How many times have you had to point your Instagram followers to the link in your bio so they can access the latest content or resource that you want to share? First they have to read your Instagram story, make extra efforts to get to your profile, and then actually click your link. This is where the Instagram swipe-up comes in.
Getting your followers on is a lot easier when you can use Instagram’s swipe-up feature to add a link directly to your Instagram story.
Read on to discover:
- What is the Instagram Swipe Up Tool?
- How to get access to the tool
- How to add links to your Instagram story
- Here’s how to add a swipe to your Instagram story even if you don’t have 10,000 followers
- And more!
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What is the Instagram Swipe Up Tool?
The Instagram swipe-up tool revolutionized the way businesses and influencers reached their target audiences and gained more followers by allowing them to add links directly to their Instagram stories. Viewers can swipe up a story or tap an arrow at the bottom of the screen to access a link without leaving the Instagram app or returning to a company’s bio. It’s also an easy way to promote various content and products while providing powerful analytics to optimize posts.
Put simply, swipe up is an essential tool for any Instagram business strategy.
Instagram swipes up requirements
Here’s the catch with this feature: there are certain requirements that you must meet before you can access it.
To use the Instagram swipe-up function, you need to:
OR
- Have a verified account (The blue tick next to a profile that means Instagram has verified that an account is the authentic presence of the public person, celebrity, or global brand it represents)
How to add links to your Instagram story with a swipe up (10,000 followers or verified accounts)
Stories only stay awake for 24 hours. However, adding links to your Instagram Stories is a surefire way to increase your conversions, drive organic engagement, and make it easier for your followers to access the content you want to share.
To add a link to your Instagram story that users can “swipe up”:
1. Log into Instagram and tap the camera icon in the top left of your screen.
Source: Instagram
2. Take a photo or video in the app or choose from your camera roll.
Source: Instagram
3. Tap the link icon in the top center of your screen.
Source: Instagram
4. Paste your link (either a URL or IGTV).
Source: Instagram
5. If you are on an iOS device, tap Done. If you’re using an Android device, tap the green check mark.
There are several ways to add links to your Instagram Stories, including:
Note: You need to enable Instagram Shopping before you can use the last three link options above.
Once you’ve published your first swipe-up, don’t forget to track your metrics so you can tweak them. If you’re not getting as many swipes as you’d like, make sure you have a clear call to action (what should your followers do?) And that you don’t overload a post with too much information.
How to add a swipe-up link to an Instagram story WITHOUT 10,000 followers
If you’re not verified or you don’t have 10,000 followers, don’t fret. You can still add a link to your story using this IGTV workaround:
Here’s how to add a link to your Instagram story if you DON’T have 10,000 followers:
- Create a quick IGTV video that draws users’ attention to the title of your video, i.e. instruct users to tap the title of the video to get the link
- Add the link in your IGTV caption
- Publish the video on your IGTV channel
- Open Instagram Stories now
- Click the Link icon at the top of the screen
- Choose + IGTV video
- Select the IGTV video with the link you just created
And that’s it!
People can swipe up, see your video, and click your link in your IGTV caption.
Would you like a visual demo of this workaround? We show how you can use IGTV to add a swipe-up link to your Instagram story in Hack 3 of the video below:
Other ways to use links on Instagram if you don’t have 10,000 followers
The best advantage of the Instagram swipe up feature is that you can easily share links with your audience. But even if you don’t have 10,000 followers, there are a few alternatives you can try so that you can get your links in front of more eyeballs. This will lead to higher sales and more loyal followers.
(Of course, you can always try to get more Instagram followers.)
Link in bio
You may already be doing this, but you can add a call to action and link in the bio section of your Instagram profile. Some IG users choose to include the link they want in their bio or use link shortening tools for customization.
You can also use tools that allow you to host multiple links on one landing page (fewer updates on your links, more conversions!). It’s called the Instagram link tree and it’s very easy to create.
Just remember to remind people to follow the “link in bio” in your caption when posting.
Use your DMs
Publish your story and let your followers know they can DM you for a direct link. It’s super easy for them and a great way to build a relationship with your audience as it might feel even more personal when they get the link straight from you.
Source: Instagram
Bonus: There’s a relatively new “DM Me” sticker to use on your stories! Add this interactive sticker so your followers can easily tap to reply. Note that if you don’t have access to this sticker, you may need to update your app.
Create a poll
Share your content, then create a poll to ask people if they should be sent the link. All you have to do is check who said yes to your survey and you can use a link sent via direct message on the Instagram app.
Do you want to keep growing your fan base so that you can access the swipe-up function even sooner?
Make sure you:
- Use relevant hashtags to reach new users who are interested in your content
- Write compelling captions that encourage your followers to interact with or share your post
- Promote your Instagram account on other networks and social media platforms
Here are more top tips for growing your Instagram followers organically.
Instagram sweeps up examples
Brands around the world are using the Instagram swipe-up feature in creative ways. Here are some examples of the feature in action that should inspire you.
That’s it! You can use Instagram’s swipe up feature to keep your followers engaged, increase sales, and build deeper relationships.
Are you ready to drive traffic from Instagram to your website? Use Hootsuite to schedule story posts and carousels, engage your audience, and analyze performance – along with all of your other social networks.
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