How to Add a Link to a TikTok Story

Adding a clickable link directly to your TikTok Story is a simple way to drive traffic from your videos to your website, product page, or blog. This guide breaks down exactly how to use the link sticker feature, who is eligible to use it, and what you can do to get more clicks. We’ll also cover some smart alternatives if you don't have the feature yet.

Why Add a Link to Your TikTok Story?

TikTok is designed to keep users inside the app, which can make it challenging to convert viewers into website visitors, leads, or customers. While the "link in bio" is a decent solution, it adds an extra step for your audience. People have to leave your video, go to your profile, find the link, and then click it. That small amount of friction can cause a significant drop-off.

The link sticker feature on TikTok Stories removes that friction almost entirely. It allows you to place a direct, clickable link right on your Story content. Here’s why that matters:

• Drive Direct Traffic: Send followers straight to a new blog post, a specific product, a YouTube video, or a sign-up form.
• Boost Promotions and Sales: Announcing a flash sale or a new product drop? A direct link can dramatically improve conversion rates by capturing interest in the moment.
• Promote Affiliate Links: For creators in affiliate marketing, the sticker is an invaluable tool for seamlessly directing followers to affiliate products and earning commissions.
• Increase Cross-Platform Followings: Easily redirect your TikTok audience to follow you on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, or join your private community on another platform.

Stories are temporary and often feel more immediate and authentic than posts on the For You Page. Placing a link in this casual format can feel like a personal recommendation, encouraging your most engaged followers to take action.

Who is Eligible to Use the Link Sticker?

Before you get started, it's important to know who can actually use this feature. Unlike some other platforms where link access is tied to follower count, TikTok primarily ties its link sticker feature to the type of account you have.

You must have a TikTok Business Account to access the link sticker for Stories.

The good news is that switching to a Business Account is free and easy, and you don’t need a certain number of followers to do it. While personal accounts have access to a wider library of commercial music, Business Accounts get features like the link sticker, website field in the bio, and more robust analytics to help you track performance.

How to Switch to a TikTok Business Account

If you're currently on a personal account, making the switch takes less than a minute. Here’s how:

1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (the hamburger menu) in the top-right corner to open Settings and privacy.
3. Tap on Account.
4. Select Switch to Business Account and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. You'll be asked to choose a category that best describes your brand or content. Pick the one that fits best.

That’s it! Once you’ve switched, the link sticker feature should become available to you in Story mode. If you don't see it immediately, try restarting your app.

How to Add a Link to a TikTok Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have a business account, adding a link is straightforward. The process works just like adding any other sticker, such as a poll or a quiz.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Open the TikTok creation screen. Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen to start a new video.
2. Select "Story" mode. At the bottom, swipe from the default "Camera" mode to the "Story" option. You can also simply record a video under 15 seconds in regular photo or video mode and TikTok will give you the option to post it as a Story.
3. Record or upload your content. Create a new video or photo, or upload one from your camera roll. Your story content can be up to 15 seconds long.
4. Tap the "Stickers" icon. After you've got your media ready, you'll be on the editing screen. On the right-hand side, tap the square sticker icon (it looks like a smiley face peeking off the corner of a square).
5. Find and select the "Link" sticker. In the sticker library, you should see an option with a chain link icon labeled "Link." Tap it to open the link settings.
6. Add your URL and customize the sticker text. A box will appear asking you to paste your URL. After pasting the link, you have the option to customize the text that appears on the sticker itself. Instead of a messy URL, you can write something like "Shop the Look," "New Blog Post," or "Click Here!"
7. Place and resize your sticker. Once you're done, tap "Add." The sticker will appear on your Story. You can then drag it to position it anywhere on the screen, and use two fingers to pinch and zoom to resize it or rotate it.
8. Finish your edits and post. Add any other text, effects, or music you need. When you’re ready, tap "Your Story" to post it live. Viewers can now tap the sticker on your story to go directly to your link.

Best Practices for Getting More Clicks

Just adding a link to your Story isn’t enough. You need to persuade people to actually tap it. Think of your Story as the ad copy and the link as your call to action. Here are some strategies to maximize your clicks.

Use a Strong Verbal and Visual Call to Action (CTA)

Don't assume viewers will see the sticker and know what to do. Guide them explicitly. While recording your story, point toward the area where you'll place the sticker and say something like, "Tap the link right here to get your tickets!" or "You can read the full recipe by clicking the link on top." A verbal cue makes your request impossible to miss.

You can also use TikTok's built-in text or drawing tools to add arrows or circles around the link sticker to draw more attention to it.

Customize Your Sticker Text Wisely

The default text on the sticker will just be the domain name of your link, which isn't very exciting. Always customize the sticker text to be a clear and compelling CTA. Keep it short and actionable.

• Instead of "www.mysite.com/product123", use "Shop This Now"
• Instead of "www.yoursite.com/blog/new-post", use "Read the Full Story"
• Instead of "www.eventbrite.com/signup/12345", use "Register Free"

Give People a Reason to Click

Why should someone leave TikTok to visit your link? Your Story content should build curiosity and create a sense of value. Tease the benefit they’ll get by clicking.

For example, if you're a food blogger linking to a recipe, your Story could be a quick, mouth-watering time-lapse of you making the dish, with a CTA like, "Want the full recipe? Link here for the secret ingredient!" This creates an "information gap" that encourages them to click to find out more.

Send Traffic to a Mobile-Friendly Landing Page

Remember, 100% of the people clicking your link will be on a mobile device. Your landing page *must* be optimized for mobile. If it loads slowly, is difficult to navigate, or requires a lot of zooming, visitors will bounce immediately. Make sure the linked page is clean, fast, and delivers exactly what your Story promised.

What If You Don't Have the Link Sticker Feature?

Sometimes, features on TikTok roll out unevenly by region or are in testing. If you have a Business Account but still don’t see the link sticker, don’t worry. You can still effectively drive traffic using these classic methods:

1. The Classic "Link in Bio": This is still the most common method on TikTok. Put your most important link in your profile's bio field (also only available on Business Accounts). In your videos and stories, constantly remind people to "check the link in my bio!" You can use services like Linktree or Beacons to create a single landing page with multiple links.
2. Use a Memorable Vanity URL: If you are promoting a specific campaign, consider creating a simple, easy-to-remember redirect URL. For example, instead of a long, clunky link, use something like "YourBrand.com/Sale". You can overlay this text directly onto your Story video and mention it verbally. People are much more likely to remember and type this in manually.
3. Direct People to Your DMs: For a more personal touch, you can tell viewers to DM you for the link. This works well for things like free guides, waitlists, or consultation sign-ups. It not only gets them the link but also opens up a direct line of communication with a highly interested follower.

Final Thoughts

Adding a link to your TikTok Story is a powerful way to bridge the gap between your content and your goals, whether that's making a sale, growing your email list, or gaining a new subscriber on another platform. As long as you have a Business Account, the process is as simple as adding any other creative sticker to your content.

While you're creating compelling Stories with clickable links, it’s easy to feel stretched thin trying to manage an entire calendar of videos, Stories, and posts. We've spent years dealing with clunky tools ourselves - apps built for a totally different era of social media. That’s why we created Postbase, a social media management platform designed for the content that matters today: Reels, Shorts, and TikToks. It helps you visually plan your calendar and schedule everything reliably, giving you time back to focus on what you're best at: creating.