
Written by:
Michael Foster
Michael has been creating content for SaaS companies for over a decade. He's written for leading industry publications and developed content strategies for some of the fastest-growing B2B software companies.

Reviewed by:
Emma Rodriguez
Emma transforms complex marketing data into actionable insights. With a Ph.D. in Machine Learning and 8 years of experience in marketing analytics, she leads our AI implementation initiatives.
Table of Contents
You know that feeling when you want to share your website, latest YouTube video, AND new podcast episode on Instagram... but can only add one link?
Super frustrating, right?
That's where Linktree comes in - it's the perfect way to bust through Instagram's one-link limit and share everything that matters to you.
Over 50 million people use Linktree because it turns that single Instagram bio link into a menu of options for your followers.
Let me walk you through exactly how to set this up, plus share some insider tips to make your Linktree work harder for you.
What is Linktree and Why Use It on Instagram?
Linktree is like a mini landing page that lives behind your Instagram bio link.
Instead of sending people to just one destination, you can use Linktree to create a simple menu of all your important links - your website, YouTube channel, podcast, online store, newsletter signup, or anything else worth sharing.
Instagram has traditionally only allowed one clickable link in your bio.
Sure, you could manually update that link every time you post something new, but that's a pain and your older content gets left behind.
Now, I should mention that in 2023, Instagram actually started allowing up to 5 bio links.
But here's the catch - only the first link is fully visible, the rest are hidden behind an "and X others" text.
They're also plain text links with zero customization or tracking. Not great if you're trying to make an impression or measure results.
Linktree still wins because it gives you unlimited links, analytics on what people are clicking, custom branding options, and a much better user experience than Instagram's basic multi-link feature.
How to Add Linktree to Instagram (Step-by-Step)
Let's set up your Linktree and connect it to Instagram in just a few minutes:
Step 1: Sign Up for Linktree
First, head over to linktr.ee and click the "Sign up free" button at the top of the page.
You can create an account using your email, Google, or other social accounts.
The basic plan is completely free and works great for most users.
Try to use the same username as your Instagram handle to keep everything consistent and professional.
Step 2: Create Your Linktree Page
Once you're logged in, you'll see a clean dashboard where you can start building your link page:
Click the "Add New Link" button
Enter the URL you want to share
Add a title for the link (what your followers will see)
Save it
Repeat for each link you want to include
You can add as many links as you want - even the free plan gives you unlimited links.
Just grab each link by the handle icon and drag to reorder them however you like.
Take a minute to customize your page too.
Add your profile picture (the same one as your Instagram is a good choice), pick a theme color that matches your brand, and add a short bio if you want.
These small touches make your Linktree feel more like an extension of your Instagram presence.
Step 3: Copy Your Linktree URL
After setting up your links, you need to grab your unique Linktree URL.
Look for the "Share" or "Copy URL" button in your Linktree dashboard. Your link will look something like this: linktr.ee/YourUsername
Make sure to copy the full URL - this is what you'll paste into Instagram.
Step 4: Add Linktree to Your Instagram Bio
Now let's get that Linktree link working on your Instagram profile:
Open Instagram on your phone
Go to your profile (tap your profile pic at the bottom right)
Tap "Edit Profile" at the top
Find the "Website" field (it's under "Public Business Information" on most accounts)
Paste your Linktree URL that you copied earlier
Make sure it includes "https://" at the beginning so it's clickable
Tap the checkmark (✓) or "Done" to save your changes
That's it! Your Linktree link now appears in your bio, and anyone who clicks it will see all the links you've added.
Also, try to add a short call-to-action in your actual bio text, like "👉 Check out all my links below!" to draw more attention to your new Linktree.
Tips to Optimize Your Linktree for More Clicks
Now that you've got Linktree set up, let's make it work harder for you:
Put your most important link at the top. The first option gets the most clicks, so feature whatever's most valuable or timely right now - maybe your newest product, latest video, or current promotion.
Keep your Linktree updated. Swap in fresh content regularly, especially if you're mentioning "link in bio" in your posts. Nothing worse than sending people to outdated links.
Make it look professional. Even with the free plan, you can add your profile photo and pick colors that match your brand. That consistency builds trust when followers click through.
Use clear, action-focused link titles. Skip boring labels like "Website" or "YouTube" and go with something more engaging like "📺 Watch My Latest Tutorial" or "🛍️ Shop the Summer Collection." Tell people what they'll get, not just where they're going.
Watch your click data. Linktree shows you basic stats on which links get clicked most often. Use this data to refine your approach - put popular content types at the top or try different wording for links that aren't performing.
Don't overload it. While you can add unlimited links, it's usually best to stick with 3-5 key destinations. Too many choices can overwhelm people and lead to fewer clicks overall.
Know that free Linktree pages include their logo and have some design limitations.
If you need the logo removed or want more design options, you might consider upgrading to a paid plan.
Linktree Alternatives and Additional "Link in Bio" Options
While Linktree is super popular, it's not the only option out there:
Instagram's own multiple links feature now lets you add up to 5 links directly in your profile. It's quick to set up (just go to Edit Profile > Links > Add External Link), but remember - it's just a plain list of text links with no analytics or customization.
Other link-in-bio tools worth checking out include Later's Linkin.bio (which turns your Instagram feed posts into clickable images), Shorby, Tap.bio, Taplink, and Beacons. Some offer unique features like custom domains, e-commerce tools, or special layouts.
Not sold on Linktree? Check out our rundown of Linktree Alternatives for a tool that fits your needs.
For creators selling digital products, you might want to look into platforms like Stan Store, which combine bio links with storefront features. We compared Stan Store vs. Linktree to help creators pick the right platform based on their specific goals.
That said, Linktree remains popular for good reason - it's simple, widely recognized, and does exactly what most Instagram users need.
Millions of influencers, brands, and even celebrities use it, and Instagram has no issues with Linktree links.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Linktree allowed on Instagram?
Yes - Linktree is absolutely allowed on Instagram.
There was a brief incident back in 2018 when Instagram's systems mistakenly flagged Linktree as spam, but that was quickly reversed with an apology from Instagram.
Millions of users currently use Linktree without any issues, so you can safely add your Linktree URL to your bio.
Does Linktree cost money?
Linktree offers a generous free plan that includes unlimited links.
They do have paid tiers (starting around $5-9/month) that unlock more features - like custom themes, removing the Linktree logo, advanced analytics, and various integrations - but for simply adding multiple links to your Instagram, the free version works great.
How many links can I put on my Linktree?
There's no hard limit on the number of links you can add to your Linktree, even on the free plan. That said, it's usually best to keep the list focused.
Think about what 3-5 links are most valuable to your Instagram visitors. Quality over quantity - too many options might overwhelm people.
Will using a Linktree in my bio hurt my engagement or reach on Instagram?
No, using a Linktree link in your bio won't harm your Instagram reach.
Many top brands and influencers use Linktree without problems.
Just remember that any external link might lead followers off-app, so give them a good reason to click through your compelling content or calls-to-action.
When you post content and mention "link in bio," make sure your Linktree is updated with what you're promoting to keep engagement high.
Conclusion
In just a few minutes, you've transformed your Instagram bio from a dead end into a gateway to all your content.
Instead of that single link limitation, you now have a hub that can showcase everything that matters to your followers.
Using Linktree (or similar tools) means you're not missing out on potential clicks and conversions due to Instagram's limitations.
You can promote multiple pieces of content at once, track what your audience cares about most, and create a more cohesive experience for your followers.
Got questions about optimizing your Instagram strategy? Feel free to reach out - we're here to help you succeed online.