Want to add a link to your Instagram Story? We have good news and then more good news. (And as a bonus, we have a sweet new Instagram Story hack!)
The good news is that although Instagram has deprecated the swipe up feature, you can add a link to Stories using Instagram link stickers.
Even better news is that when it comes to adding a link to your Story, the minimum 10,000 followers has officially expired. Theoretically, EVERYONE can now access anchor tags on Instagram. (Learn more about the update here.)
Which brings us to the other good news: we have a simple hack to customize your link sticker to match your brand and design. Read on for all the steps.
Wait a minute, what was the Instagram swipe up feature?
The Instagram swipe up feature has allowed brands and influencers to add links directly to their Instagram Stories, helping them reach their target audience and gain more followers.
Viewers can swipe up on a Story or tap an arrow at the bottom of their screen to access a link without leaving the Instagram app or going back to the bio to find that “link”.
But in August 2021, Instagram announced that it was deprecating the swipe-up feature. Why?
There are several theories. Maybe Instagram has secret plans to move Stories vertically like TikTok instead of horizontally? The mystery remains unsolved. (Actually, Instagram made We will discuss the reasons shortly.)
Regardless, ultimately, users will now be able to add links to their Instagram Stories by adding an anchor tag instead.
What is an Instagram anchor tag?
The Instagram anchor tag replaces the swipe-up feature, allowing users to add an external link to an Instagram Story.
Story link stickers are the easiest way to drive traffic to external content and products on Instagram. You can also track link clicks with Instagram analytics.
Instagram says the sticker has three big advantages over the swipe-up feature when it comes to linking:
- Stickers allow you to use them as music, questions, locations and polls, etc. It is familiar and popular with users who use it for
- Stickers give you more creative control over the appearance of a Story than swipe up links.
- And most importantly, while stickers allowed viewers to interact with a Story, the swipe up feature did not allow for replies or reactions.
Simply put: just like the swipe up in front of them, Instagram link stickers are an essential tool for any Instagram business strategy.
How to use Instagram anchor tag?
Instagram Stories only stay open for 24 hours, but adding a link to your Instagram Story is useful for increasing your conversions, increasing organic engagement, and making it easier for your followers to access the content you want to share.
Source: Instagram
Here’s how to add an anchor tag to your Instagram Story. (Spoiler: Same as any sticker.)
- Tap the plus sign in the Instagram app
- choose Story (instead of Mail, Real or Live).
- Create your Story using all the amazing media at your disposal.
- Tap the Sticker icon on the top row.
- type the URL
- Type the text of the sticker or call to action (ex: Tap to read)
- Place the sticker on your Story
- Compress to resize
- Tap to scroll through the available color schemes (blue, black, white, beige, etc.).
- Then post it to your Story and you’re done!
It will look something like this:
Who can use the Instagram anchor tag?
Starting October 2021, everyone needs access to the anchor tag on their Instagram Stories (not just accounts with 10,000+ followers).
Of course, as always, a billion accounts take time to roll out, and we’ve heard from many people (including our own social team at Moyens I/O!) who still don’t have stickers on their accounts. If this is the case for your account, all we can recommend to you is to keep your Instagram application updated and pray. It will show up eventually.
And if you’re one of the lucky few with contacts in Instagram HQ, could you send them a note?
How to customize your Instagram anchor tag design?
If you find that the Instagram anchor tag doesn’t fit your brand’s aesthetic, you’ll be happy to know that you can further customize it in a few simple steps.
Watch the video below for a quick tutorial on how to customize your Instagram link sticker.
Here’s how to customize your Instagram Story link sticker design:
- Create your Instagram Story and add a link sticker like you usually do
- Go to the design app of your choice
- Design a brand-appropriate, visually pleasing sticker with a clear CTA (e.g. “Read more” or “Tap here!”)
- transfer it to your phone. a PNG file with a transparent background
- Go back to your Instagram Story sketch and add your custom sticker from your phone’s photo album or files
- Place the custom tag directly above your anchor tag
Request! That’s it: You’ll have great aesthetic control over your story and people will still be able to touch it.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to monitor your Story metrics so you can optimize your click-through rate. If you’re not getting as many clicks as you’d like, make sure you have a clear call to action and don’t overload an Instagram post with too much information.
Are you still confused? Read our other five reasons why your stories can’t be converted.
Other ways to drive traffic from Instagram to your website
Sharing links with your audience is helpful if your goals are to build relationships or drive conversions. If you don’t have access to the anchor tag yet, here are some alternatives:
link in bio
You probably already do this, but you can add a call to action and a link to the bio section of your Instagram profile. Some IG users prefer to put a specific link they want in their bio or use link shortening tools for personalization.
You can also use tools that allow you to host multiple links on a landing page (fewer updates to your links, more conversions!). It’s called an Instagram link tree and it’s very easy to do.
Don’t forget to say “link bio” in your thread when posting (we did a test and don’t worry, saying it won’t hurt your participation.)
use your DMs
Post your story and let your followers know they can DM you for a direct link. It’s easy for them and a great way to build a relationship with your audience as they can feel even more personal when they get a direct link from you.
Bonus Tip: DM me sticker: your followers can contact you with one tap!
Create poll
Share your content and then create a poll that asks people if they would like the link sent. All you have to do is check who said ‘yes’ to your survey and you can follow up with a link sent via direct message in the Instagram app.
Ready to start driving traffic from Instagram to your website? Use Moyens I/O to schedule Stories, posts and carousels, engage your audience, and analyze performance, among all your other social networks.