Instagram Swipe Up feature is being retired and replaced with new Stories tool

But don't worry, Instagram's new feature won't cause you to rethink your entire marketing strategy

In this photo illustration, the social media application logo, Instagram is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on March 15, 2019, Instagram Swipe Up
(Image credit: Chesnot/Getty Images)
Danielle Valente
By Danielle Valente
published

Attention influencers: your Instagram game is about to undergo a few changes. Instagram Swipe Up, the tool used for promoting fun vlogs, new posts and anything else your heart desires on Instagram Stories—will be treated to a makeover. 

But don't sweat it, you don't have to switch up your marketing techniques just yet. Many a user will still be scrolling social media before bed and perusing your content thanks to this transformation. 

Up until August 30, 2021, brands and creators who currently have swipe-up access will then switch over to the platform's new Link Sticker, according to Tech Radar (opens in new tab). A number of users have been experimenting with the tool since June 2021, but come the end of August, even more followers will gain access. 

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Look at this new way of doing things as an opportunity. Rather than simply swipe up, Link Stickers allow you to personalize the look of the slide that you're highlighting. Similar to polls or location tags on Instagram Stories, Link Stickers can be placed in different locations, change in size and so on. Essentially, you'll be able to get a little more creative than before.

Verified accounts and those with roughly 10,000 followers typically have access to the current Instagram Swipe Up feature. Although the social media platform will not give Link Stickers access to accounts that don't already have Swipe Up access, the company is currently reviewing changing its guidelines for those who are allowed to utilize the feature. (Naturally, the main priority is ensuring misinformation does not spread.) 

If you aren't one of the chosen ones, fear not—there's still plenty to uncover on the app. We're personally having a blast combing through our feeds and discovering what the most popular makeup brands on Instagram plan to launch next. 

Danielle Valente
Danielle Valente

Danielle is a writer for woman&home and My Imperfect Life, covering all-things news, lifestyle and entertainment. 


The heart of her time at Future has been devoted to My Imperfect Life, where she's been attuned to the cosmos, new TV shows and relationship trends.  


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids and a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, amNewYork and Newsday, among other outlets. 


When Danielle is not working, you can usually find her reading a book, coffee at hand, or attempting a new recipe. (Recommendations always welcome!)

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