How to add a link to Instagram stories [includes PC instructions]

Adding links directly to Instagram Stories has become more accessible with the addition of the Swipe-up option. But it's only available to verified creators and business accounts with over 10 subscribers. However, there is a workaround. Instagram is currently testing a link sticker available to everyone that could completely replace the Swipe-up tool.

Learn how to add links to stories on various devices with Swipe-up, link sticker and other alternatives.

How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story on the iPhone

Up swipe tool

Here's how to add a link using the Swipe Up tool:

1. Launch Instagram and tap the Stories camera.
   
2. Select content to download from the camera roll or take a video or photo.
3. Choose the link icon; it's at the top of the screen.
   
4. Paste the URL and tap Done to complete.
   

Helpful Notes: You can only add one Swipe-up link to a story. When a subscriber views the story, text and an arrow appear at the bottom of the screen. The link will open when they swipe up. This allows you to track link metrics.

Link Sticker

1. Go to Instagram and open the Stories camera.
   
2. Choose content from the camera roll or create something new.
3. Go to the sticker tray and find the link sticker.
   
4. Select the link sticker and paste or type your link on the popup page.
   
5. Drag the sticker to reposition it or pinch it to expand or shrink the sticker.
   
6. Choose your color by tapping the designated icon (currently there are only three colors).
7. Tap Done and you're good to go.
   

Important note: Since the link sticker is still in the testing stage, it may not be available to everyone.

How to Add Instagram Story Link on Android App

Up swipe tool

1. Open the Instagram app, then go to the Stories camera.
   
2. Select videos or photos from your gallery or save new content.
3. Select the link icon and paste the URL into the designated field.
   
4. Tap the tick icon.
   

Business advice: With Instagram Shopping, you can add direct links to products where followers can place an order. Or, you can direct them to your Instagram store.

Link Sticker

1. Launch Instagram and access the Stories camera from the top of the screen.
   
2. Save content or select videos or photos from Gallery.
3. Choose the sticker tray and find the link sticker.
   
4. After selecting the sticker, add your link in the designated field.
   
5. Reposition and resize the sticker to your preference by pinching and dragging.
6. Choose the link color you want and tap the tick icon when done.
   

How to Add a Link to an Instagram Story from PC

Instagram wants you to use the mobile app to upload content, Stories included. However, that doesn't mean you can't link to a story if you're willing to put in a little extra effort. If you really need to use your PC to post, there is a workaround through Google Chrome. You'll need to configure Chrome to access Instagram Stories before you can add links.

1. Open Instagram in Chrome.
   
2. Click the More menu (three vertical dots) in the upper right corner of the browser window.
   
3. Select More Tools from the drop-down menu, then click Developer Tools.
   
4. In the developer window, click the Mobile button.
   
5. Select the type of mobile device you want to use from the drop-down menu in the window toolbar. (The default setting is Responsive)
   
6. Refresh the browser and you will see the chosen mobile interface. The Your Story option will appear, just as if you were using the app.
   

Up swipe tool

The following assumes that you have already launched Instagram mobile through the Chrome browser.

1. Click the Your Stories option to save or download a story.
2. After downloading or saving content, click the link icon.
3. Type or copy-paste the URL.
4. Complete the action by clicking the checkmark or Done.

Notes: You will see Done or a checkmark depending on the type of mobile device selected in the browser toolbar. Checkmark is for Android and Done is for iOS devices.

Link Sticker

1. Select your story and upload or save your content.
2. Click on the sticker tray and navigate to the link sticker.
3. Add your URL in the link sticker window.
4. On a PC, you can only reposition the sticker if you don't have a touchscreen.
5. Select one of the three colors and click the check mark icon.

Advice: Your PC is better at downloading than saving content. The built-in camera may not work well enough.

Remember: Instagram is still testing the link sticker option, so it may not be available on your device.

What if all else fails?

There is an option to add an inactive “Link in bio” sticker and direct users to the links there. But there are a limited number of links allowed, so it might not be the best option for large e-commerce operations, for example.

Linking Stories

There are some limitations to adding links to Instagram stories, especially if you don't have a lot of followers. But then, it shouldn't be that hard to reach 10 subscribers as long as you post quality content.

Also, Instagram can make link stickers available in all areas, which makes link building much easier. In the meantime, you can continue to grow your profile and find creative ways to add links.

Which method do you prefer? How many subscribers were you able to click on the links?

Tell us more in the comments section below.