Quick Guide: How to Add a Link to Instagram Story
For years, Instagram’s swipe-up links were the go-to method for adding links to Stories. But with their removal, the Instagram app introduced Instagram story link stickers, making it easier than ever to share external links with your followers.
Unlike the swipe-up option—once reserved for verified accounts with 10K+ followers—link stickers are now available to everyone, no matter their audience size. Whether you’re a brand looking to drive sales, an influencer promoting content, or just someone wanting to share a useful link, adding a link is now just a tap away.
The best part? These stickers are fully customizable, meaning you can match them to your brand aesthetic, move them around, and even change their Instagram link sticker design. This guide will take you through how to add a link sticker, personalize it, and maximize engagement—so your audience doesn’t just see the link but actually clicks on it.
Key Takeaways
Swipe-up is gone, link stickers are in! Now, anyone can add links to their Instagram Stories, making engagement easier and more accessible.
Boost traffic effortlessly. Link stickers provide a direct way for followers to click through, making them essential for influencers, brands, and businesses.
Enhance engagement with creativity. Whether promoting a blog, showcasing products, or driving event sign-ups, link stickers turn passive viewers into active participants.
What Are Instagram Link Stickers?
Instagram users now have access to a simple, engaging way to share links through Stories. Unlike the old swipe-up feature, which was only available to large accounts, link stickers are accessible to everyone regardless of follower count.
These stickers work just like any other Instagram sticker—you can resize, move, rotate, and customize them to match your Story’s aesthetic. Whether you want a bold, eye-catching look or something that seamlessly blends into your design, link stickers give you complete control.
What makes them truly valuable is how they eliminate unnecessary steps. Instead of asking followers to visit your Instagram profile to find a link in your bio, they can access your content instantly with one tap. This direct approach increases engagement, making it easier to drive website traffic, product sales, and event sign-ups straight from your Story.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Link Sticker
Instagram makes it quick and easy to add a link sticker to your Story. Follow these steps to ensure your link is seamlessly integrated and fully optimized for engagement.
1. Create Your Instagram Story
Start by opening Instagram and tapping your profile picture in the top-left corner to begin a new Story. You can either capture a photo or video in real time or upload one from your gallery.
When choosing content, consider how it relates to your link—a product image for a sales page, a blog teaser for an article, or a countdown to an event. Adding text, GIFs, or filters can help grab attention before inserting the link sticker. A well-designed Story increases the likelihood that viewers will notice and interact with your link.
2. Access the Sticker Menu
Once your Story content is ready, tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen. It looks like a smiley face inside a square.
This menu includes various sticker options like polls, questions, music, and location tags. To find the link sticker, you can either scroll through the menu or use the search bar and type “link.” If the sticker doesn’t appear, ensure that your app is updated to the latest version.
3. Insert and Customize Your Link
After selecting the link sticker, you’ll see a URL field where you can paste or type your link. Double-check the link to ensure it’s correct—mistakes here can reduce engagement if the link doesn’t work.
Instagram allows you to customize the text on the sticker instead of showing the full URL. This is crucial because short, engaging phrases get more clicks than long or confusing links. Instead of displaying a generic URL, try:
“Read More” for blog posts
“Shop Now” for product pages
“Sign Up Here” for events
Well-crafted link text encourages action and makes your Story look more polished.
4. Adjust Placement and Design
Now it’s time to position your link sticker for maximum visibility. Drag it to a location where it’s easy to see but doesn’t block key content.
Instagram provides multiple design options for link stickers. Tap the sticker to cycle through different styles—some are bold and colorful, while others are subtle. Choose a design that complements your Story’s aesthetic.
Placement matters, too. Avoid putting the sticker too close to the edges where interface elements might cover it. The lower third of the screen is often ideal because it’s a natural resting place for viewers' eyes.
5. Share Your Story
Once everything looks good, tap “Your Story” to publish it. If you want more targeted engagement, consider using the Close Friends option to share the Story with a specific group.
You can also send your Story as a Direct Message to specific followers—this is a great way to drive engagement if you’re promoting a personalized offer or exclusive content.
Your link is now live and clickable, making it easy for followers to interact with your content in just one tap.
How to Maximize Engagement with Link Stickers
Adding a link sticker is easy, but making sure people actually click on it takes strategy. Placement, design, and messaging all play a role in whether your audience engages with your link or ignores it. Here’s how to make sure your sticker stands out and gets results.
Use a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
People won’t click your link unless they know why they should. A clear, compelling call-to-action (CTA) makes all the difference. Instead of vague phrases like “Tap here,” be specific and persuasive. If you’re running a sale, try “Get 20% off now.” If you want sign-ups, say “Sign up in one tap.” The goal is to tell people exactly what they’ll get by clicking your link.
Placement matters too. Your CTA text should be close to the link sticker so it’s clear that both elements are connected. A well-placed, engaging CTA gives people a reason to click rather than scrolling past.
Position Stickers for Maximum Visibility
Where you place your link sticker affects how many people notice it. Stickers that are too close to the edges can be hard to tap or get covered by Instagram’s interface. To maximize visibility, aim for the lower third of the screen, where viewers naturally focus when watching Stories.
At the same time, make sure the sticker doesn’t overlap important text or visuals. If it’s blocking a key part of your Story, people might miss the message altogether. The sticker should feel like part of the design, not an afterthought.
Match Stickers to Your Branding
A well-branded link sticker doesn’t just attract clicks—it also builds trust. Stickers that clash with your Story’s design can look out of place and disrupt the visual flow. Luckily, Instagram allows you to tap the sticker multiple times to cycle through different styles. Choose one that blends with your colors and overall aesthetic so it feels intentional.
Another way to strengthen branding is by using branded link shorteners. Instead of a long, messy URL, a clean, custom link like yourbrand.com/sale looks more professional and is easier to remember. Small details like this make your sticker look more polished and encourage people to take action.
Creative Ways to Use Link Stickers
Link stickers aren’t just for sharing random links—they can be powerful tools to boost engagement, drive sales, and promote content. When used strategically, they can turn casual viewers into active participants. One effective approach is to schedule Instagram posts that introduce your content before posting your Story with a link sticker. This helps build anticipation and makes your audience more likely to engage when they see the link in your Story.
Promote Blog Posts
If you want more traffic to your blog, link stickers can help. Instead of just dropping a link, make your Story engaging by sharing a key takeaway or teaser from your latest post. A carousel-style Story works well—each slide can introduce a different point, leading up to the final slide where you place the link sticker.
For example, if your blog post is about productivity tips, show three quick hacks on separate slides, then end with a CTA like “Want more? Tap the link to read the full guide!” This keeps your audience engaged and motivates them to take action rather than just skipping through.
Drive Sales with Product Links
Selling a product? Link stickers make it easier than ever to direct followers to the checkout page. Instead of just posting a product image, create excitement by showcasing the item in action—whether it’s a demo, a customer review, or a limited-time offer.
To create urgency, pair your link sticker with a countdown timer or limited stock notice. A CTA like “Only 5 left! Tap to buy” makes people act fast because they don’t want to miss out. The easier you make it for people to shop, the more likely they are to convert.
Tracking and Optimizing Link Performance
Adding a link sticker is just the beginning—tracking its performance is what helps you refine your strategy and maximize engagement. Without analytics, you’re just guessing what works. Fortunately, Instagram Insights provides the data you need to see how well your link stickers are performing.
To check performance, open Instagram Insights and look at metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and overall Story engagement. A high CTR means people are interested in your content, while a low CTR suggests that something needs improvement. One way to boost engagement is by testing different sticker placements—for example, moving it from the top to the lower third of the screen.
Beyond placement, CTA wording can make a difference. If your current CTA isn’t driving clicks, try a more compelling phrase. Instead of “Tap here,” test something like “Get your free guide now” or “Limited-time offer—tap to shop.”
Tracking your results over time lets you identify trends and fine-tune your strategy. If engagement drops, adjust visuals, tweak CTAs, or experiment with different content formats. Small optimizations can lead to significant improvements in how your audience interacts with your Stories.
Conclusion
Instagram Link Stickers have made it easier than ever to drive traffic, boost engagement, and increase conversions. Whether you’re a brand promoting products, an influencer sharing content, or a business looking to generate leads, using these stickers strategically can make a huge impact.
By placing stickers where they’re most visible, crafting strong CTAs, and analyzing performance through Instagram Insights, you can continuously improve your results. Small tweaks in design, wording, or placement can significantly increase clicks.
Now’s the time to start experimenting—optimize your link stickers, track what works, and watch your engagement soar!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone use Instagram Link Stickers?
Yes! Unlike the old swipe-up feature that required 10,000+ followers, Instagram Link Stickers are available to all users regardless of follower count. Whether you're a casual user, influencer, or business, you can now add clickable links to your Stories.
Where’s the best place to position my link sticker?
The lower third of the screen tends to get the most engagement, as viewers naturally focus there while watching Stories. However, avoid placing it too close to the edges where Instagram’s interface elements might cover it or make it difficult to tap.
How can I make my link sticker more effective?
A strong call-to-action encourages people to click, so using action-driven phrases can make a big difference. Instead of a generic message, try something more compelling that gives people a reason to engage. The sticker should also blend well with your content while standing out enough to be noticeable. Making it too distracting can overwhelm the design, while making it too subtle might cause viewers to miss it entirely.
How do I track my link sticker’s performance?
Instagram Insights allows you to monitor click-through rates and overall engagement. By reviewing these metrics, you can determine if your sticker placement, CTA wording, or design needs adjustments. If clicks are low, testing different approaches can help improve performance over time.
Can I change the design of my link stickers?
Yes! You can tap the sticker multiple times to cycle through different styles. Choose a design that fits your brand’s aesthetic while remaining clear and readable. A well-designed sticker increases visibility and encourages more clicks.