How to Add Links to Instagram Stories and Bio
Step-by-step Link sticker and bio link instructions, the rules for new accounts and ads, other places to add links, and how to get people to tap, from Instagram’s Help Center.
In short: create a Story, tap the Sticker icon, choose Link, paste your URL, tap Done, place the sticker and share. Since October 2021 the Link sticker is available to all accounts except new accounts and accounts that repeatedly break the Community Guidelines. Link stickers only work in organic Stories; Story ads use a call-to-action sticker instead. To add links to your bio, go to your profile, tap Edit profile, then Links, then Add external link; Instagram allows up to 5 websites on a profile.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Can everyone add links to Instagram Stories?
Independent guide. Viral In City is an independent social media agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Instagram or Meta. Every rule quoted below comes from Instagram’s or Meta’s own Help Center or official blog, linked so you can check it at the source. Platforms change features often, so confirm details on the linked pages.
Mostly, yes. Links in Stories used to be limited to verified accounts or accounts with a certain number of followers (the old “swipe up”). In October 2021, Instagram announced it was expanding the Link sticker to all accounts, regardless of size (Instagram blog).
There are two exceptions in that announcement: new accounts, and accounts that repeatedly share content that breaks the Community Guidelines (such as hate speech or misinformation), won’t have access to the Link sticker. Instagram also says that not all stickers are available to everyone (Using stickers on Instagram).
Checked 6 October 2026 on Instagram’s Help Center and the official Instagram blog.
How to add a link to an Instagram Story, step by step
- Tap Create at the top or swipe right anywhere in Feed, then scroll to Story.
- Take a photo or video, or swipe up to choose one from your gallery.
- Tap the Sticker icon at the top.
- Tap Link, paste your URL and tap Done.
- Drag the sticker where you want it. Tap the sticker to switch between colour styles.
- Tap Your Story (or Close Friends) to share.
When people tap the link sticker, they go to the linked website (About link sticker on Instagram Stories). Story steps from Share a photo or video to your Instagram story and the Instagram blog.
Many app versions also let you add custom sticker text (for example “Book a table” instead of the web address). Instagram said in its announcement that it was working on customising the sticker so it’s clear where it goes; if you see the option, use it.
How to add links to your Instagram bio, step by step
Instagram’s Help Center says you can add up to 5 websites to your profile, and that anyone, on or off Instagram, can see them (Add a website to your Instagram profile).
- Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
- Tap Edit profile.
- Tap Links, then Add external link, and paste the URL.
- Tap Done, then go back.
To change the order people see: Edit profile > Links > Options > Reorder links, then drag a link up or down and tap Done. To remove a link, tap it and choose Remove link.
Put the link most people need first (booking, menu, shop or WhatsApp), and say in your bio why to tap, for example “Book a table below”. Keep link titles short and clear, and check each link opens on a phone. Our free Instagram bio generator can help with the wording.
Why don’t I see the Link sticker?
- New account: Instagram says new accounts won’t have access. Keep posting normally and check again later.
- Community Guidelines issues: check Account status in the app. Accounts that repeatedly share violating content lose access.
- Old app version: Instagram’s sticker article says to update the app if you don’t see certain stickers (Using stickers on Instagram).
- Region or feature rollout: some stickers aren’t available in every country or to everyone.
- It’s an ad: link stickers only work in organic Stories (see below).
Search the sticker tray for “link” before assuming it’s missing; the tray order changes.
Links in Story ads and partnership ads
Instagram’s Help Center says link stickers can only be used in organic Instagram Stories. Story ads use a default call-to-action sticker that is placed automatically at the bottom of the ad (About link sticker on Instagram Stories).
- To keep the call-to-action sticker from covering your design, Instagram recommends leaving roughly 14% of the top and 20% of the bottom of the creative free from text, logos and other key elements.
- You can’t create partnership ads from Stories that have an organic link sticker. If a creator’s Story will become a partnership ad, the creator shouldn’t add the link sticker; the link is added in Ads Manager instead.
- When you boost a Story in Ads Manager, you can add a link that appears as the call-to-action sticker.
Designing the Story itself? Our Instagram Story size guide covers the 9:16 canvas and safe zones.
Other places to add links on Instagram
| Where | What Instagram allows | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Profile (bio) | Up to 5 websites; anyone can see them; reorder with Options > Reorder links | Add a website to your profile |
| Link page (Meta One) | Up to 20 links with images and titles, plus a shareable link page URL, on eligible Meta One plans; not for teens | Meta Help |
| Live video | One external link (website or WhatsApp) for businesses; limited markets | Meta Business Help |
| Story | Link sticker in organic Stories | Instagram Help |
| Captions and comments | Links in post captions aren’t clickable, so point people to your bio or a Story | What you see in the app |
Bio link steps are in the section above. For lives, see how to go live on Instagram.
Promoting your Instagram offline? Our free QR code generator makes a scannable code for your profile.
How to get more people to tap your Story link
- Tell them why. “Menu for this weekend” or “Free size chart” beats a bare link. Say it in text on the Story.
- Use custom sticker text if your app offers it, so people know where the link goes.
- Put the sticker where thumbs are: the middle of the screen, not hidden behind the reply bar or profile name.
- Build up to the link. Two or three Stories that show the product or offer, then the Story with the link.
- Send people to a mobile-friendly page that matches the Story. If the Story shows a dress, link to that dress, not your home page.
- Add the link to a Highlight if it stays useful, such as booking or a menu, so it keeps working after 24 hours.
Then check which Stories got link taps in your insights and repeat what worked.
Track Story link clicks
- In Instagram: professional accounts can see interactions for each Story, including link taps where shown, in Insights. Our guide on how to read Instagram Insights explains the metrics.
- On your website: add UTM parameters to the link (for example
utm_source=instagram,utm_medium=storyandutm_campaign=diwali) so your analytics tool shows visits from each Story. - Use one link per goal. A separate link for each offer makes results easy to compare.
Build tagged links in seconds with our free UTM link builder; it has presets for Instagram bio and Story links.
Keep your Story links safe and trusted
- Link to your own site or trusted pages. Links must follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines.
- Avoid link shorteners that hide the destination when you can; a clear domain builds trust.
- Check links before posting. A broken link wastes the Story.
- Never ask followers for passwords or codes through a link, and warn them about fake “support” links in DMs.
Common mistakes with Story links
- A sticker with no context, so nobody knows why to tap.
- Covering the sticker with text, GIFs or the bottom reply bar.
- Linking to a slow or desktop-only page.
- Adding a link sticker to a creator Story that will be used as a partnership ad, which blocks it from becoming an ad.
- Putting a URL in the caption of a post and expecting it to be clickable.
Story link ideas for businesses
| Business | Link the Story to |
|---|---|
| Restaurant or café | This week’s menu, table booking, delivery app page |
| Salon or clinic | Online booking, price list, a before-and-after gallery |
| Online shop | The exact product in the Story, a size guide, a new collection |
| Service business | A free consultation form, a case study, a WhatsApp chat link |
| Creator | Your latest YouTube video, a newsletter sign-up, an affiliate product with a clear disclosure |
Plan link Stories into your week so they don’t all land on the same day; our free content calendar generator builds a 30-day plan. For brand deals, Instagram expects paid partnerships to be labelled; see how to make money on Instagram.
Story link checklist before you post
- The link opens on a phone and loads quickly.
- The page matches what the Story shows.
- The sticker text (or the text on the Story) says what people get.
- The sticker isn’t covered by text, GIFs, the reply bar or your profile name.
- UTM tags are added if you want to measure visits.
- The Story is saved to a Highlight if the link stays useful after 24 hours.
Want Stories that bring customers to your site?
We plan, design and post Stories with links, and report on the clicks, as part of monthly Instagram management. Start with a free social media audit or ask for a custom quote. If you prefer chat, message us on WhatsApp at +91 8827409728. See our Instagram management service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need 10,000 followers to add a link to an Instagram Story?
No. That was the old swipe-up rule. In October 2021 Instagram expanded the Link sticker to all accounts, except new accounts and accounts that repeatedly break the Community Guidelines.
How do I add a link to my Instagram Story?
Create a Story, tap the Sticker icon, tap Link, paste your URL, tap Done, place the sticker and share.
Why is the link sticker missing on my Instagram?
Common reasons are a new account, Community Guidelines issues (check Account status), an old app version, or the feature not being available to you yet. Update the app and search the sticker tray for “link”.
Can I use a link sticker in an Instagram Story ad?
No. Instagram says link stickers only work in organic Stories. Story ads get a default call-to-action sticker at the bottom; leave roughly 14% of the top and 20% of the bottom free of key elements.
How many links can I add to my Instagram bio?
Up to 5 websites, according to Instagram’s Help Center. With an eligible Meta One plan, Meta says you can add up to 20 links on a link page.
How do I add a link to my Instagram bio?
Go to your profile, tap Edit profile, tap Links, then Add external link, paste the URL and tap Done. Instagram’s Help Center says you can add up to 5 websites, and you can reorder them under Links > Options > Reorder links.
Can I add a link to an Instagram live?
Meta says businesses can add one external link to a live broadcast, but the feature is currently limited to select markets.
Are links in Instagram captions clickable?
No. Links in post captions aren’t clickable, so point people to your bio links or a Story link sticker instead.
Can I add more than one link sticker to a Story?
Instagram’s Help Center doesn’t state a limit. One clear link per Story usually gets more taps than several competing ones.
Sources
- Instagram Help Center: About link sticker on Instagram Stories
- Instagram blog: Expanding Sharing Links in Stories to Everyone (27 October 2021)
- Instagram Help Center: Share a photo or video to your Instagram story
- Instagram Help Center: Using stickers on Instagram
- Instagram Help Center: Add a website to your Instagram profile
- Meta Help: How to add a link page to your Instagram bio with Meta One
- Meta Business Help: Add an external link to a live video on Instagram
Sources checked on 6 October 2026.
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