This is a transcript of a HubSpot YouTube video (presented by Tory) explaining Instagram’s removal of the Story “Swipe up” link and its replacement with link stickers. The video explains differences between the features, benefits of link stickers (creative control, increased engagement), eligibility notes about account size, and practical tips for using link stickers effectively to boost engagement.
As the golden child of social media for marketing, Instagram has plenty of tools that you can use to get a better grasp on your audience's engagement. A major one was recently removed, or should I say swiped out.
Instagram is killing its Swipe up links on stories, replacing it with stickers for users to direct their audience to external websites instead.
In this video, I'm going to show you everything you need to know about this change in order to increase your engagement. I'm Tory from HubSpot. If you like what you hear and want more, make sure you like subscribe and hit that notification bell to hear more. Also, if you're interested in brushing up on all the things you need to use Instagram for business, be sure to check out our brand new ebook collaboration with Talkwalker. How to Use Instagram for Business Link is in the Description when it comes to the removal of the Swipe up feature, here's what you need to know this is about two words External Content if content is king, then the Swipe up feature was like the bridge that brought you to the king. Instagram removed this feature in August in an effort to streamline their sticker selections. You may already be familiar with stickers for music questions, locations and polls. For marketers, the Swipe up feature was an extra cool tool that allowed you to track metrics, optimize your click through rates, and provide a quick way to connect to landing pages. But before you cry your bowl of lost KPIs, I have to ask, was it ever really that good? As great as it was, the Swipe up feature never allowed your viewer to truly interact with your content. If you posted a story with a Swipe up link, your viewers could see it, but they couldn't comment or reply. They also were only for people and brands with 10k followers or a verified account. While there's still an entry level cap in order to be granted access to link stickers, the former head of product at Instagram stated Instagram might be trialing giving the option to small accounts in the near future, particularly those who have a voice and reach on the platform, like activists who need to share resources. The new link stickers are a major upgrade for two major reasons. One, they give you greater creative control. The sticker looks and works the same as the other stickers do. You can change its style, resize it and place it anywhere on your story to make a better impact. 2. More engagement users can receive quick reactions and replies on posts that have the link sticker like any other story that's shared, whereas you couldn't receive feedback or allow for any interaction with the Swipe up link. Speaking of engagement, now that we have access to this new feature, here are three things you should keep in mind when you're trying to build engagement levels to with link stickers. Make it pop. Think bright colors and inviting shapes. Is your brand visually consistent? Use clear CTAs click here tap here like this subscribe to this. People like to be told what to do when they're navigating. Clearly tell them how they need to interact with your content and they will the loss of the Swipe up feature is not the end of the world. The new sticker link option can work just as well you if not better in some cases. A warning Though everyone is so used to the Swipe up feature that the transition will be slow, don't get nervous or discouraged if you see your link sticker numbers failing to grow immediately. Everyone needs to transition and catch on, but when they do, you'll be ready. But what about you? Yeah, you watching this video right now? Have you tried any of these techniques before or are these brand new to you and your brand? Let me know your thoughts or how it went for you. Social media can be a new beast to some and it's always good to hear new tricks, tips and techniques, especially when you feel like your tried and true was removed too soon. Rest in peace Swipe up feature. You'll be missed. As always, that's the info. Do with it what you will leave a like at the door before you leave. Until next time. That's what you need to know. One day I will say link stickers correctly. One day. Speaking of engagement, now that you have a link. Oh hey.
