One of the best ways to spice up your Instagram Story is the Instagram Story link tool, which enables you to drop a hyperlink into your Story directly, pointing to videos, news articles, services, and websites. The only prerequisite to be able to use the function is to have a verified Instagram account or have at least 10,000 followers. Although restricted to bigger accounts, the link tool is great for influencers, media organizations, and everybody else wanting to attract site visitors via links. The best news? Your only need to encourage your followers to “Swipe up for details”. They will then be redirected to wherever you want them to land. So can you add a link to Instagram Story? Here are all the must-know details!
Why use links in your Instagram Stories?
Adding links to your stories will help:
- Drive traffic to your blog posts – You let people know that you have a new post up while also adding a link to that post.
- Complete your DIY stories or tutorial – You add a link to your site where your audience can find out more information about your DIY tips and tutorials (i.e., complete instructions).
- Reveal exclusive content – This is a great way to reveal bloopers from a video shot and sneak peeks at new products to exclusive information. It can also tease your followers with something they long to see more of.
- Promote your services or products – A common social media tactic to promote a product or service is to share that product or service to your Instagram stories.
How to add Swipe Up to your Instagram Story
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you add a link to your Instagram stories without breaking a sweat:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile phone or computer.
- Tap the blue plus sign (look for the “+” tab on your profile photo).
- Upload a photo from your Story (or take a new one).
- Tap the chain icon (you will find it in the top menu)*.
- Use your web browser and open a new tab on it.
- Head to the website you wish to link in your Instagram story.
- Copy the URL of the website.
- Re-open the Instagram app.
- Paste the copied URL into the Story link box.
- Hit Done to finalize your story (see it at the upper right-hand corner of the page).
- Publish your story by tapping Your Story.
- Make sure that the link works correctly by viewing your story and swiping up.
Note that you will only be able to see the chain icon and use this function if you meet Instagram’s qualifying criteria. So, you need to either have more than 10,000 followers or have a verified Instagram account. If you don’t, you’ll need to figure out some other ways to share links, such as in your Instagram Bio.
Remember that both your stories and the links included in them are available for 24 hours, just like Facebook stories. If you wish to publish a link for more than 24 hours (even permanently), you can consider making the story a highlight.
