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How to Put a Link on Snapchat: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to put a link on Snapchat? Excellent! You’re looking to leverage one of the most engaging social media platforms for marketing, sharing, or simply spreading the word. The short answer: you need to have a verified account or be a Snapchat Plus subscriber. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how to do it, and everything else you need to know.

The “Swipe Up” Era: Link Attachment for Verified Accounts and Snapchat+

For years, the holy grail of Snapchat marketing was the “swipe up” link. Thankfully, the process has been streamlined. Now, instead of a “swipe up,” users tap on a paperclip icon or a link sticker. The crucial factor remains: you need either a verified account or a subscription to Snapchat Plus.

How to Add a Link with Snapchat Plus

Snapchat Plus, Snapchat’s subscription service, provides access to exclusive features, including the ability to add links to your Snaps and Stories without needing a verified account. This opens up a world of possibilities for smaller businesses, influencers who are still growing, and even individual users looking to share content directly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Create Your Snap or Story: As usual, start by capturing your photo or video, or upload it from your camera roll.
Access the Sticker Menu: Tap the sticker icon on the right-hand side of the screen. This will open the sticker menu.
Find the “Link” Sticker: Scroll through the stickers until you find the paperclip or the “Link” sticker. (The appearance may vary slightly depending on updates.)
Enter Your URL: Tap the sticker, and a field will appear where you can enter your desired URL. Double-check the URL for accuracy! A typo will lead users to a dead end.
Customize the Sticker (Optional): Some versions allow you to customize the sticker’s text, giving users a clear idea of what they’ll find when they click. Use this to your advantage! “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Read the Article” – be specific.
Position and Resize the Sticker: Drag and pinch the sticker to place it where it’s visually appealing and doesn’t obstruct important parts of your Snap.
Post Your Snap or Story: Send your Snap to friends or post it to your Story. When viewers tap the sticker, they’ll be taken directly to your linked website.

How to Add a Link with a Verified Account

Having a verified Snapchat account unlocks the same link-adding capabilities as Snapchat Plus. The process is identical to the one outlined above. The key difference is that you’ve met Snapchat’s requirements for verification, which typically involve a significant and engaged following, authentic content, and adherence to Snapchat’s community guidelines.

Beyond Links: Driving Traffic Without Direct URLs

While directly embedding links is the most straightforward approach, there are alternative strategies to consider, especially if you don’t have Snapchat Plus or a verified account.

Creative Content Teasers: Use your Snaps and Stories to create engaging teasers that drive users to your other social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, etc.), where you can easily post links. “Check out the full video on my YouTube channel! Link in bio on Insta!”
Brand Awareness & Call to Action: Focus on building brand awareness and incorporating strong calls to action. Even without a direct link, you can encourage users to search for your brand or product online. “Visit our website at [YourBrand.com] to learn more!”
Run Contests and Giveaways: Promote contests and giveaways that require users to visit your website or other social media profiles to enter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does it mean to have a “verified” Snapchat account?

A verified Snapchat account is a profile that has been officially recognized by Snapchat as the authentic presence of a public figure, celebrity, brand, or organization. Verification helps users distinguish genuine accounts from imposters. Look for the verified badge next to the username.

2. How do I get my Snapchat account verified?

Getting verified is challenging. Snapchat doesn’t offer a public application process. They typically reach out to accounts that meet specific criteria: high follower counts, consistent engagement, authentic content, and adherence to their community guidelines. Building a strong presence on other platforms can sometimes help your case.

3. How much does Snapchat Plus cost?

The price of Snapchat Plus varies slightly depending on your region and billing cycle, but it’s generally around $3.99 – $4.99 per month.

4. Is Snapchat Plus worth it for adding links?

That depends on your needs. If adding links is crucial to your strategy and you don’t qualify for verification, Snapchat Plus offers a cost-effective solution. Evaluate whether the price aligns with the potential return on investment for your link-based activities.

5. Can I add links to my profile or bio on Snapchat?

No, Snapchat doesn’t allow users to add clickable links directly to their profiles or bios. The link functionality is specifically for Snaps and Stories.

6. What kind of links can I add to Snapchat?

You can add links to virtually any website, including your website, blog posts, product pages, YouTube videos, articles, and more. Ensure the links are relevant and provide value to your audience. Avoid sharing spam or misleading links.

7. Why can’t I see the link sticker on my Snapchat?

If you don’t see the link sticker, it’s most likely because you don’t have a verified account or a Snapchat Plus subscription. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version, and if you have a subscription, ensure it’s active and in good standing.

8. Are there any restrictions on the type of content I can link to?

Yes. Snapchat’s Community Guidelines apply to everything you share, including links. Avoid linking to content that is illegal, harmful, offensive, or violates their terms of service. This includes promoting scams, misinformation, or inappropriate content.

9. How can I track the performance of my Snapchat links?

Snapchat Insights provides basic analytics about your Story views and engagement. However, it doesn’t directly track clicks on your links. To track link performance effectively, consider using a URL shortener with tracking capabilities (like Bitly or TinyURL). This allows you to monitor how many people are clicking your links from Snapchat.

10. Can I add affiliate links to my Snapchat?

Yes, you can add affiliate links to your Snapchat, provided that you adhere to Snapchat’s Community Guidelines and are transparent about your affiliate relationship. Consider adding a disclaimer like “#ad” or “#sponsored” to indicate that you may earn a commission from purchases made through your link.

11. Does Snapchat allow linking to competitor’s websites?

While not explicitly prohibited, linking to competitors’ websites isn’t generally recommended for marketing purposes. Focus on driving traffic to your own website or relevant content that supports your brand.

12. What are some creative ways to use links on Snapchat?

Beyond simply sharing links to your website, consider these creative approaches:

Exclusive Offers & Discounts: Share a link to a limited-time offer or discount code exclusively for your Snapchat followers.
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give your followers a sneak peek behind the scenes of your business or creative process with a link to a blog post or video.
Interactive Polls & Quizzes: Link to polls or quizzes on your website or a third-party platform and share the results on Snapchat.
Promote New Product Launches: Generate buzz around a new product launch with a link to the product page on your website.

By understanding the requirements and exploring creative link-sharing strategies, you can effectively leverage Snapchat to drive traffic, build brand awareness, and engage with your audience. Remember to always prioritize creating valuable content and adhering to Snapchat’s guidelines for a positive user experience.