How to Remove an Instagram Link from a TikTok Bio

Ready to update your TikTok profile and swap out that Instagram link? Whether you're pivoting your brand, launching a new product, or simply tidying up your bio, removing your old Instagram connection is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to unlink your account and offer some strategic advice on what to do with that valuable bio space next.

Why Remove Your Instagram Link from Your TikTok Bio?

Your "link in bio" is arguably the most valuable piece of real estate on your TikTok profile. It’s the single, direct, clickable path you can give your audience to take the next step. While linking to Instagram is a common default, there are several strategic reasons why you might want to reclaim that space for something else. Understanding the "why" can help you make a more intentional decision about your social media presence.

1. To Prioritize a More Important Call-to-Action (CTA)

As a creator or brand, your goals likely evolve. Maybe your initial aim was to grow your Instagram following, but now your focus is on something more impactful - like driving sales, growing an email list, or getting a new app downloaded. Sending your TikTok traffic directly to a sales page, a product landing page, or a newsletter sign-up form is often a much more direct path to achieving your primary business objectives. An Instagram profile adds an extra step (and a potential exit ramp) for users on their journey to conversion.

Example: A small business owner who initially used TikTok to build brand awareness might remove her Instagram link and replace it with a direct link to her Shopify store's newest collection. Her CTA in videos can then change from "Follow me on IG!" to "Shop the new arrivals at the link in my bio!"

2. To Funnel Traffic to a Centralized "Link in Bio" Hub

Why settle for one link when you can have many? Tools like Linktree, Beacons, or even a self-hosted landing page allow you to create a simple hub showcasing all your important links in one place. This is a common and powerful strategy. By unlinking your Instagram account, you can funnel your audience to a page that lists:

• Your website or blog
• Your latest YouTube video
• Affiliate product links
• Your other social media profiles (including Instagram!)
• A lead magnet or free download
• Press features

This approach gives visitors options and allows you to promote multiple initiatives simultaneously without constantly swapping out the single link in your bio. It turns your one link into a gateway for your entire online ecosystem.

3. For a Brand Pivot or Complete Rebranding

Maybe your TikTok has taken on a life of its own, separate from your other social channels. Content that works on TikTok might be completely different from what you post on your more curated Instagram feed. If your personal Instagram is no longer aligned with your professional or creative TikTok brand, separating them makes sense. This helps you build a more cohesive and focused brand identity on TikTok, avoiding any confusion for new followers who might click through to an Instagram account that feels disconnected.

4. For Simplicity and a Cleaner Profile

Sometimes, less is more. A cluttered bio can feel overwhelming. If you’ve found that the traffic from TikTok to Instagram is minimal or doesn't lead to meaningful engagement, removing it cleans up your profile. A bio with a single, clear purpose and minimal distractions can appear more professional and focused. It tells your audience exactly what you want them to do next, without muddying the waters with secondary links that might not serve your main goals.

How to Remove an Instagram Link from Your TikTok Bio: A Step-by-Step Guide

The good news is that unlinking your Instagram account is quick and easy. The process can be completed in under a minute directly within the TikTok app. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Open TikTok and Navigate to Your Profile

First things first, open the TikTok app on your phone. Once it’s open, tap the Profile icon located at the far right of the bottom navigation menu. This will take you to your main profile page where you can see your videos, follower count, and bio.

Step 2: Tap the 'Edit Profile' Button

On your profile page, look for the Edit Profile button. It’s located directly below your profile picture and information (follower, following, and like counts). Tap it to open up all the customization options for your profile.

Step 3: Find the Instagram Link Under 'Social'

Scroll down in the 'Edit Profile' menu until you see the Social section. Here, you'll see a field for Instagram and YouTube. The username of your currently linked Instagram account will be displayed in the Instagram field. This is the link you’re about to remove.

Step 4: Tap on Your Instagram Username

Tap directly on your Instagram username. This will open a confirmation pop-up window at the bottom of your screen asking if you want to unlink your account.

Step 5: Select 'Unlink' to Confirm

The pop-up message will ask, "Unlink Instagram?" with two options: Unlink and Cancel. To proceed, tap Unlink. This action is the final step in removing the connection between your two accounts.

Once you tap 'Unlink', the field in your 'Edit Profile' menu will now say "Add Instagram" again, and the Instagram icon and link will be gone from your public-facing profile. That’s it! Your Instagram account is no longer connected to your TikTok bio.

What to Do After Removing Your Instagram Link

You’ve freed up that prime real estate in your bio - now what? Simply removing the link is only half the job. The next step is to strategically decide what replaces it to best serve your current goals.

1. Add a New, High-Priority Link

Your bio can still have one clickable link. It’s time to add one that aligns with your primary objective. Go back to Edit Profile > Website and paste your new destination URL. Some ideas include:

• A Direct Product Page: If a specific product is trending in your videos, link directly to it to capitalize on the momentum.
• Your Main Website Homepage: Great for general brand awareness and allowing users to discover your brand on their own terms.
• A Newsletter Sign-Up Form: Building an email list is one of the most powerful assets for any creator or business.
• Your "Link in Bio" Hub: As mentioned before, send users to a centralized page with all your important links.
• Your Portfolio or Media Kit: If you're a freelancer or a creator looking for brand deals, this makes it easy for potential partners to see your work.

2. Update Your CTAs Across Your Content

If you've been consistently telling people to "check out more on my Instagram at the link in bio," it's time for an update. Your on-screen text, video captions, and verbal calls-to-action should now direct your audience to your new link. Be very specific.

• Old CTA: "Follow me on IG for more! Link in bio!"
• New CTA (selling a course): "Ready to learn? Get the full course at the link in my bio!"
• New CTA (growing a newsletter): "Download my free guide at the link in my bio!"

Remember to update the CTAs on older, high-performing videos if TikTok allows you to edit the captions. Consistency is all about making the user journey seamless.

3. Announce the Change (If Appropriate)

Sometimes, a change is worth talking about. If you've launched a new website, started a newsletter, or dropped a highly anticipated product, create a dedicated TikTok video about it. Announce your new "link in bio" and tell people exactly why they should go click it. This can drive a huge initial wave of traffic and let your loyal followers know about your new focus.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While the process is usually smooth, you might run into a hiccup. Here are a couple of common issues and how to solve them.

"The 'Unlink' Button is Unresponsive or Missing"

If you tap your Instagram username and nothing happens, try these quick fixes:

• Restart the App: The oldest trick in the book often works best. Completely close the TikTok app and reopen it, then try the process again.
• Check for Updates: Head to the App Store or Google Play Store to see if there’s a new version of TikTok available. An outdated app can sometimes cause glitches.
• Clear Your Cache: In a pinch, you can go to your TikTok settings (Profile > three lines in the top right > Settings and privacy) and scroll down to "Clear cache."

"I Unlinked My Account, but it still shows on Public Profile"

This is usually a temporary caching issue. If you’ve confirmed it’s been unlinked in the 'Edit Profile' menu, but the icon still persists on your main profile page, give it a few minutes. Refresh your profile by pulling down from the top of the screen. As a last resort, restarting your phone should clear it from view.

Final Thoughts

Removing your Instagram link from your TikTok bio is a simple, technical step that opens the door to a more controlled and effective marketing strategy. It allows you to transform your profile from just another social link into a powerful tool for driving traffic exactly where you want it to go.

Having a clear plan for what you link to is just one piece of the puzzle. We built Postbase because managing a consistent plan across TikTok, Instagram, and various other platforms can feel chaotic. Seeing your entire short-form video schedule in one visual calendar helps you create a cohesive brand story, making sure your CTAs and your "link in bio" always align with your content goals for the week.