For a long time, link sharing on Instagram was reserved for verified accounts or those with over 10,000 followers. But times have changed! Instagram now allows everyoneโregardless of follower countโto use link-sharing features, giving creators and businesses more opportunities to engage with their audience.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a creator looking to grow your platform, the ability to add links to your Instagram Stories is a game changer. Hereโs how you can make the most of this feature.
How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Story
Adding a link to your Instagram Story is a breeze with the Link sticker. This clickable sticker allows you to redirect your followers to external websites, products, blog posts, or anywhere else online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
5-Step Process for Adding a Link Sticker
- Capture or upload content: Take a photo or video using the Story camera or upload an existing piece of content.
- Open the sticker tool: Click the sticker icon at the top of your screen (usually the third icon from the right).
- Search for “Link”: Type โLinkโ in the search bar, then select the Link sticker from the options.
- Add the URL: Type in the link you want to share, and click Done.
- Customize the sticker: Move the sticker anywhere on your Story, and tap it to change its color if desired.
Pro Tip: Instagram is continuously improving the feature and is reportedly working on a preview function that will give users a glimpse of the linked page before they click on it.
Mind the Rules: Instagramโs Community Guidelines
While itโs exciting to have access to the link feature, be careful not to violate Instagramโs Community Guidelines. If youโre found in violation of these rules, Instagram may revoke your link-sharing privilegesโor worse, your account may be disabled entirely.
Important Instagram Rules to Keep in Mind
To keep your account safe, follow these key rules:
- Avoid sharing content that could be considered hate speech or misinformation. Repeated violations could result in link-sharing being disabled.
- Respect copyright lawsโdonโt post stolen or unauthorized content.
- Steer clear of posting nudity unless it falls under exceptions like breastfeeding, medical procedures, or protest.
- Donโt engage in follow-for-follow or other inauthentic growth strategies.
- Refrain from promoting illegal activities.
- Avoid any content related to bullying, graphic violence, or sadistic behavior.
If you’re ever unsure about whether a post is safe to share, itโs always better to play it safeโespecially if youโre managing a business account. Keeping your content compliant ensures that your link-sharing privileges and account remain intact.
Need Help with Social Media?
Navigating social mediaโs rules and maximizing its features can feel overwhelming, but thatโs where we come in. At Don Creative Group, we specialize in social media management that helps businesses grow while staying compliant with platform guidelines. If you’re ready to take your Instagram game to the next level, schedule a call with us today!
Kennedi is our Social Media Manager. She ensures all client content exceeds expectations & is ready for each month. Aside from work, Kennedi loves to travel to new places and snuggle with her dog, Jesse!