How to Add Links to TikTok Videos

Driving traffic from TikTok isn't just a possibility, it's a powerful growth strategy for brands and creators who know how to use links effectively. This article breaks down exactly how to add clickable links to your TikTok profile and guides you on the best strategies to get your audience to actually click them.

Why Adding a Link to TikTok is a Game-Changer

Before we get into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." A link on your TikTok profile acts as a bridge between your video content and your core business goals. It's your primary tool for converting viewers into customers, subscribers, or followers on other platforms.

• Drive Sales: Send followers directly to product pages, Etsy shops, or affiliate offers.
• Grow Your Email List: Direct users to a signup page for your newsletter or a free download.
• Increase Website Traffic: Get more eyes on your blog posts, portfolio, or main website.
• Cross-Promote Other Social Channels: Funnel your TikTok audience to your YouTube, Instagram, or Twitch channels.

Without a strategic link, your views are just views. With one, every video becomes a potential traffic driver for your brand.

The #1 Way to Add a Link: Your Profile Bio

The most common and effective place to put a clickable link is in your profile bio. This is the central hub where motivated viewers will go when your content inspires them to learn more. However, this feature isn't available to everyone by default. You'll need to have a Business Account.

Step 1: Switch to a TikTok Business Account

If you have a personal account, you'll need to make a quick switch. Don't worry, it's free and only takes a minute.

1. Open the TikTok app and go to your Profile page.
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.
5. TikTok will guide you through a few screens explaining the benefits. Tap Next until you are asked to choose a category that best describes your account (e.g., Media/Entertainment, Beauty, Education & Training).
6. Once you've selected your category, you're all set!

A quick note: One downside of a Business Account is that you may lose access to some of the trending commercial sounds due to music licensing restrictions. For most brands and creators focused on driving traffic, the trade-off is worth it for the analytics and link feature.

Step 2: Add the Clickable Link to Your Bio

Now that you have a Business Account, the website field will be available on your profile.

1. Go to your Profile page.
2. Tap the Edit profile button below your profile picture.
3. Look for the Website field (it should be located under your username and above your bio).
4. Paste your desired URL into the field and tap Save.

That's it! You'll now have a live, clickable link directly on your TikTok profile page.

Addressing the Big Question: Can You Add Links in Video Descriptions?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about TikTok, and the answer is simple: no, you cannot add clickable links directly in the description or caption of a regular TikTok video. If you paste a URL there, it will appear only as plain, non-clickable text.

TikTok is designed to keep users engaged within the app for as long as possible. Allowing external links in every video description would create a mass exodus of user traffic, hurting their core business model. This is why they centralize the single outbound link in the profile bio, forcing creators to be intentional about how they direct their audience.

So, instead of trying to put a link in the description, your goal should be to create a compelling reason for viewers to go to your bio in the first place.

Other Ways to Share Links on TikTok

Beyond the bio, there are a few other specific scenarios where clickable links can appear. These are more specialized but powerful when applicable.

For E-commerce: TikTok Shop

If you sell physical products, TikTok Shop is a revolutionary way to integrate links directly. It allows eligible sellers to tag specific products from their shop in their videos.

When you post a video with a tagged product, a small shopping cart icon and product link will appear just above your username. Viewers can tap this link to see the product details and purchase it directly within the TikTok app.

• Who is it for? E-commerce brands, creators with their own product lines, and affiliates who are part of the TikTok Shop program.
• How to get it: You must apply for TikTok Shop as a seller in an eligible country and meet certain criteria. Once approved, you can sync your product catalog and start tagging products in your videos.

For Advertisers: TikTok Ads

When you pay to promote your content through TikTok Ads Manager, the rules change. Running ads allows you to attach a direct, clickable call-to-action (CTA) button to your video. These buttons can say things like "Shop Now," "Learn More," or "Sign Up" and link directly to your website or a landing page.

• Who is it for? Businesses and brands with a marketing budget looking to scale their reach, generate leads, or drive direct sales.
• How it works: You create and manage campaigns through the TikTok Ads Manager, where you can define your audience, set your budget, and specify the landing page URL for your ad.

Proven Strategies to Get More Clicks on Your Links

Just having a link isn't enough, you need a strategy to drive traffic to it. Making your content and your profile work together is how you turn views into a tangible result.

1. Master the Verbal Call-to-Action (CTA)

The simplest and often most effective method is to directly tell your viewers what to do next. Integrate a verbal CTA naturally into your video's script.

• "If you want this exact recipe, grab the full details at the link in my bio."
• "We just dropped our full summer collection. See it all at the link in our bio to shop."
• "For my full list of a creator's must-have tools, head to the link in my profile."

Clarity is your friend. Don't assume people know where to go. Tell them clearly and concisely.

2. Use On-Screen Text and Stickers

Reinforce your verbal CTA with a visual cue. Use TikTok's text tool to add a message on-screen during the final seconds of your video.

• Add a simple text box that says: "Full guide -> Link in Bio"
• Use an arrow sticker physically pointing towards where your profile photo would be in the UI.
• Some creators even use a dedicated sticker near the end of their video that simply reads "LiNK iN BiO!" to catch the viewer's eye.

3. Pin a Comment with the CTA

The comments section is a hub of engagement. Right after you post your video, add a comment from your own account that restates the call-to-action. Then, pin that comment so it is the first one viewers see.

Example: "You can find all of the products mentioned in this video at the link in my bio! ✨"

4. Optimize Your Link-in-Bio Landing Page

Since you only get one link, make it count. Instead of linking to just one page, use a "link-in-bio" micro-landing page service. These tools allow you to create a simple, mobile-friendly page that hosts multiple links.

Popular choices include:

• Linktree
• Beacons
• StartPage
• Carrd

This allows your one bio link to become a portal to your website, blog, shop, YouTube channel, and newsletter signup all at once, giving visitors the power to choose their own destination.

Final Thoughts

Effectively adding a link to TikTok hinges on one central idea: use your "link in bio" space with a Business Account as your command center, then use your actual video content - through both verbal and visual calls-to-action - to give people a compelling reason to visit it.

Consistently creating content that leads viewers to your link is the most challenging part. It requires planning and a clear content strategy. To keep everything on track, we built Postbase with a visual calendar that helps you plan your TikTok and other social content weeks in advance. Seeing your entire strategy at a glance makes it easier to spot gaps, schedule consistently, and publish your videos without the last-minute scramble, giving you more time to focus on creating videos that actually get clicks.