How to Find the Link in Bio on Instagram

Learn how to find the link in bio as well as some tips on how to use it to your advantage.

"Link in bio" is probably in every Instagram post you see—but finding that link in bio on Instagram can be more challenging than it should be. So where can you find this mysterious link in bio—and what does it mean? And if you're intent on creating your own Instagram bio, how do you do it? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the link in bio on Instagram, and how to add your own.

What Does Link in Bio Mean on Instagram?

The link in bio means there is a clickable link in that Instagram account’s main profile that can lead you to their website, product, or any other external page for the full story around that image—but you can't get to it within the actual post caption. (Hence all the confusion around link in bio!)

mobile phone showing Instagram account
Getty Images

The reason this happens? Instagram doesn't like to take you off of their website, so any links embedded directly in posts aren't clickable. So people or companies (like, for instance, Real Simple) will add a link to their bio (where links are allowed) that takes you to a full listing of links related to recent content.

To help you navigate—and ensure you never miss another recipe, story, or list of tips from your IG accounts—here's exactly how to find the link in bio on Instagram. (Note that these specific steps and images cater to a mobile user experience, but they translate easily for desktop Instagram use.)

And if you don't have the time or patience to read every step (or just need a brief refresher), below is a quick and handy Instagram video walk-through:

How to Find the Link in Bio

Fortunately, it's just a few clicks to get you from an Instagram post to the bio—and to the info they want you to see. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Tap the Instagram handle

How to Find and Tap on the Handle in an Instagram Post
@real_simple/Instagram

Once you find an Instagram post you like, look in the upper left corner of your screen for the circular profile photo and account name/handle. In this case, we're using some Real Simple content, so you'd tap the Instagram handle/name to get to the account bio and post grid.

The circular profile photo leads you to Instagram Stories, not the bio.

Step 2: Look for the Link in Bio

Where to Find the Link in Bio on Instagram
@real_simple/Instagram

Once you're in the Instagram bio, look for the link. (It might be mixed in with Emojis, hashtags, and other content that Instagram allows users to put in their bio.) Go ahead and click it!

Step 3: Find the Story You're Looking for

How to Find the Right Link in Bio for a Story
@real_simple/Instagram

Tapping the bio link will open a new window with a secondary grid. This is where you want to be. It will look almost identical to the original image grid, except that each image in this secondary grid leads to an external link. The newer the post, the closer to the top it'll be.

Don't see the post you set out for? Don't panic. Simply scroll down the grid until you find it. When you do, tap or click on it once to open the corresponding link. (If it's not there, they may have forgotten to add a URL to their Instagram post—it happens.)

Step 4: Enjoy the Content

How to Read an Article and Get Back to Instagram
@real_simple/Instagram

We made it! A new link will appear on your screen that's ready to read, share, save, copy, etc. To toggle back to the secondary grid and read more bio links (we won't stop you), tap the back arrow in the bottom left corner of your screen; to return completely to the account's main Instagram page, hit the X in the upper left corner.

How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Bio

If you want to add links to your own Instagram bio (or just update your profile in general), it's easy to do.

Step 1: Go to your profile page and tap "Edit Profile"

Instgram Edit Profile Button

Real Simple

On your personal Instagram profile page, you'll see a button beneath your photo that says "Edit Profile." Go ahead and click it.

Step 2: Click on the Links section

Links Instagram

Real Simple

On the Edit Profile page, you'l see different fields where you can add or change your name, user name, links, and bio information. Click on the section that says "Links."

Step 3: Add your link and click done

add link to instagram

Real Simple

Copy and paste or type your URL into the URL slot, and add a title for the link in the space beneath it. Tap the "Done" button to save the changes you've made.

You can add one link to the Profile field. But if you want to include multiple links (like we do at Real Simple), you'll need to sign up for a service that creates those, such as Linktree, Lnk.Bio, or Feedlink. You may need to pay a few dollars a month to create the link page.

How to Use Instagram Link in Bio

Adding links to your Instagram bio can be a great way to share the things you love—and it's especially great for promoting your own business (or starting a career as an Instagram influencer).

You can use it send people to other accounts or sites linked to yours, so you can share content that they may like. For instance:

Use it to promote your products or services (or yourself)

If you're selling something, a link in bio can connect people directly to what you want them to see. You can use it to share upcoming sales or promos, share new launches or best-selling products, or offer free samples.

If you're job hunting, you could also use the link in bio to link to your personal website, resume, or LinkedIn account to help people get in touch.

Share content you've created (or that you really like)

Have a new episode of your podcast, or a great new blog post you created? Pop that in the link in bio to help people keep up with the latest things you've created.

Feature contests or giveaways

Who wouldn't want an opportunity to win something? Your Instagram link in bio is the perfect place to promote a giveaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the benefits of putting a link in your bio?

    Putting a link in your bio can be very helpful if you want to drive traffic to your business or personal pages. It also helps people find more information about you easily instead of searching for it in other ways.

  • How often should you change the link in your bio?

    There's no need to change the link in your bio unless you want to drive traffic to a different site. You can change it as frequently (infrequently) as you like depending on your own personal preference.

  • Is having a link in your bio important?

    A link in your bio lets people learn more about you, whether it's a personal business, a hub for your writing or artwork, or other outside ventures. But it is not mandatory. Think of it as an extension of your page, where people can get more information.

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