Instagram Swipe ups – why they are so important and how to make the perfect story!
What are Swipe Ups?
A Swipe Up story allows users to access a direct web link from an Instagram story by swiping up (or tapping the arrow at the bottom of the screen).
Why are they important?
And while this feature may not seem like a big deal initially, it is an extremely valuable resource when used correctly. Why is this? Posting Instagram Stories isn't just another way to get your content in front of your audience; Swipe Ups offer a super easy and effective way for viewers' to actually get to where you're trying to redirect them to. It takes the whole "Check out the link in my bio" out of the equation and instead allows users to see what they want to see without even leaving the Instagram app (Inc.).
Not only is the Swipe Up feature super easy and convenient for viewers, but it's also one of the only places Instagram allows users to add links. While every user can add one clickable link to their bio, if you're looking to redirect your followers to a specific place that's not just your general website, this is challenging. And then, the next question is, how do you even get people to click on the link in your bio? Because nearly everyone these days has a link in their bio, it's nothing special. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a link in someone's bio and thought to yourself, wow, I really want to see what this is?
Probably never, and that's because most people breeze right past them.
Swipe Up links bypass a lot of these problems. It allows users to regularly direct users to new links, and as a result, you can continuously utilize and add UNIQUE links. You are no longer restricted to having to pick one link to represent everything like you are in your bio. And, because Swipe Ups are within a story, as a creator, you can provide context about the link and tell your audience exactly why they need to swipe up on that unique link.
ADDED BONUS: Instagram Swipe Ups also have their own analytics and tell creators how many people followed through with clicking the link.
What are Instagram Swipe Ups good for?
Swipe Ups are great for promoting products, announcing blog posts, providing links to virtual events, and joining a mailing list. Users can even purchase items or give donations without ever leaving Instagram through these links. If you already have an Instagram presence built up or are trying to grow, it’s a no brainer – Swipe Ups are an easy way to increase your website traffic and encourage sales.
How do you get access?
Instagram has opted to keep Swipe Ups as somewhat of an exclusive feature. To gain access, you either have to have 10k followers or be on a verified account. Once you meet either of these requirements, you will automatically have access to this feature (Vulture).
So you've met the requirements and have access to Swipe Ups, what's next? Make a Swipe Up story!
HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT SWIPE UP STORY
Step 1: Go to your newsfeed, swipe right, and make sure you’re in Story mode.
Step 2: Pick the image(s) you want to post or use the camera to take pictures. Then tap next.
Step 3: On the top of the screen, where the various editing tools are, you will want to tap the link icon, located four from the far right.
Step 4: This will pull up a screen that will allow you to add a link. Just tap + Web Link, copy and paste the URL in, and click done. If your Swipe Up is part of a brand partnership, you can also tag the brand while on this screen.
Step 5: We also always recommend adding a GIF to your picture that tells viewers exactly what to do with the link (i.e., to swipe up!). And adding this GIF near the bottom of the screen, where the swipe up is, can also reinforce the message further.
Step 6: Then add your masterpiece to Your Story, and voila, you have a killer Instagram Swipe Up story!
What is your strategy when it comes to Instagram Swipe Ups? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @amr_digital so we can keep up with all of your fabulous Swipe Ups!
Written By: Leah Ross, AMR Digital Marketing, Copywriter