How to Add Links to Your Instagram Stories

Instagram is known for introducing new features frequently. Whether it’s stopping IGTV two years after its launch or introducing the collaboration feature that lets users collaborate on a post, Instagram has been pretty thoughtful about the feedback it’s received. One such recent change has allowed every Instagram user to share links to their Stories. Previously, the feature was limited to only businesses, influencers and verified accounts on Swipe Up links.

With the introduction of the anchor tag, Instagram is trying to make it easy to share website links. Fortunately, the change isn’t all that hard to get used to, especially if you’re familiar with Stickers on Instagram. Anyway, without further ado, let’s get straight to the point.

What are Link Stickers on Instagram?

The Link hashtag on Instagram is a new way to share a link on your Instagram Story. You can use them just like you would a music sticker or test sticker on Instagram. Previously, Instagram announced that it would get rid of the swipe up feature. Therefore, the Anchor tag actually replaces the Swipe Up feature.

Why sudden change? There are some important advantages to using the Link tag over the Scroll Up feature. The most obvious is the ability to place your sticker anywhere in your story and resize it to increase its visibility. Also, Instagram has promised to offer a few more ways to customize the sticker to make it more appealing.

Now that you know what the change is all about, let’s see how you can use the Link sticker in your Instagram story.

How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story

Instagram for web doesn’t allow you to share stories, so you have to stick with Android or iPhone app to use this feature. Once you have the URL you want to share, here’s how to add it to your Instagram Story.

Stage 1: Launch the Instagram app on your phone. Tap on Your Story in the top left.

Step 2: Then add a photo or video to your story or save one using the Shutter button.

Stage 3: Now tap on the Tag icon in the top right and select the Link tag from the menu that appears.

Step 4: Enter the link you want to share in the URL box and tap Done.

Step 5: Now move the sticker to a preferred location. You can tap the sticker to cycle through the different styles.

When you’re done, tap the arrow in the bottom right to share your Story with everyone.

After posting, anyone can tap that link and quickly jump to that web page. Note that you can only add one Link tag to your Instagram Story.

Currently, the link sharing feature is limited to Instagram Stories. So if you want to add a link to your Instagram post or Reel, your only option is to share your Instagram post as Story and swipe the Link sticker.

Bonus: How to Add Links to Instagram Bio

Another popular way to share a link with your followers is to add it to your Instagram Bio. It is okay to share a link to your website or personal blog. And unlike Instagram Stories, adding a link to your Bio means it will stay there permanently and be seen by your followers. Here’s how to add a link to your Instagram Bio.

Stage 1: Open the Instagram app on your phone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right to view your feed.

Step 2: Now tap on Edit Profile button.

Stage 3: Paste the URL in the website field and tap the right checkmark at the top to save the changes.

Once added, people can tap the link in your bio to visit the website. It’s worth noting that the link in your Instagram Bio is only visible to everyone if your profile is set to Public. If you set the link to Private, only your followers can see and access the link.

Sharing is caring

The link sharing hashtag has been a welcome addition to Instagram. That said, users don’t have to go through these crazy workarounds involving third-party apps to share their favorite web pages. While the link sharing feature is limited to Instagram Stories, we hope that Instagram will soon make it available for posts and Reels as well.

Like posting Stories on Instagram? Check out these lesser known tips and tricks for Instagram Story to level up your social game.