Use the Link sticker: take or upload your story, tap the sticker icon, choose Link and paste the address (Instagram). Every account has had it since October 27, 2021, so there’s no 10,000 follower or verification rule any more. “Swipe up” doesn’t exist either: the Link sticker replaced it on August 30, 2021 (TechCrunch).
Add a link sticker to your story
- Tap +, choose Story, then take or upload a photo or video (Hootsuite).
- Tap the sticker icon in the top bar.
- Tap Link and paste the URL (Instagram).
- Optional: replace the web address on the sticker with your own text, such as “Read the guide” (Social Media Today, Buffer).
- Tap Done, drag the sticker into place, and tap it to switch between color styles (Hootsuite).
- Share it to your story.
The steps are the same on iPhone and Android.
Why you don’t have the Link sticker
Instagram holds it back from two kinds of accounts (Instagram, Engadget):
- new accounts;
- accounts that repeatedly share hate speech, misinformation or other content that breaks the Community Guidelines.
Instagram hasn’t said how new is “new” or how long the limit lasts. If neither applies to you, update the app and look in the sticker tray again.
How many links can one story have?
Guides disagree. Buffer says one link per story, while Linktree and Kapwing say you can place more than one link sticker on the same story (Buffer, Linktree, Kapwing). Try it in your app. With several links, one story per link is clearer for viewers anyway.
See how many people tapped your link
With a professional account, open the story, swipe up and look at Link clicks, the number of people who tapped the sticker (Hootsuite, Linktree). Story insights are also on your professional dashboard (Instagram Help). Personal accounts don’t see this number.
If you want more people to see the story in the first place, our Instagram Story Views go to a public story while it’s still active.
Links in your bio and captions
A profile can show up to five links: Edit profile > Links > Add external link, and drag them to change the order (Instagram Help, TechCrunch). Links in post captions still aren’t clickable for most accounts. In March 2026 Instagram began testing clickable caption links for Meta Verified subscribers (PPC Land).
If the story won’t post at all, see why your Instagram story isn’t uploading.
FAQ
Do I need 10,000 followers to add a link to my story?
No. That rule belonged to swipe up, which ended in 2021. The Link sticker is open to every account except new ones and repeat rule breakers.
Where did swipe up go?
Instagram replaced it with the Link sticker on August 30, 2021.
Can I change what the sticker says?
Yes. You can write your own text instead of the web address and pick a color style.
Can I add a clickable link to a post?
Not for most accounts. Use a story link or your bio links. Clickable caption links are being tested only for Meta Verified subscribers.