How to Add a Link to Instagram Story: Complete Guide

Adding links to Instagram Stories is now available to all users, but there are specific requirements and steps you need to follow. This guide covers everything you need to know about Instagram Story links.

Quick Answer: How to Add Link to Instagram Story

1. Open Instagram app and tap your profile picture to create a story
2. Take a photo/video or choose from your gallery
3. Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
4. Select "Link" sticker from the options
5. Enter your URL and customize the sticker
6. Position the sticker where you want it
7. Share your story with the link

Requirements for Instagram Story Links

Account Requirements:

• Any Instagram account can now add links (as of 2021)
• Business or Creator accounts have additional link features
• Personal accounts can use basic link stickers

Content Requirements:

• Links must follow Instagram's community guidelines
• No prohibited content (spam, adult content, etc.)
• Working URLs only (broken links may be removed)

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Links to Instagram Stories

Method 1: Link Sticker (Recommended)

Step 1: Create Your Story

• Open Instagram app
• Tap your profile picture or swipe right from feed
• Take a photo/video or select from gallery

Step 2: Add Link Sticker

• Tap the sticker icon (square smiley face) at the top
• Scroll through stickers and select "Link"
• If you don't see it, look for "Website" or URL icon

Step 3: Enter Your URL

• Type or paste your link in the URL field
• Instagram will verify the link is working
• Add custom text for the link (optional)

Step 4: Customize and Position

• Choose sticker style and color
• Drag to position where you want it
• Resize by pinching with two fingers

Step 5: Share Your Story

• Tap "Your Story" to share with all followers
• Or select specific people/close friends

Method 2: Swipe Up (Legacy Feature)

Note: The swipe up feature has been replaced by link stickers for most users.

For accounts that still have access:

• Create your story content
• Tap the chain link icon at the top
• Enter your URL
• Add "Swipe up" text or sticker to guide viewers

Types of Links You Can Add

Website Links

• Your business website
• Blog posts
• Landing pages
• Online stores

Social Media Links

• Other social platforms
• YouTube videos
• TikTok profiles
• Twitter posts

Shopping Links

• Product pages
• Affiliate links (follow disclosure rules)
• E-commerce stores
• Marketplace listings

Content Links

• Articles and news
• Podcasts
• Music streaming
• App downloads

Best Practices for Instagram Story Links

Make Links Obvious

• Use clear call-to-action text
• Add arrows pointing to link sticker
• Use contrasting colors to make sticker stand out
• Include text like "Tap here" or "Link in sticker"

Optimize Link Placement

• Place links in upper third of screen for better visibility
• Avoid placing over important visual elements
• Make sure sticker is large enough to tap easily
• Test placement on different devices

Track Link Performance

• Use shortened URLs with tracking (bit.ly, UTM parameters)
• Monitor story insights for link clicks
• Test different link positions and styles
• A/B test different call-to-action phrases

Troubleshooting Instagram Story Links

Link Sticker Not Showing?

Check Your Account:

• Update Instagram app to latest version
• Make sure you have stable internet connection
• Try logging out and back in
• Clear Instagram app cache

Account Issues:

• New accounts may need to wait before accessing features
• Accounts with community guideline violations may have restricted access
• Switch to business/creator account for full features

Links Not Working?

URL Problems:

• Make sure link starts with http:// or https://
• Test link in browser before adding to story
• Avoid shortened URLs that might be flagged
• Remove any special characters that might break the link

Common Fixes:

• Copy and paste link instead of typing
• Try different browser to test link
• Use direct links instead of redirects
• Contact Instagram support if problem persists

Advanced Instagram Story Link Tips

Use Link Stickers Creatively

Design Integration:

• Match sticker colors to your brand
• Create custom graphics that incorporate the link area
• Use multiple stickers for different links (if allowed)
• Design stories specifically around driving link clicks

Engagement Tactics:

• Tease content before revealing link
• Use polls or questions to build interest first
• Create series of stories leading to link
• Offer exclusive content through links

Track and Optimize Performance

Analytics to Watch:

• Story completion rates
• Link click-through rates
• Traffic from Instagram Stories
• Conversion rates from story traffic

Optimization Strategies:

• Test different story formats (photo vs video)
• Experiment with timing of link placement
• Try different call-to-action phrases
• Monitor which content types drive most clicks

Instagram Story Link Strategy for Business

Content Planning

• Product launches: Direct to product pages
• Blog content: Drive traffic to latest articles
• Events: Link to registration or event pages
• Sales: Direct to special offers or discount pages

Audience Engagement

• Behind-the-scenes: Link to full content
• Tutorials: Link to complete guides
• User-generated content: Link to featured customers
• Partnerships: Cross-promote with link exchanges

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Technical Mistakes

• Using broken or expired links
• Not testing links before posting
• Forgetting to make links mobile-friendly
• Using links that redirect multiple times

Strategy Mistakes

• Not including clear call-to-action
• Placing links in poor positions
• Not tracking link performance
• Overusing links and annoying followers

Content Mistakes

• Making story content too sales-focused
• Not providing value before asking for clicks
• Using clickbait tactics
• Ignoring Instagram's community guidelines

FAQ: Instagram Story Links

Can anyone add links to Instagram Stories?

Yes, all Instagram users can now add links to their stories using link stickers. Previously, this feature was limited to verified accounts or those with 10K+ followers.

How many links can I add to one story?

You can typically add one link sticker per story. However, you might be able to add multiple stickers depending on your account type and Instagram's current features.

Do Instagram Story links expire?

Story links expire when the story expires (after 24 hours). If you save the story as a Highlight, the link will continue to work in the Highlight.

Can I see who clicked my Instagram Story links?

Instagram provides basic insights showing how many people clicked your links, but you can't see specifically who clicked. Use external analytics tools for more detailed tracking.

Why can't I add links to my Instagram Stories?

Common reasons include: outdated app version, new account restrictions, previous community guideline violations, or temporary Instagram bugs. Try updating your app and ensuring your account is in good standing.

Can I edit a link after posting the story?

No, you cannot edit links after posting a story. You'll need to delete the story and create a new one with the correct link.

Conclusion

Adding links to Instagram Stories is a powerful way to drive traffic and engage your audience. With the link sticker feature now available to all users, anyone can direct their followers to external content.

The key to success is making your links obvious, providing value to your audience, and tracking performance to optimize your strategy. Remember to follow Instagram's guidelines and focus on creating helpful, engaging content that naturally incorporates your links.

Start experimenting with Instagram Story links today to boost your website traffic and achieve your social media goals.