Instagram launches new features every now and then to make the app easy to use and make a variety of features available to the users. One among these is the “Swipe up” feature. Initially, website links were tagged in stories, but this feature made the users just skip the stories instead of clicking on the link. With respect to business pages, another feature was introduced to link the website, blog or app link so that people can simply swipe up from the page, open the link and continue to browse the content. This feature was introduced back in 2017.
At the start, only accounts with 10,000 followers and more were allowed to use this feature. Any account with less number of followers was not at liberty to use this feature. In 2021, Instagram replaced the Swipe Up feature with Link Stickers, which are available to all users regardless of follower count.
How to use the Swipe Up Feature –
- Open the Instagram app, swipe right from your feed or tap your profile picture to create a new Story.
- Capture a photo or video, or upload content from your gallery.
- Tap the sticker icon (smiley face) at the top of the screen.
- Select the “Link” sticker.
- Enter the URL you want to link to and customize the sticker text if desired.
- Place the sticker on your Story where it’s visible and accessible.
- Add any additional text, stickers, or effects to make your Story engaging.
- Ensure you include a call-to-action (CTA) like “Swipe Up” or “Tap Here” to encourage interaction.
- Tap “Your Story” to share it with your followers.
Benefits of Swipe Up feature –
- Bloggers and publishers used the Swipe Up feature to direct followers to their latest blog posts, news articles, or other content, increasing readership and engagement.
- Businesses link to their websites to provide more information about their products, services, or company updates.
- Online retailers used Swipe Up to link directly to product pages, making it easier for followers to shop and increasing conversion rates.
- Brands highlighted new product releases, directing followers to learn more or make a purchase.
- Businesses promoted special offers, sales events, and discount codes, driving immediate traffic to their e-commerce sites.
- Content creators linked to their latest videos or podcast episodes, driving traffic to other platforms.
- Musicians and artists direct followers to their latest songs or albums on streaming platforms.
- Companies and influencers promoted upcoming webinars, workshops, or live events by linking to registration pages or event details.
- Event organizers used Swipe Up to share information about physical events, such as concerts, meet-and-greets, or conferences.
- Influencers used the Swipe Up feature to share affiliate links for products they endorsed, earning commissions through tracked sales.
- Brands and influencers collaborated on sponsored Stories, directing followers to the brand’s website or specific product pages.
- Charities and nonprofits used Swipe Up to link to donation pages, campaign details, or informational resources, facilitating easier contributions.
- Individuals and organizations promoted crowdfunding campaigns, linking directly to platforms.
- Creators shared detailed tutorials and how-to guides on external sites or platforms, providing followers with valuable information.
- Businesses and influencers linked to surveys or feedback forms to gather insights from their audience.
- Brands created interactive campaigns, directing followers to participate in challenges, contests, or quizzes hosted on external sites.
- Companies and creators used Swipe Up to direct followers to sign-up forms for their newsletters, building their email marketing lists.
- Influencers and brands used the feature to highlight collaborations, linking to partnered products or co-branded content.