How to Follow Link in Bio on Instagram: A Complete Guide

Instagram has become one of the most powerful social media platforms for individuals and businesses alike. With over a billion active users, it offers incredible opportunities for connection and promotion. However, one of Instagram’s notable limitations is that you can only include one clickable link in your profile – the famous “link in bio.” Understanding how to follow link in bio on Instagram is essential for both users who want to access content and creators who want to maximize their profile’s effectiveness.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Instagram bio links – from following them as a user to optimizing them as a creator. We’ll explore various link in bio tools, troubleshooting common issues, and advanced strategies to make the most of this valuable Instagram real estate.

What Is the “Link in Bio” on Instagram?

Before diving into the specifics of how to follow link in bio on Instagram, it’s important to understand what this feature actually is. Unlike platforms such as Twitter or Facebook where you can include clickable links in posts, Instagram restricts clickable links to just a few places:

Your bio section
Instagram Stories (for accounts with 10,000+ followers or verified accounts)
Direct messages
Paid advertisements

The “link in bio” refers specifically to the single URL you can place in your Instagram profile biography section. This limitation has led to the popular phrase “link in bio” that you’ll often see in post captions, directing followers to click the profile link for more information, products, or content.

How to Follow a Link in Bio on Instagram as a User

If you’re browsing Instagram and see a post with “check link in bio” or similar phrasing, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to follow link in bio on Instagram:

Step 1: Navigate to the User’s Profile

When you see a post mentioning a “link in bio,” you’ll need to visit that user’s profile page. You can do this by:

Tapping on the username at the top of the post
Tapping on their profile picture
Searching for their username in the search bar

Step 2: Locate the Link in Their Bio

Once on their profile page, look at their bio section, which appears below their profile picture and above their content grid. The bio section typically contains:

A brief description
Relevant hashtags
The clickable link (usually appears in blue text)

Step 3: Tap on the Link

Simply tap on the blue hyperlink text. This will open the linked website in Instagram’s in-app browser.

Step 4: Browse the Linked Content

Once the link opens, you can browse the content as you would any website. If you prefer to open the link in your device’s default browser instead of Instagram’s in-app browser, look for the three dots (⋮) or browser icon in the bottom right or top right corner, then select “Open in [Browser Name].”

This process works the same way whether you’re using Instagram on iOS, Android, or through a web browser on desktop.

Common Issues When Following Links in Bio

Sometimes you might encounter problems when trying to follow a link in someone’s bio. Here are some common issues and solutions:

The Link Isn’t Clickable

If the link appears as plain text rather than a clickable hyperlink, there could be several reasons:

The account owner hasn’t properly formatted the URL (it should include “http://” or “https://”)
The Instagram app needs to be updated
There might be a temporary glitch in the app

Solution: Try copying the text manually and pasting it into your browser. If that doesn’t work, you might want to notify the account owner about the issue.

The Link Leads to an Error Page

If clicking the link takes you to an error page, the link might be:

Outdated or broken
Typed incorrectly
Temporarily down

Solution: Try again later or notify the account owner about the broken link.

The Link Opens But Loads Slowly

This is often related to your internet connection or the website itself, not Instagram.

Solution: Check your internet connection, try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa), or attempt to open the link later.

Setting Up Your Own Link in Bio

If you’re a content creator, business owner, or influencer looking to add a link to your own Instagram bio, here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Go to Your Profile

Open Instagram and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.

Step 2: Edit Your Profile

Tap “Edit Profile” below your bio information.

Step 3: Add Your Website Link

In the “Website” field, enter the complete URL you want to share (including https://). This could be:

Your personal website or blog
A specific product page
A landing page
A link to another social platform
A link-in-bio tool (more on these below)

Step 4: Save Your Changes

Tap “Done” (iOS) or the checkmark (Android) in the top right corner to save your changes.

Your link is now live in your bio and can be accessed by anyone visiting your profile.

Link in Bio Tools: Expanding Beyond One Link

One of the biggest limitations of Instagram’s “link in bio” feature is that you can only include one URL. This creates challenges if you want to direct followers to multiple destinations. Fortunately, several third-party services have emerged to solve this problem. These “link in bio” tools allow you to create a custom landing page with multiple links, all accessible through the single link in your Instagram bio.

Setting Up a Link in Bio Tool

While each service has its own specific setup process, here’s a general guide to getting started with a link in bio tool:

Sign up for your chosen service (many offer free basic plans)
Create and customize your landing page
Add the links you want to feature
Copy your unique URL
Paste this URL into your Instagram bio following the steps outlined earlier

Once set up, you can direct followers to “check the link in bio” and they’ll be able to access all your important links from one page.

Advanced Strategies for Link in Bio Optimization

Whether you’re using a direct link or a link in bio tool, there are several strategies to maximize the effectiveness of your Instagram bio link:

Regularly Update Your Link

If you’re not using a link in bio tool, consider regularly updating your link to reflect your most current content or promotion. For example:

When you publish a new blog post, update your link to direct to that post
During a sale, link directly to your sale page
When launching a new product, link to the product page

Just remember to update your captions accordingly, so followers know what to expect when they click.

Use a Clear Call-to-Action

Both in your posts and in your bio itself, use clear language to tell followers what to do and what they’ll get by clicking your link:

“Click the link in my bio to download your free guide”
“Shop our latest collection through the link in bio”
“Read the full story – link in bio”

Track Link Performance

Use link shorteners like Bitly or UTM parameters to track how many people are clicking your link and where they’re coming from. This data can help you understand what types of content drive the most traffic from Instagram.

Optimize Your Link Landing Page

Whether you’re linking to your website or using a link in bio tool, make sure the destination is:

Mobile-friendly (most Instagram browsing happens on mobile)
Fast-loading
Clear and easy to navigate
Visually consistent with your Instagram aesthetic

Consider Instagram Shopping Features

If you’re primarily using your link in bio to sell products, explore Instagram’s native shopping features like Shopping Tags and the Shop tab, which may provide a more seamless experience than directing users off-platform.

Instagram Stories and Link Stickers

While this article focuses on the link in bio feature, it’s worth mentioning that Instagram now offers another way to share links through Stories. Previously limited to accounts with 10,000+ followers or verification, link stickers in Stories are now available to all users regardless of follower count.

How to Add Link Stickers to Stories

Create a new Story by swiping right from your feed or tapping your profile picture
Take or upload a photo or video
Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
Select the “Link” sticker
Enter your URL and tap “Done”
Position and resize the sticker as desired
Share your Story

This feature provides an additional way to direct followers to external content without relying solely on your bio link.

Instagram Link in Bio Best Practices

To maximize the effectiveness of your link in bio, follow these best practices:

Keep It Fresh

Regularly update your link or link page to keep content relevant. Outdated links can frustrate followers and reduce trust.

Prioritize Important Links

If using a link in bio tool, place your most important or timely links at the top where they’re most visible.

Match Your Brand Aesthetic

Customize your link page to match your Instagram visual style for a seamless user experience.

Test Different Approaches

Experiment with different types of links, calls-to-action, and link page layouts to see what drives the most engagement.

Mention the Link in Captions

Regularly remind followers about your link in bio in your post captions, especially when the content directly relates to what you’re linking to.

Include a Link Preview

If possible, give followers a preview of what they’ll find when they click your link. This could be a screenshot in your post or a description in your caption.

Troubleshooting Link in Bio Issues for Creators

If you’re having trouble with your own link in bio as a creator, here are some common issues and solutions:

Link Not Saving

If Instagram isn’t saving your link when you add it to your bio:

Make sure you’re including the full URL with “http://” or “https://”
Check that your URL doesn’t contain any special characters that might cause issues
Try closing and reopening the app
Update your Instagram app to the latest version

Link Appears But Doesn’t Work

If your link appears in your bio but doesn’t open when clicked:

Verify the URL is correct by testing it in a browser
Make sure the linked website is functioning properly
Try removing and re-adding the link

Link in Bio Tool Not Displaying Correctly

If you’re using a link in bio tool and experiencing issues:

Check that your account with the tool is active
Verify that you’ve copied the correct URL to your Instagram bio
Contact the tool’s customer support for specific troubleshooting

The Future of Instagram Links

Instagram’s link policies have evolved over time, and they may continue to change. Here are some developments to watch for:

Expanded Link Options

Instagram has gradually expanded link capabilities, from Stories links for select users to link stickers for everyone. They may continue this trend by allowing more link placements in the future.

In-App Shopping Expansion

As Instagram enhances its shopping features, the platform may reduce the need for external links by allowing more commerce to happen directly within the app.

New Creator Tools

Instagram regularly introduces new features for creators, which could include improved link sharing capabilities or analytics.

Conclusion: Mastering the Link in Bio

Understanding how to follow link in bio on Instagram is essential for both users and creators in today’s social media landscape. For users, knowing how to find and access these links opens up a world of content beyond the Instagram platform. For creators and businesses, optimizing your link in bio strategy can significantly impact your ability to drive traffic, generate leads, and convert followers into customers.

Whether you’re using a simple direct link or a sophisticated link in bio tool, the key is to make the experience as seamless as possible for your followers. By implementing the strategies and best practices outlined in this guide, you can transform this simple feature into a powerful tool for connection and conversion.

Remember that while the link in bio is important, it’s just one element of a successful Instagram strategy. Combine it with engaging content, consistent posting, and authentic interaction to build a truly effective Instagram presence.

Have you found creative ways to use your link in bio? What link in bio tools have worked best for you? Continue experimenting with different approaches to find what resonates most with your unique audience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Link in Bio

Can I put multiple links in my Instagram bio?

Instagram only allows one clickable link in your bio. However, you can use link in bio tools like Linktree, Lnk.Bio, or Tap Bio to create a landing page with multiple links, all accessible through your single bio link.

Why can’t I see someone’s link in bio?

If you can’t see someone’s link in bio, they may not have added one, or there might be a display issue with the app. Try viewing their profile on a different device or through the web version of Instagram.

Do Instagram business accounts get more link options?

Business and Creator accounts don’t get additional bio link options, but they do have access to more features like Instagram Insights and contact buttons. All account types are now able to use link stickers in Stories.

Can I track how many people click my link in bio?

Instagram doesn’t provide native analytics for bio link clicks. However, you can use link shorteners like Bitly or UTM parameters to track clicks. Most link in bio tools also offer analytics as part of their service.

Is it against Instagram’s rules to change my link in bio frequently?

No, you can change your link in bio as often as you like. Many creators update their link regularly to promote their latest content or offerings.

Can I add a link in bio to a personal Instagram account?

Yes, all Instagram account types—personal, business, and creator—can add a link to their bio.