Instagram now allows anyone to share links in their stories

All Instagram accounts can now share links in their stories, a feature that was previously only available to verified and high-follower accounts.

This is the first time that everyone can share links on Instagram.

If users did not meet Instagram’s previous criteria for sharing links in stories, the only place they could be shared was on their profile page.

Because links cannot be shared in feed posts, it was difficult to use Instagram as a tool for driving website traffic.

Websites such as Twitter and Facebook are more effective in this regard. On those platforms, links can be shared almost anywhere.

Links in Instagram stories have the potential to be a boon for publishers because they are one of the most heavily trafficked sections of the app outside of the main feed.

Here’s more information on Instagram stories links and how they work.

How to Add Links to Instagram Stories

Story links now function a little differently than the swipe-up style of story links you’re used to seeing from brands and influencers.

Story stickers, which can be added to your Instagram story just like any other sticker, are now available to everyone.

Here’s how it’s done:

Add content to your story by capturing it or uploading it.
From the top navigation bar, select the sticker tool.
Tap the “Link” sticker to add the link of your choice, then tap “Done.”
Place the sticker on your story, just like our other stickers, and tap to see color variations.

The sticker currently displays the stylized text of the full URL you’re linking to.

Instagram says it’s working on ways to further customize the sticker so users know exactly what they’ll see when they tap on the link.

The Fine Print

According to Instagram’s Fine Print, story stickers will not be available to new accounts.

That means you can’t just sign up for Instagram and start sharing links right away.

It is not specified what constitutes a “new” account. I believe users will eventually gain access after being an Instagram member for a certain period, but this is something the company needs to clarify.

Furthermore, accounts that consistently post hate speech, misinformation, or content that violates Instagram’s community guidelines will be denied access to link stickers.

If you’ve been a long-time user and followed the rules, you should be fine with link sharing.

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Other Thoughts on Instagram Stories

Instagram stories have a significant reach, though the company hasn’t released updated figures in a few years.

Instagram’s stories are viewed by 500 million users per day, according to data from 2019.

That figure was up 100 million users from the previous year, so it’s safe to assume that several hundred million more people have viewed stories since the last official count.

The fact that stories can now be discovered in Instagram Explore is likely to have had a significant impact on their growth in recent years. Previously, they could only be seen in the carousel of stories.

That update was released in 2019, following the publication of Instagram’s 500 million figure, so it would be very interesting to know how many people are viewing stories today.

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