Instagram, an American photo and video sharing app is reportedly replacing the swipe-up feature for accessing links in stories with stickers. Users have reported receiving a notification in the app informing them of the update, which will take effect on August 30.
The popular feature allows businesses and high-profile creators to lead their story’s viewers to a website where they could learn more about a product, read an article, sign up for a service or do anything else the creator wanted to promote. According to the company, the users who previously had access to the feature will be able to use the new link sticker in place of the “swipe-up” call to action.
The sticker feature had been in testing since June with a small group of users, the company said. However, on August 30, it will become more widely available. Instagram had made an announcement recently which warned creators of the plan to shut down swipe-up links.
Instagram said that it will begin to convert those who currently have access to the swipe-up link to the link sticker starting on August 30, 2021. This will include businesses and creators who are either verified or who have reached the level for follower count (at least 10,000 followers).
The link sticker, like every other sticker in the app, will allow creators to choose between several styles, resize, and then place it wherever on the story for maximum interaction. In addition, just like any other story, viewers will be able to comment and respond to posts with the link sticker attached. Previously, on posts with the swipe-up link, this type of feedback was not possible.
Instagram is considering expanding link access to more accounts in the future, while there is no change in who has access to the link sticker for the time being. However, expanding access must be done with caution because it may risk the app’s integrity and safety, the company said.
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