Instagram will remove the “swipe up” functionality on Stories in order to access external links,
replacing that capability starting Aug. 30
with a new link “sticker”.
The swipe-up feature had only been available previously to verified profiles of users with at least 10,000 followers.
Instagram began testing stickers in June for its users and fully customisable, stickers for features including donations, music, and polls are already part of the Instagram Stories platform. However, the link sticker being rolled out Aug. 30 will only be available to those who previously qualified as verified profiles.
Instagram head of product Vishal Shah told Ashley Carman of The Verge that stickers were a better fit for the way people use Stories.
With link stickers, unlike the swipe-up capability, viewers can actually engage with Stories in new ways, such as by reacting and replying to posts.
Instagram will roll out the new feature to those eligible from 30th of August 2021
