Instagram discontinued ‘swipe-up links’ in August and began testing the new ‘link stickers’ for Stories. The Verge reports that the link stickers are rolled out to everyone on the platforms. Now, users can add the link of their favorite restaurant, hangout cafe, retail store, and more in their Stories.
At the time of the announcement, Instagram head of Product Vishal Shah said that link stickers are a more contemporary and simple way to add and share links.
“Plus, stickers, fit more into the current way people use the platform, so he says this test brings links into the same kind of overall system, which from a simplicity of system perspective, also makes a lot of sense.
He adds that link stickers are the eventual goal for Instagram, whether that be for everyone or just people who already have linking privileges. “That is the sort of future system we would like to get to. And that’s what we hope to roll out, if we’re able to make this work.”
Now, everyone can add link stickers to their Instagram Stories
Previously, verified accounts or accounts with 10,000 or more followers were able to add a swipe-up link in their Stories. And Shah said that Instagram link stickers would also be available to accounts with “a voice and presence” to spread awareness. But The Verge reports that the feature is available to everyone on the app and violators promoting hate speech and misinformation will lose the privilege.
According to the social network, link stickers are useful for anyone from businesses linking out to their products to activists linking out to external resources. But Instagram concedes that anyone can benefit from link sharing to engage with their followers. It also says that accounts repeatedly sharing misinformation or hate speech will lose access.
How to add link sticker to Instagram Stories
- Create a Story by capturing a picture, recording a clip, or uploading a media file.
- Tap on the sticker tool on the top navigation bar.
- Then select the ‘link” sticker and enter the URL and simply post the story.
The link stickers feature is one of several new changes introduced on Instagram, recently. Users can upload photos and videos from the web, add music to their Reels, and creators can collaborate with other creators to raise funds.
