instagram app and tap the camera icon in the top left corner of your screen. You can take a new photo or video, or choose an existing one from your camera roll.

Step 2: Choose the Link Sticker

Tap the sticker icon at the top of the Story editor, then choose Link. If it is not immediately visible, use the sticker search.

Step 3: Add Your Link

Paste the full destination URL, review it for typing errors, and customize the sticker text so viewers know where it leads. Tap Done to place the sticker.

If the destination is one public, non-sensitive photo that does not already have a webpage, an image link generator can create a clickable viewing-page URL. Test the result before publishing; it is a public page link rather than a private or direct image-file URL.

Step 4: Add Your Story

Move the sticker into a clear area that does not cover the subject or sit underneath Instagram's interface. Preview the Story, test the destination when possible, and tap Your Story to publish.

Tips for Adding Links to Your Instagram Story

Now that you know how to add a link to your Instagram story, here are a few tips to help you make the most of this feature:

1. Use a Call-to-Action To encourage your followers to open the link, make the sticker label specific: “Read the guide,” “View the product,” or “See event details” is clearer than “Click here.”

2. Use a Trusted Destination The sticker displays its label rather than the entire URL, so shortening the link is usually unnecessary. Use a recognizable HTTPS destination and avoid redirect chains.

3. Update Your Link Regularly If you're promoting a specific product or sale, make sure to update your link regularly to ensure it's still relevant. This can help you avoid sending your followers to a dead link.

4. Track Your Links Use a tool like Google Analytics to track clicks on your link. This can help you see how effective your Instagram stories are at driving traffic to your website.

Conclusion

Adding a Link sticker gives viewers a direct, labeled route to the destination. Keep it visible, describe what opens after the tap, and check the URL before publishing. The guide to sharing an Instagram Story covers mentions, direct messages, and eligible feed-post reshares.

For current platform instructions, see Instagram's official Link sticker help.