How to Change a Link Name on Instagram

Your Instagram bio link feels deceptively simple, but that little line of text is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on your entire profile. Changing the link name from a clunky, generic URL to something clean, clear, and branded is a small tweak that delivers a major impact. This guide will show you exactly how to change your Instagram link name, why it's worth your time, and the different strategies you can use to make your link work harder for you.

Why Your Instagram Link Name Is So Important

That single URL in your bio is the primary bridge between your Instagram content and your business goals - whether that’s driving traffic, selling products, or growing your email list. The way that link looks directly influences whether people will click it. A clean, custom link name does three things exceptionally well: builds trust, reinforces your brand, and boosts your click-through rate.

1. It Builds Trust and Credibility

Imagine seeing two links. One is a long, messy string of random numbers and letters, like etsy.com/shop/item/84?ref=12z9x8c7&.... The other is clean and simple, like YourBrand.shop/NewArrivals. Which one do you trust more? Most people will hesitate before clicking the first link. It looks potentially spammy and gives no clue as to where it leads. A customized, branded link, on the other hand, looks professional and signals that you’re serious about your business. It tells your audience exactly where they are going, removing friction and building the confidence needed to tap through.

2. It Reinforces Your Brand Identity

Every time someone sees your link, it’s a touchpoint for your brand. Using a generic URL shortener like bit.ly/3xY7zAbc is a missed opportunity. But using a branded link like YourCafe.com/Menu or Samanthas.blog/LatestPost keeps your brand name front and center. This consistent branding strengthens recognition and makes your entire profile feel more cohesive and professional. It’s a subtle but powerful way to own your online presence.

3. It Increases Click-Through Rates

Ultimately, the goal is to get people to click. According to data from Rebrandly, branded links can increase click-through rates by up to 39% compared to generic short URLs. Why? Because they are more memorable and trustworthy. When you repeatedly tell your followers to “tap the link in our bio,” a call-to-action is much more effective when the link itself is clear and relevant. A link named HealthyEats.co/FreeMealPlan is far more compelling than a random URL when you've just posted a Reel about healthy recipes.

How to Change Your Instagram Link: An Important Distinction

Let's clarify what changing your "link name" means on Instagram, as there are two parts to it. In 2024, Instagram allows you to add both a URL (the actual web address) and a Title (the visible text people see).

• The URL is the functional address. This is what we want to customize to be short, branded, and trustworthy.
• The Title is the descriptive text that can explain the link. For example, your Title could be "Shop Our Latest Collection!" while the URL is yourbrand.co/shop.

Instagram's native editor lets you change the Title easily, but it has no ability to change the URL itself. To create a clean, branded URL, you’ll need to use an external tool first. We'll cover both steps below.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Instagram Link Name

Creating a custom URL and adding it to your profile is a straightforward process. Here's how to do it efficiently using a URL shortener - an essential tool for any serious marketer or creator.

Part 1: Creating Your Custom, Branded URL

Since Instagram doesn't let you edit a URL directly, you need to create your attractive link before you add it to your profile. This is where URL shorteners come in. Tools like Bitly, TinyURL, or Rebrandly are great for this. For this example, we’ll use Bitly, as its free plan is often enough to get started.

Action Steps:

1. Choose a Destination URL: First, decide where you want to send people. This could be your homepage, a product page, a blog post, your YouTube channel, or a signup form. For this example, let's say our destination is https://www.myfashionshop.com/collections/summer-sale-2024.
2. Go to a URL Shortener Website: Head over to Bitly.com and create a free account if you don't already have one.
3. Create Your New Link: Look for a button that says "Create new" or "Create link." Paste your long, original URL into the destination box.
4. Customize the Back-Half: Now for the important part. By default, Bitly will spit out a generic link like bit.ly/3bV9Rst. But you'll see a field where you can customize the "back-half" of the URL. Replace the random characters with something descriptive and clean.
   • Poor Example: bit.ly/sale2024summer (Generic)
   • Good Example: bit.ly/MyFashionShopSale (Branded and Clear)
   Click "Save." If that custom name is already taken, you may need to try a few variations.
5. (Optional Advanced Step) Use a Custom Domain: For maximum professionalism, paid plans on services like Bitly allow you to replace the "bit.ly" part with your own domain. This lets you create links like yourbrand.co/SummerSale. This is the gold standard for branded links and is highly recommended as your brand grows.
6. Copy Your New Link: Once saved, copy your fancy new URL (e.g., bit.ly/MyFashionShopSale). You're now ready to add it to your Instagram profile.

Part 2: Adding Your New URL and Title to Your Instagram Bio

With your custom link copied, it's time to put it in your bio. Follow these quick steps within the Instagram app.

Action Steps:

1. Open Your Instagram Profile: Navigate to your main profile page in the app.
2. Tap "Edit Profile": This button is located right below your bio.
3. Select "Links": In the "Edit Profile" menu, you'll see a "Links" option. Tap it.
4. Tap "Add External Link": If you already have a link, you can tap on it to edit. If not, select "Add external link."
5. Paste Your Custom URL: In the URL field, paste the clean marketer-friendly link you just created (e.g., bit.ly/MyFashionShopSale).
6. Add a Title: In the "Title" field, write a clear call-to-action. This is the text people will see. Make it compelling!
   • Examples: "Shop the Summer Sale! ☀️" or "Read My Latest Blog Post" or "Get Your Free Guide"
   This combination gives you the best of both worlds: a clear Title to encourage clicks and a trustworthy, branded URL underneath it.
7. Save Your Changes: Tap the checkmark or "Done" button at the top right to save. That's it! Your profile is now updated with a professional link.

Link-in-Bio Tools: When You Need More Than One Link

What if you want to promote your new blog post, your top-selling product, and your YouTube channel all at once? That’s where "link in bio" tools like Linktree, Later, or Beacons come in. These services help you create a simple, mobile-friendly landing page that houses all of your important links.

How They Work:

Instead of sending users to one final destination, you send them to a personalized link-in-bio page. Your bio link would become something like linktr.ee/yourbrandname. When users click it, they see a clean list of buttons taking them to various destinations.

Pros:

• Great for creators and brands with multiple calls-to-action.
• Highly customizable with brand colors, logos, and layouts.
• Keeps your bio link consistent, you only update the links on the landing page, not the URL in your bio.

Cons:

• Adds an extra click for the user, which can lead to a drop in conversions.
• The free versions often include the tool's branding, which can look less professional than a fully owned domain.

Best Practices for Your Instagram Link in Bio

Regardless of the tool you use, here are some key principles to follow for your link-in-bio strategy:

• Keep It Relevant: Your bio link should align with your most recent content. If you recently posted a Reel about a new product, update your link to send users directly to that product's page.
• Make It Memorable: Your custom URL should be easy to say and recall. Use clear, simple phrasing related to your brand or the specific offer.
• Use a Clear CTA: Don’t just paste a link and hope for the best. Use the link title and surrounding bio text to tell people exactly why they should click and what value they’ll get.
• Check Your Analytics: Most link shorteners and link-in-bio tools offer analytics. Use them to see which links are being clicked the most. This is invaluable information for understanding what drives your audience to take action.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Instagram link name from a default URL to a branded one is a simple and effective tactic that builds trust, enhances your brand, and encourages more of your followers to engage with your content. Whether you use a simple URL shortener for one link or a full link-in-bio tool, you gain control over a critical touchpoint, turning it into a powerful marketing asset.

When you're promoting your amazing content in campaigns that rely on that bio link, having a well-planned content schedule is crucial. At Postbase, we built a platform designed to simplify the chaos of social media scheduling. You can plan your entire content calendar in one place, ensuring your promotional posts go live at the perfect time to support the link in your bio. This creates a cohesive strategy and lets you focus on creating great content, not scrambling to publish it.