In their continued efforts to improve Stories interaction, Instagram is making changes to how external links are shared on Stories. By now, we’re all accustomed to the Swipe-Up feature, but the social media giants will be replacing it with a new Link Stickers feature. This change will be in effect from August 30th onwards.
According to reports, those who can currently access swipe-up links will revert to the link sticker instead, which app executives believe will bring a range of benefits:
- Streamlined Stories Creation: Stories stickers help brands be more expressive. This is evident from the success of other existing stickers like Donation, Music and Polls. Soon brands will be able to do the same with Links.
- Increased Creative Control: The link sticker bearing similar features to the other stickers gives Creators more control. You will have the freedom of toggling it to different styles, resizing it and placing it anywhere across the screen where you think would maximize its impact.
- More Engagement: One of the main contributors to the popularity of Stories is its interactivity. Right now, although links can direct users to different links, they cannot engage with you on that particular story. Link stories is set to eliminate this as it would give users the opportunity to send in quick reactions and replies and will ultimately help brands improve engagement.
Based on these, it is apparent that this feature would be an improvement. Granted, it may take time for users to get used to it, the feature will definitely be an upgrade on the swipe-up option. For one, it will allow more prominent placement of a link within the Story frame, as opposed to the prompt being right at the bottom of the screen in its counterpart. Creators will also have the freedom to incorporate unique design elements on their visuals with this sticker.
It remains to be seen if Instagram will make the option available to all users or it will remain exclusive to verified profiles and users with over 10,000 followers, as is the case with the current Swipe-up option. The concern with this is maintaining the integrity and safety of the feature and the app as a whole as well. Instagram wants to make sure it doesn’t become another surface for spreading misinformation and spam, and therefore will continue to keep a watchful eye on the links shared using the sticker.
All in all, it’s a new way to share links on Stories and a new window of opportunity for brands to refer users to their respective websites. So, get ready to experiment with optimal link sticker placement to drive maximum results.
If you’re looking for further guidance on this and improving your brand presence, contact our Creative Digital experts at Seven Media by calling us on 076 629 0442.
