How to Add a Link to Instagram Story (2026 Guide)

All Instagram accounts can now add links to Stories using the Link Sticker - no 10,000 follower requirement or verification needed. This guide shows you exactly how to add clickable links to your Instagram Stories.

Quick Answer: Add Link to Instagram Story in 30 Seconds

1. Create a Story - Tap your profile picture or swipe right
2. Add your content - Take a photo/video or upload from gallery
3. Tap the Sticker icon (square smiley face at top)
4. Select "Link" from the sticker menu
5. Paste your URL and tap "Done"
6. Position and resize the sticker
7. Share to Your Story

Note: If you don't see the Link sticker, update your Instagram app to the latest version. The feature is available to all users as of 2021.

Requirements for Instagram Story Links

Account Requirements

• All Instagram accounts can add Link Stickers (since October 2021)
• No follower minimum - works with 0 followers
• No verification required - blue checkmark not needed
• Works on Personal, Creator, and Business accounts

What You Need

• Updated Instagram app - Latest version from App Store or Google Play
• Active account in good standing - No recent community guideline violations
• Valid URL - Must be a working website link

Account Type Differences

Recommendation: Switch to a Creator or Business account (free) to access link analytics and see how many people click your links.

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Note: The swipe up feature has been replaced by link stickers for most users.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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone add links to Instagram Stories?

Yes, all Instagram users can add links to Stories using the Link Sticker since October 2021. There's no follower requirement or verification needed. The only requirement is having an updated Instagram app and an account in good standing.

Why can't I find the Link sticker in my Instagram?

The most common reason is an outdated app. Update Instagram from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). If you still don't see it after updating, try: logging out and back in, clearing app cache, or reinstalling the app. New accounts may have temporary restrictions.

How many links can I add to one Instagram Story?

You can add one Link Sticker per Story slide. If you need multiple links, create multiple Story slides, each with its own link. Some users have reported being able to add multiple stickers, but one per slide is the standard.

Do Instagram Story links expire?

Links expire when the Story expires (after 24 hours). To keep links active longer, save the Story to a Highlight—links continue working in Highlights indefinitely. Learn how to save Instagram Stories before they expire.

Can I see who clicked my Instagram Story link?

Instagram shows the total number of link clicks in Story Insights (for Creator and Business accounts), but you cannot see which specific users clicked. For detailed tracking, use UTM parameters with Google Analytics to see traffic from your Story links.

Can I edit a link after posting the Story?

No, you cannot edit links after posting. You must delete the Story and create a new one with the correct link. Always double-check your URL before posting.

Why isn't my link getting clicks?

Common reasons: the sticker is too small, placed in a bad location, lacks a clear call-to-action, or the content doesn't compel viewers to tap. Make the sticker larger, add text like "Tap here" with arrows pointing to it, and ensure your Story content creates interest in the link.

Do Instagram Story links help with SEO?

Instagram Story links are "nofollow" links, so they don't directly pass SEO value. However, they drive traffic to your website, which can indirectly help SEO through user engagement signals and brand awareness.

Conclusion

Adding links to Instagram Stories is available to all users through the Link Sticker feature. No follower count or verification required—just update your app and start adding links.

Key takeaways:

• All accounts can use Link Stickers (since October 2021)
• Use Creator or Business accounts to track link clicks
• Make stickers visible with clear calls-to-action
• Save Stories to Highlights to keep links active beyond 24 hours

Start using Instagram Story links today to drive traffic to your website, products, or content.