Instagram may have retired the classic swipe-up feature, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share links in your Stories anymore. Thanks to link stickers, adding a clickable link is easier than ever.

The best part? You no longer need 10,000 followers to use this feature. Instagram has now made link stickers available to everyone, which means creators, businesses, and even everyday users can easily share links right in their Stories.

And here’s a little bonus—we’ll also share a simple Instagram Story hack to help your links grab even more attention.

A Quick Look Back at the Swipe-Up Feature

Before link stickers came along, Instagram had the swipe-up feature. It was a favourite among brands and influencers because it let them add links directly to their Stories. With just a quick swipe, followers could visit a website without leaving the app—or having to track down that “link in bio.”

Instead of hunting down the “link in bio,” viewers could simply swipe up on a Story—or tap the little arrow at the bottom of the screen—to open a link without ever leaving the app.

But in August 2021, Instagram announced that the swipe-up feature was going away. Why? Well, the official explanation came later, but in the meantime, plenty of theories popped up. Whatever the reason, the change led to something new: link stickers. Today, anyone can add a link to their Instagram Story with just a sticker—making it even simpler (and a bit more fun) to share content. The best part is, link stickers are much more flexible than swipe-up ever was. You can place them anywhere, change their style, and even add your own creative twist. They’re also easier for viewers to notice, since the link is right there on the screen. In the end, link stickers give both creators and audiences a smoother, more interactive way to connect.

Using Link Stickers to Share Links in Instagram Stories: If you’re using an Instagram Business or Creator account, you can now share links in your Stories—no matter how many followers you have. Instead of the old swipe-up, you’ll be using Instagram’s link sticker. This clickable sticker is easy to spot and can be placed anywhere on your Story. It even shows part of the link (like the domain), so your followers know exactly where they’re headed. How to Add a Link Sticker to Your Story

1. Open the Instagram Stories sticker tray and tap on the link sticker.

2. Paste your URL into the link field.

3. Customize the look by tapping the sticker to switch up the text and color. Want to Drive Even More Traffic? Use a Clear CTA! If you really want to get people clicking, don't just drop the link sticker and call it a day. Think of it like a friendly invitation. Use a clear call-to-action (CTA) to encourage them, like "Tap to shop," "Swipe up for the recipe," or "Click here to learn more."

Make your CTA impossible to miss by using fun text, arrows, or even a quick voiceover. A clear and inviting message makes all the difference.

A simple prompt can turn casual viewers into real customers. Who Can Add Links to Instagram Stories? The good news—it’s open to everyone now! Instagram used to keep the link feature limited to accounts with 10,000+ followers, but that’s no longer the case. These days, anyone can add a link sticker to their Stories, no matter how big or small their audience is.

Feeling a little underwhelmed by the basic Instagram link sticker? You're in luck—it's super easy to personalize! In a matter of seconds, you can change the look of your link sticker to match your brand and make it feel like a seamless part of your Story, not just a plain button.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Create your Instagram Story and add a regular link sticker.

2. Open your most favourite design app (like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator).

3.Design a custom sticker that matches your brand’s vibe and includes a clear call-to-action (like “Read More” or “Tap Here!”).

4.Export your design as a PNG file with a transparent background.

5.Head back to your Instagram Story draft and upload your custom sticker from your camera roll or files.

6.Place your design directly over the original link sticker.

And there you have it, you get to style your link sticker exactly how you want, while it still works like normal.

You need to check your Story insights often. If clicks getting low, try making your call-to-action more obvious or keep the design simple so it’s easily understood to the people where they should tap. Want more people to notice your Instagram Story link? Try keeping it simple—add a fun GIF, use bright colours, or drop an arrow pointing right at the sticker. Don’t forget to add a clear nudge like "Tap here" or "Check this out" so people know exactly what to do.

And don't forget to give them a clear nudge! Something like "Tap here" or "Check this out" makes it obvious what they should do next.

Bonus: Automate Story Replies with InstantDM Want your Instagram Stories to do more than just look good? The "Instant DM" feature lets you automatically reply to anyone who reacts or replies to your story. With InstantDM, you can automate your Story replies and free up your inbox. Wish you didn't have to answer every Story message by hand? You don't have to! You can set up an automated system that sends an instant, personalized response to anyone who reacts or replies. This is the perfect, no-effort way to share a website link, product details, or a special offer.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer: • Saves you time – No more copy-pasting the same replies over and over. • Keeps the conversation going – Your audience hears back from you right away, even if you’re offline. • More clicks, less effort – Send people straight to your products, services, or landing pages. • Feels personal – You can customize your replies so they sound like you, not a bot. • Helps convert followers into customers – Quick replies often mean quicker sales. With automation taking care of the small stuff, you can focus on creating great content while still building real connections (and sales) through your Stories. Instant DM offers a Free plan (1,500 automations/month), a Legend plan at $6/month, and a Trendsetter plan at $20/month—all with a 7-day free trial, 2 months free on yearly billing, and no credit card needed.

Swipe-Up vs. Link Stickers: Which One’s More User-Friendly? When it comes to usability, link stickers win hands down. The swipe-up gesture wasn't always intuitive, and creators couldn't customize its appearance. Link stickers, on the other hand, are easy to see, can be placed anywhere on a Story, and show part of the link for extra transparency. They also allow us to explore more creative designs, you can style them, reposition them, or even customize your own version. Overall, link stickers are clearer, more engaging, and give both creators and viewers a better experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I add a link to my Instagram Story?
You can add a link by using Instagram’s Link Sticker. Just create a Story → tap the sticker icon → select Link → paste your URL → customize the sticker text. Your followers can then tap it to visit the link.

Can I add multiple links to one Instagram Story?
Instagram only allows one link sticker per story. However, you can use InstantDM’s smart links to direct users to a landing page with multiple buttons/links.

Can I automate replies to story reactions or replies?
Yes. With InstantDM, you can set auto-replies triggered by story replies. For example, if someone reacts ❤️ to your story, InstantDM can send a “Thanks for the love! Here’s a discount link 🎁.”

Is it possible to track clicks on story links?
Instagram Insights shows tap-throughs on story links. If you use InstantDM’s shortened links, you can also see detailed analytics like clicks, sources, and conversions.

Do I need 10K followers to add links in stories?
No. Previously, only accounts with 10K+ followers or verification had the “Swipe Up.” Now all users can add links via the Link Sticker.

Can I connect my story links directly to product DMs?
Yes. With InstantDM, you can add a link that takes users straight into a pre-filled DM conversation, perfect for product inquiries or offers.

How can story auto-replies help me save time?
Instead of manually replying to every story reaction, InstantDM instantly engages with your audience—sending links, offers, or thank-you messages 24/7.