How To Add a Link to an Instagram Story: 7 Steps

With Instagram's link stickers, you can drive traffic toward external pages you want your audience to see, from blog posts to online stores. Any profile can use this feature, regardless of how many followers you have.

Read on to learn how to add a link to your Instagram Story and encourage people to engage with more of your content.

What Are Instagram Story Link Stickers?

Instagram Story link stickers let you add links to your images and videos. These stickers appear as customizable buttons on your Story, meaning you can change their appearance so they blend in with your content — or make them pop to grab attention. Viewers tap the stickers to open external pages in Instagram's in-app browser. 

Link stickers are an updated version of the platform’s old swipe-up feature, which allowed creators with at least 10,000 followers to share links with their audience. However, all users can access link stickers, making it easier than ever to drive traffic from Instagram.

Reasons Creators Should Use Instagram Story Link Stickers

Instagram Story link stickers are a simple yet effective way to get audiences to interact with more of your content. Here are a few benefits of using these buttons.

Drive Traffic

Mentioning a “link in bio” is no longer the only way to direct followers to external pages. Instead of expecting people to navigate away from Instagram and search for your website, you’re giving them an instant shortcut. This can lead to more site visits, video views, and purchases.

Increase Engagement

A link sticker encourages people to interact with your page, which signals to Instagram’s algorithm that viewers find your Stories valuable. Over time, this improves your account’s visibility and reach.

For example, you could link to a quiz, a giveaway entry, or an exclusive upload and add a call to action (CTA) like “Tap here!” to nudge viewers to click.

Present Monetization Opportunities

If you want to earn money from your Instagram content, use link stickers to direct viewers to affiliate products, brand collaborations, and merch stores. Convenient links make it easier for followers to support your work and can help you make a living.

Help Build Community

Beyond driving traffic and monetization, you can use stickers to build meaningful connections with your audience. For example, you can add links to exclusive content, community groups, and subscription-based sign-ups. This will help followers feel involved in your life as a creator, making them more invested in your uploads and projects.

How To Post a Link to Your Instagram Story in 7 Steps

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a link on your Instagram Story.

1. Open Instagram and Start Your Story

In the Instagram app, tap on your profile picture or the plus button at the bottom of your feed and select “Story” from the options. Then, record new content or choose something from your camera roll.

Tip: Make sure your image or video matches Instagram’s Story dimension requirements.

2. Customize Your Post

Polish your Story by adding GIFs, trending music, and custom subtitles. 

Tip: Use Captions to generate royalty-free audio and captions for all your Instagram content.

3. Choose Instagram’s Link Button

Once you're happy with the Story, tap the sticker icon (a square smiley face) in the top menu. Scroll down and select Instagram’s link sticker from the list.

Tip: If you can't see the link button, make sure the app is updated to the latest version.

4. Add Your Link

Paste or type in the URL you want to share, and tap “Done” to confirm.

Tip: Use URL shorteners like Bitly or TinyURL to keep links short and clean.

Source: Buffer
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5. Customize Your Sticker

Tap the link sticker to cycle through different color options and adjust its placement. Drag the button to a visible but nonintrusive spot on your Story. This makes it noticeable without affecting your Story's aesthetic.

Tip: Place the sticker where it's easy to tap, but avoid the bottom of the screen where the "Send Message" bar appears. People might accidentally tap the bar and end up in direct messaging.

6. Add a CTA

Use text overlays to encourage viewers to tap the link. Try phrases like “Tap here to learn more” or “Exclusive content — don’t miss out!” 

Tip: Pair your CTA with an interactive sticker (like a poll or question box) to make your Story even more engaging.

7. Post Your Story

Once you’re happy with the layout, tap “Your Story” to post it.

Tip: Save your post to Highlights so new followers can access the link even after the Story expires.

3 Ways To Use Instagram Link Stickers

Here are a few ways to use Instagram's link stickers and grow your brand.

1. Promote New Content

Instead of relying on followers to check your Instagram bio or search for more content off the platform, use link stickers to direct people straight to your latest YouTube video, store product, or podcast episode. 

To encourage even more engagement, pair your link with a teaser. Use a short video, a behind-the-scenes clip, or a poll asking your followers, "Who's excited for this?" to build anticipation before they tap.

2. Share Exclusive Offers

If you're running a limited-time sale, early access deal, or a discount code, a link sticker tells people to act fast before the offer expires. Making the deal easy to access increases conversions, as people usually prefer convenience over taking extra steps on their own.

You can also add a countdown sticker next to your link to create a sense of urgency. Phrases like "Only 24 hours left!" or "Tap to claim your discount!" encourage fast responses.

3. Collaborate With Sponsors

When working with a brand, create a Story sharing why you love the product or service and how it benefits your audience. Then, include link stickers that direct your followers to your sponsor’s website, product, or campaign. When people know you genuinely use the products you endorse, they’re more likely to trust and listen to you.

Create Clickable Content With Captions

A link is only as effective as the Story it's in. If you truly want to grab people’s attention and get them to tap, you need to share high-quality content.

That's where Captions comes in. With tools like the Instagram Story Maker, Instagram Video Editor, and Instagram Ad Maker, you can create eye-catching Stories in minutes. 

Make your Instagram account stand out with Captions.