Instagram allows all its users to share external links in their stories via link stickers. This feature represents a major growth lever for influencer marketing, particularly for nano-influencers and small businesses looking to convert their audience with affiliation.

The end of swipe-up: an opportunity for all designers

Previously, redirection to an external site was limited to the “swipe-up” function, reserved for certified accounts or those with more than 10,000 subscribers. This technical barrier penalized smaller creators with highly engaged communities.

Today, Instagram has democratized this access. The link sticker replaces the old swipe-up and offers total flexibility:

  • Greater visibility: the sticker can be placed anywhere on the image or video.
  • Customization: you can modify the text displayed (the CTA) and the colors to suit your corporate identity.
  • Interactivity: unlike swipe-up, subscribers can react or reply to a story containing a link sticker.

Why nano-influencers are the big winners

Modern influencer marketing is all about authenticity. Nano-influencers often enjoy higher engagement rates than macro-influencers. Thanks to the link sticker, they can now monetize their expertise by directly redirecting their audience to product or service sheets, without relying solely on the single link in their biography.

Practical guide: add a link sticker and optimize your conversions

To embed a link in your story, follow these simple steps:

  1. Create your content (photo or video) in the story tab.
  2. Select the stickers tool in the top navigation bar.
  3. Press the “Link” sticker and insert the URL of your choice.
  4. Personalize the link text to encourage clicks (e.g. “Take advantage of the offer” or “Discover the product”).

Expert tip: if your stories only last 24 hours, consider saving them in your highlights stories. You can also couple this strategy with a multi-link biography tool to centralize your permanent recommendations.

Maximize your income with affiliation and tracked links

The use of link stickers makes perfect sense as part of an affiliation strategy. By sharing tracked links, you can generate commissions on every sale made via your recommendation.

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Last Updated: 7 January 2026Published On: 10 December 2021Categories: Advice for publishers and designers