Instagram will be ending the swipe-up link on Instagram Stories from August 30. This popular feature was used by high-profile creators and businesses to direct Storys viewers to a website that allowed them to learn more about products, read articles, sign up for services, or do any other promotion the creator desired. The company claims that the new Link Sticker will replace the swipe-up call for action.
The company stated that the sticker was in beta testing since June, with only a few users. It will be available to more people starting August 30.
Jane Manchun Wong, an app researcher, first saw the announcement. This alerted creators that they would be closing down swipe-up links.
IG stated that swipe-up links would disappear starting Aug 30, and that I should continue to use the link sticker. However, I checked my Stories Sticker Sheet and I didn't see the link sticker. It was not rolled out to the sheet. Does this mean that I will lose the ability add links to my Stories. Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane), August 23, 2021
Instagram claims it will convert users who have the swipe-up link for the Link Sticker from August 30, 2021. This applies to creators and businesses that have been verified, or who have reached the minimum follower count. Although Instagram does not publicly disclose this number, it is widely believed to be at least 10,000.
The new Link Sticker offers a few key advantages over the old swipe-up link.
It gives creators greater control over their Stories.
The Link Sticker, which is similar to polls, questions, and location stickers allows creators to toggle between different styles and resize the sticker before placing it anywhere on the Story for maximum engagement. A Link Sticker will allow viewers to respond to and react to any post they see. Instagram explained that this type of feedback was not possible before for posts with the swipe up link.
Instagram has not yet made any changes to the Link Sticker's access. However, it says that it is evaluating whether to allow more accounts to have link access in the future. It is important to consider the safety and integrity of the app when expanding access. Bad actors could use Link Sticker to spread misinformation and post spam. If Instagram decides to make link sharing more accessible, the shift to the Link Sticker will be the first step.
The switch from a gesture sticker to a sticker is in keeping with Instagram's current creative direction. Instagram posts now include interactive features in the form stickers. The new Link Sticker joins other stickers already in the app such as music, polls, and donations.
