How to use the swipe up link on instagram

How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story (Now That Swipe-Up Is Gone)

Change is hard. We know.

Saying goodbye is never easy. We’re still recovering from when Geri AKA Ginger Spice left the Spice Girls. And when Instagram retired its swipe-up function at the end of summer 2021, people were sad to see it go. But the good news is they’ve brought in a replacement feature (the new Instagram link sticker) that’s just as easy and efficient with some added benefits.

With the popularity of Instagram Stories only continuing to grow, an option to drive followers to your brand’s website is to add a sticker link directly to your story and we’ll show you how.

Like the late swipe-up function, the sticker link used to only be for the verified or elite accounts with more than 10,000 followers. But as of a few days ago, it’s now available to everyone!

That means you don’t have to be a top tier Instagrammer to be able to share links directly in your Stories. Vive la Revolution!

But Instagram has warned that if people misuse this new found power (spreading misinformation or violating any of the community guidelines), you could lose your link privileges. So, with great power comes great responsibility.

So embrace some change and find out how stickers can help drive traffic to your website, improve your overall marketing strategy, and connect you more seamlessly with your audience without them ever having to leave the App.

What was the Instagram swipe up feature?

The Instagram swipe up feature (RIP) was a tool that allowed brands and influencers to reach their audiences by adding links directly to their Instagram Stories via an arrow at the bottom of their screen that usually said “Swipe up”. It was only accessible to verified users or accounts with over 10K followers. But for those lucky few, it meant no more “link in bio” messages in captions.

In August 2021 Instagram did away with the swipe-up feature and replaced it with the Link Sticker for reasons still unknown. But they did release it to everyone, no matter your follower count.

What is the Instagram link sticker?

You may already be familiar with Instagram stickers for music, questions, locations and polls. Now, there’s also a sticker that lets you add an external link directly to your IG story, without having to direct people to your bio or description.

The Instagram link sticker has a couple of key advantages over the older ‘swipe-up’ link.

It lets you keep track of your metrics to optimize your click-through rate
Instagram users are already familiar with Stickers, so are more likely to click them
There is more creative control over how your Story looks versus with the Swipe Up (which was always placed at the bottom centre)
Stickers allow viewers to engage with a story with replies and reactions (Swipe Up did not!)

Example of an Instagram Link Sticker

How to add a link to an Instagram Story

If you have a business or creator account on Instagram, you can now add links to your Stories instantly and easily. And guess what? You don’t have to have a certain amount of followers either! You can add links to your Stories by using Instagram’s new clickable Sticker Links.

The new Link Stickers are more visible then the swipe up and can be added anywhere you want to put it in your Story (like you would any other sticker). It also shows the first part of the destination link in the sticker itself, allowing for more transparency about where you are sending viewers.

If you don’t have access to link stickers just yet, hang tight. Instagram is still working on rolling this feature out to everyone. Plus, we have a workaround below.

Here’s how to add a link sticker in your Stories:

Step 1: Open up the Instagram app on your device. Press the blue “+” sign on Your Story profile picture or the plus icon on the top right side of the screen.

Step 2: Scroll through your gallery on the left bottom corner to select your Story. Or hit the middle record button (either tap for photo or hold down for video) to create a Story directly. Make sure it says “Story” at the bottom (and not Post, Reels, or Live).

Step 4: Once you’ve created your Story, tap on the ‘Sticker’ icon on the top of the screen. In the sticker menu select the link sticker.

Step 5: Paste your link in the link field.

Step 6: Switch the text and color by tapping on the Sticker.

Once you’re done, post your Story and wait for all the traffic to come pouring into your website.

A link sticker on an Instagram Story from Flight Hub that shows the link preview

How to add a link to Instagram Stories if you don’t have access to the Sticker Link just yet

Even though Instagram has rolled out the sticker function for all its creators, you still might be waiting for access to your Sticker Link. But we’ve got a workaround for you here.

Step 1: Open up Instagram and create or upload a video by hitting the plus sign or uploading an existing one from your media.

Step 2: Type a title like, ‘Get the link’.

Step 3: Paste the link that you want people to click in the caption. Then, post the video to your IGTV.

Step 4: On your feed, tap on the paper plane icon under your new IGTV video.

Step 5: Click on ‘Add video to your Story’ then tap on the link icon provided on the top of your screen.

Step 6: Select the option ‘+ IGTV Video’, then select the IGTV video with the link that you just created.

Step 7: Lastly, hit ‘Done’ and watch the clicks come in! (You won’t be able to see it on your screen, but people will be able to swipe up. They’ll see your video and be able to tap on your link in your IGTV captions.)

How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story (and Customize It)

Want to add a link to your Instagram Story? We have good news and then better news. (And as a bonus, we have a sweet new Instagram Story hack!)

The good news is that even though Instagram has retired its swipe-up feature, you can still add links to Stories using Instagram link stickers.

The even better news is that the 10,000 follower minimum is officially over, when it comes to adding a link in your Story. In theory, EVERYONE has access to link stickers on Instagram now. (Learn more about the update here.)

Which leads us to the other good news: we have a simple hack to customize your link sticker so that it vibes with your brand and design. Read on for all the steps.

Wait, what was the Instagram swipe up feature?

What is the Instagram link sticker?

How to use the Instagram link sticker

Who can use the Instagram link sticker?

How to customize your Instagram link sticker design

Other ways to drive traffic to your website from Instagram

Get your free pack of 72 customizable Instagram Stories templates now. Save time and look professional while promoting your brand in style.

Wait, what was the Instagram swipe up feature?

The Instagram swipe up feature helped brands and influencers reach their audiences and gain more followers by allowing them to add links directly to their Instagram Stories.

Viewers could 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 navigating all the way back to the bio to find that “link in bio.”

But in August 2021 Instagram announced it was retiring the swipe-up feature. Why?

There are a few theories. Perhaps Instagram has secret plans to make Stories move vertically like TikTok, rather than horizontally? The mystery remains unsolved. (Actually, Instagram did give its reasons, which we’ll get to in a second.)

Regardless, the end result is that now users can include links in their Instagram Stories by adding a link sticker, instead.

What is the Instagram link sticker?

The Instagram link sticker replaces the swipe up feature, letting users 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 taps with Instagram analytics.

Instagram says that when it comes to links, the sticker has three major advantages over the swipe-up feature:

Stickers are familiar and popular with users, who use them for music, questions, locations and polls, etc.
Stickers allow more creative control over how a Story looks than swipe up links did.
And most importantly, stickers allow viewers to engage with a Story, whereas the swipe-up feature didn’t allow replies or reactions.

Simply put: just like swipe-up before them, Instagram link stickers are an important tool for any Instagram business strategy.

How to use the Instagram link sticker

Instagram Stories only stay up for 24 hours, but adding a link to your Instagram Story is helpful for increasing your conversions, boosting organic engagement, and making it easier for your followers to access the content you want to share.

Source: Instagram

Here’s how to add a link sticker to your Instagram Story. (Spoiler: it’s the same as any sticker.)

In the Instagram app, tap the plus sign
Select Story (rather than Post, Reel, or Live).
Create your Story using all the gorgeous media you have at your disposal.
Tap the Sticker icon in the top row.
1. Type in the URL
2. Type in the sticker’s text or call to action (eg., Tap to read)
3. Place the sticker on your Story
4. Pinch to resize it
5. Tap to shuffle through the available colour schemes (blue, black, white, beige, etc.)
Then send to your Story, and you’re done!

It’ll look something like this:

Who can use the Instagram link sticker?

As of October 2021, everyone is supposed to have access to the link sticker in their Instagram Stories (not just accounts with more than 10,000 followers).

Of course, as always, a roll-out across a billion accounts takes time, and we’ve heard from many people (including our own social team at Hootsuite!) who still don’t have the sticker popping up in their accounts. If this is the case for your account, all we can advise is to keep your Instagram app up to date and say a prayer. It’ll show up eventually.

And if you’re one of the lucky few who have contacts at Instagram HQ, maybe send those contacts a note?

How to customize your Instagram link sticker design

If you are finding that the Instagram link sticker isn’t living up to your brand’s aesthetic, you’ll be happy to know you can customize it even further 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 just as you usually would
Go to the design app of your choice
Design a sticker that is on-brand, visually pleasing, with a clear CTA (eg. , “Read more” or “Tap here!”)
Export it to your phone as a PNG file with a transparent background
Go back to your Instagram Story draft, and add your custom sticker from your phone’s photo album or files
Place the custom sticker directly over your link sticker

Voila! That’s it: you’ll have perfect aesthetic control over your Story, and people will still be able to tap through.

Pro Tip: Remember to track your Story metrics so you can optimize your click-through rate. If you aren’t getting as many taps as you want, make sure you have a clear call to action, and that you don’t overload one Instagram post with too much information.

Still stumped? Read our five other reasons that your Stories might be failing to convert.

Get your free pack of 72 customizable Instagram Stories templates now. Save time and look professional while promoting your brand in style.

Get the templates now!

Other ways to drive traffic to your website from Instagram

Sharing links with your audience is useful whether your goals are relationship-building or converting. If you don’t have access to the link sticker yet, here are some alternatives:

Link in bio

You’re probably doing this already, but you can add a call to action and a link in the bio section of your Instagram profile. Some IG users choose to put the one specific link they want in their bio or use link shortening tools for customization.

You can also use tools that allow you to host multiple links on one landing page (less updating your links, more conversions!). It’s called an Instagram link tree and it’s very easy to make.

Just remember to say “link in bio” in your caption when you post (we did an experiment, and don’t worry, it won’t hurt your engagement if you say it.)

Use your DMs

Post your Story and let your followers know that they can DM you for a direct link. It’s super easy for them, and a great way to build a relationship with your audience since it might feel even more personal when they receive the link directly from you.

Bonus Tip: Use the DM Me sticker: your followers can get in touch with you in one tap!

Create a poll

Share your content and then create a poll that asks people if they want to be sent the link. All you have to do is check who said ‘yes’ to your poll and you can follow up with a link sent via direct message in the Instagram app.

Ready to start driving traffic to your website from Instagram? Use Hootsuite to schedule Stories, posts, and carousels, engage your audience, and analyze performance—alongside all your other social networks.

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How to swipe on Instagram in Stories, what it is and what it is for

In modern applications, you can switch functions using a swipe, to do this, you need to swipe up, down, left or right on the screen. Instagram is no exception, the social network has built-in options for a quick transition to Stories and Direct. Let's figure out how to make a swipe on Instagram, what is Swipe Up.

Contents

What is swipe and how to use it
Why Swipe Up is useful
How to add a swipe on Instagram
Who can Swipe Up
Examples of using swipe on Instagram

What is a swipe and how to use it

The word Swipe is translated as swipe or swipe . The option is available in mobile devices with touch screens and allows:

to unlock the device;
print messages without taking your finger off the phone display;
zoom in and out photo;
quickly navigate to settings or application features.

Instagram swipe is built in by default. With it, you can open the Direct chat, launch the camera to shoot Stories, change the size of the sticker when editing a photo. The option does not need to be configured or enabled. To quickly navigate, just swipe the screen in the desired direction.

Why Swipe Up is useful

You can add a swipe by yourself. It is usually used in Stories to go to ads or to a site with their own products. To use Swipe Up, you need to launch ads in Stories or add a link to the Internet portal.

When viewing a story, a subscriber can swipe up from the bottom and follow a pre-assigned link. When setting up, you can add a picture with an arrow or a caption. Often, companies use an unusual trick: they add a drawn hair to the publication, when the user tries to brush it off, he instantly clicks on the link.

Important. Using ads in Stories is a paid option. You must have at least 10,000 followers to add links to your posts.

How to swipe on Instagram

How to swipe on Instagram in Stories? To do this, you will have to use third-party services, create a layout and place it in the publication. To create a design for free, you can use the free service Canva .

How to create a design for Stories on Instagram:

Launch a browser on your computer and go to the service using the link.
Create or sign in to an existing account. You can use account 9 to login0048 Facebook and Google .
On the page that opens, select the appropriate option to use Canva .
Click on the search bar and type: "Instagram Story" , click on the search result.
Go to the Downloads tabs and download the photo you want to publish in Stories .
Add promotional text, additional photo, music using the panel on the left.
Download the finished image to your phone. To do this, click on the button with an arrow and select the option "Download" .

The resulting image can be used to attract customers or promotional publications. When adding a story, you need to add a link to the store, this is done using the button in the form of a chain on the panel at the top.

Who can swipe up

To swipe in Stories, you need to open the Story using the icons in the main Instagram window and swipe up from the bottom. After a few seconds, another publication or online store opens.

Users with more than 10,000 followers can create a swipe in Stories. Any member of the social network can follow the created link by swiping up from the bottom of the screen while viewing Stories.

Instagram swipe examples

How to use swipe on Instagram? To do this, you do not need to go to the settings and enable the option. Swipe is available by default and works on phones and tablets with touch screens.

How to use the swipe:

To go to chat Direct swipe the display from right to left. In the window that opens, you can select an interlocutor, send him a text message, record a voice message, send a picture or a link to a publication.
To quickly access Stories and open the camera, swipe the display from left to right. The smartphone will start the camera, using the buttons you can select the recording mode, apply effects, turn the flash on or off. To record a video, press and hold the shutter key, for a photo, click on it.
Using a swipe, you can update the feed . To do this, swipe down on the display. A download icon will appear at the top, new posts will appear in a few seconds.

Instagram swipe is enabled by default. The option allows you to quickly navigate through ads in Stories, open Direct chat, launch the camera, or refresh the feed on the main window. The option does not require getting used to, to launch the desired option, it is enough to swipe the screen in the right direction.

How to swipe up on Instagram Stories

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In this review, we will learn how to swipe up in the history (story) Instagram, what other useful features the indicated function has. And what exactly is this concept?

Not everyone knows that swype is an action that almost every user of absolutely any social network does all the time. And, besides, sliding your finger across the screen of the gadget is also used in the simple management of your own smartphone.

It becomes clear that almost the entire modern smartphone interface on any platform is based on this technique. We open control panels, scroll through icons, activate slide-out sections by sliding across the screen.

The second meaning of this term is different. This is the input of a text message in a given field without taking your finger off the display.

More videos on our channel - learn internet marketing with SEMANTICA

How to swipe up on Instagram Stories, and what it is
How is the link usually used?
How to add a swipe link to Instagram stories, step by step instructions
- Creating stories
- Click "share link"
- Paste the signature
- Decorate and draw attention
How to add a swipe to Instagram stories for IGTV
Who can use the feature
Examples of various solutions
What are the benefits for business
Problems and difficulties when adding

How to swipe up on Instagram stories, and what it is

There are a huge number of possibilities for applying the method in this social network.

For example:

If you swipe from the left side to the right side of the interface, the publishing mode will open. This is where you can instantly record a new video and send it to the audience. Or insert a photo from the helpfully opened album. The reverse motion will, of course, close the section.
From top to bottom, quick access to the gallery. Often used to post new photos.
Analyzing how to make a story on Instagram with a swipe, insert text - we also turn to this method. At any place of the designed image in the story, it is enough to put your finger on the dot, and you can enter your message there.

But the method of quickly redirecting the reader is of particular interest. That is, this is an attached link, which often reveals the essence of the post or gives more information on it, leads to the product purchase page, if it is a selling text. And the transition itself just happens with the help of sliding.

Usually it is attached at the bottom of the message, it has a note - swipe up. If the user performs this action, he will be automatically redirected to the address specified by the author. Accessible and convenient. But this is not the main point, it’s easy to understand how to swipe to a post on Instagram: it’s not enough just to indicate a link in a story. You need to somehow interest the reader before the transition. There are many variations on how to perform such a maneuver. From really interesting content that makes you want to finish reading and go to the site, to tricks in the style of drawn hair on the screen. It is logical to assume that the first intuitive desire of the user will be to swipe it, just by moving up.

How the link is usually used

We already understand that the author's goal is to redirect the reader to some resource, a page on a social network. Accordingly, most often a swipe in the Instagram story is done as a simple transfer of the audience to the product sales channel. If there is such a thing. Otherwise, you can redirect users to get readers to your main page. After all, not always after reading the next publication, the user goes to the profile to see if he missed anything from the last one.

There is also a promotional option. When the target of a link is a resource of another author, his personal page, blog or website. A post is created in which he describes in all colors the achievements of a certain person, tells about the fascinating content that comes out from under his pen. And after all these loud praises, the URL is unobtrusively attached, directing straight to the content.

If the creator of the publication himself enjoys the well-deserved trust of his audience, then it is quite possible that he will become interested and make the transition.

For verification, the question of how to attach a swipe story in Instagram history becomes very relevant. After all, this is not just the main, but practically the only unobtrusive tool for redirecting traffic. Yes, it is always possible to insert the address in comments or signatures. But this is out of the general design of the post, so it looks foreign. And what will seem ugly to the user will not be effective. As practice shows, in the matter of choice, the reader always looks at two key aspects. The first is a call to action, how competent, concise it was. Did he hit the mark? And the type of transition itself, whether it is convenient, whether it looks natural.

How to add a link to a swipe in Instagram stories, step-by-step instructions

From theoretical digressions, let's go directly to practice. Let's see how this action is technically performed. And as it turns out, it's quite simple. The main thing is to determine in advance the content of the post and the purpose of the transition. That is, the publication itself should already contain an adequate reason for visiting the remote resource. The simplest option is an unfinished thought. If reading breaks off at the most interesting place, then you want to continue it. If the thought was quite complete, then a transition is usually created where similar, similar posts are located. Otherwise, the user simply will not be motivated.

That's sorted out. Let's move on to the instruction itself, how to make and add a link in the Instagram story by swiping up, because activation is possible only with this movement. You won't be able to set it up any other way.

Creating stories

What specific content you should upload, we will not advise. It all depends on the direction of your channel, the preferences of active subscribers and many other factors. It can be both photos and videos. Of course, it is very important to make it as interesting as possible. After all, it serves as the main conductor for the sticky link and guarantees the success of the transition. It makes no sense to figure out how to leave a swipe on Instagram if they simply won’t follow it. The story itself can even be considered a wrapper for this action.

And the brighter, more attractive it is, the higher the chance that the subscriber will want to get to the candy hiding under it.

So, uploading a new photo or video, selecting an already created one in the gallery, using a real-time boomerang, there is no difference. The main thing is to create content. The second step is editing. The platform itself provides a huge array of tools. Applying filters, adding effects, processing, embedding labels and pointers. We do everything according to our taste.

Remember that often all the information that goes to subscribers through stories should be different from what is published on a regular basis on the page. No, stylistically it's better to just keep the identical design. But its focus is what must be different. After all, if the regular photos and signatures on the channel are identical, then what is the use of additional infusions of the same information? She won't be interested.

And don't forget about the call to action. Otherwise, a person may not even know that he was thinking about switching to some site. Shut the tape after reading and all.

Let's move on to the next step, how to make a story with a swipe on Instagram, and Instagram, by the way, does not give everyone this chance. Newbies with a new account do not have this feature. The rest go to the next stage.

Click "share link"

In the top bar of the control panel, along with the editing tools, there will be a chain icon. This is the function we are looking for.

And what is remarkable, it is reusable. You have a chance to place not one, but many links at once in the story conditions. It sounds perfect? But we will not do this. The reason is obvious, the more you zealous with this method, the less it will be appreciated by the audience. Yes, and the administration may look disapprovingly. Therefore, it is worth following the rules, once for 4-5 new photos or videos. More often than not, it is illogical and dangerous. Many, having learned how to swipe in Instagram stories, begin to use this method chaotically and in immense quantities. And this leads to only one thing - to a drop in interest from users. Observe the measure.

You can insert two addresses at once, but only in cases where they are accompanied by a whole series of photographs or several different theses in the text.

Insert a signature

After registration, the inscription “more” will be placed at the bottom of the page, as well as a small visual arrow. It is worth saying that the design of the social network itself in this regard is very unobtrusive, visually all this is not too noticeable. That's why we need a signature. It is designed simply to rivet a person's attention to the arrow, to force him to click on the "more" button. This is the main art of how to swipe on Instagram, Instagram Stories gives us every chance to promote this transition on our own.

The signature must be bright. There are many variations:

Informative. We reveal the essence, we give additional instructions. We inform you that by the arrow the user will see the opening hours, the admission schedule and more.
Favorable. We designate discounts, promotions, sales. All aspects of which will be listed below.
Playful. This often works great, a little joke that comically asks for a sliding press. Everyone loves humor, the main thing is that it should be in place.

Decorating and drawing attention

Putting the finishing touches. Check availability:

An interesting content idea.
Call to action.
Signatures.

Feel free to use visual effects. This is an important factor in how to put a swipe on Instagram stories. After all, nothing attracts attention like the appearance of the post.

We are trying to create a single chain of visual effects that will make the reader at least look at the social network arrow. This is already half the battle.

But outright lies are strongly discouraged. If you are telling your audience that you are ready to go for significant discounts or are running an interesting promotion, the details of which they will learn when they visit the main page, then the offer must really exist. And this is not a far-fetched marketing ploy, but a real raffle or markdown of goods. Otherwise, a deceived person not only does not fall for the trick a second time, he can also complain to the administration for spreading false information. And so close to the shadow ban.

How to add a swipe in Instagram stories for IGTV

Obviously, in order to be redirected to the TV platform of the social network, the author himself must have some videos there. Otherwise, it is not only illogical, but also technically impossible. The site simply won't allow you to attach an address.

If we have videos, and what is no less important, they are able to captivate and interest the viewer, we proceed to the instructions for creating:

We open our stories on the social network.
According to the standard, we record video in any of the presented formats. Or we create a photo, and also choose from the existing ones in the gallery.
In the top right corner we will find the corresponding icon to share an image or video.
Selecting IGTV.
In the window that opens, you need to determine which specific video we will send traffic to. And in the same place there is an opportunity to view the preview in order to be sure of your choice.
We agree with what has been done and see that the designated post is now associated with the video. And the paperclip icon itself became white.
If there is a desire, it is permissible to add a different design. With the help of GIF-ok or animation provided by the platform.

Who can use the feature

We learned how to attach a link to Instagram Stories, the swipe turned out to be quite a simple feature, but with great potential. But at the same time, not every client of a social network has access to such a technique.

At the very beginning, the rules of the administration were strict. Only verified accounts could, in principle, share links. The fears are understandable, because if everyone can send traffic from Insta at their own discretion, then soon various scammers will begin to flourish in the vastness of the network. Which usually ends with the theft of passwords, wallets, bank card information and similar difficulties.

But over time, the reins were lowered a little, giving a chance for business accounts with 10,000 subscribers to also use the feature. And what is remarkable, if you issue redirects specifically to IGTV, then you may not have such a huge number of followers. True, in this case, the display will be only for the target audience. So, in terms of business promotion, this is not an ideal strategy.

But to share something interesting with a regular audience - well, that's not bad either.

Therefore, this is an easy way to add a link to Instagram stories, swipe for absolutely any account is available, but only for your own target audience. And plus directly to the IGTV service. The social network in such a simple way is trying to promote this feature, which has not yet become particularly popular.

Examples of different solutions

As already mentioned, there are a huge number of variations. Under the arrow may be hidden:

The second part of the article.
More similar photos.
Main account.
Alien profile.
Shop with products.
Information on discounts and promotions.
Information on work regulations.
Promo codes.

Business benefits

Naturally, the question of how to swipe up on Instagram in Stories is usually of interest to commercial profiles. After all, this is the simplest form of marketing. This is not only redirecting traffic from Insta itself, it is also the creation of a prepared audience.