Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok have traditionally limited users to just one clickable link in their profiles. 

For creators, brands, and anyone trying to send followers to different places (your website, store, YouTube channel, or latest project), this created a genuine headache.

That's where Linktree stepped in. 

Born out of necessity, it's become the most recognized "link in bio" solution worldwide. 

But the landscape is changing – Instagram now allows up to 5 bio links, and numerous competitors have emerged. 

So is Linktree still worth using? 

Let's cut through the noise. 

This guide is for you if you're just hearing about Linktree, wondering if it's still relevant, or looking to optimize your current setup. 

I'll break down exactly what Linktree is used for, who gets the most value from it, and whether it's right for your specific needs.

What is Linktree?

Linktree is a free tool that creates a simple landing page containing all your important links in one place. 

Instead of choosing just one link for your social media bio, you get a single Linktree URL that leads visitors to a menu of all your links.

When someone clicks your Linktree link, they see a clean, mobile-friendly page with buttons for each destination you want to share – your website, store, latest content, or anything else that matters to you. 

It's essentially a mini-website that serves as a central hub for your online presence.

For example, a fitness influencer might have a Linktree with buttons for "Join My 30-Day Challenge," "Shop My Protein Powder," "Watch My Workout Videos," and "Follow My Podcast." 

Each button takes followers exactly where they need to go without the creator having to constantly update their bio link.

The basic concept is simple: one link in your bio that branches out to many destinations – like a tree with many branches (hence the name "Linktree").

Why Do People Use Linktree? (Key Use Cases)

Linktree solves a specific problem, but people have found countless creative ways to use it. Here's what makes it so popular:

Cross-Promotion of Social Profiles

Many creators maintain presences across multiple platforms but struggle to connect their audiences between them. 

A TikTok star might want their followers to also check out their YouTube tutorials or Instagram portfolio. 

Linktree makes this cross-promotion seamless – just one link connects all your online homes.

Promoting Businesses or Products

For small business owners and marketers, Linktree serves as a mini storefront. You can feature links to:

• Your main website

• Specific product collections

• Limited-time promotions

• Service booking pages

• Newsletter signups

This turns casual social browsers into potential customers by giving them multiple entry points to your business.

Showcasing Content

Content creators love Linktree for highlighting their work:

• Bloggers link their latest posts

• Podcasters share different listening platforms

• Musicians connect fans to Spotify, Apple Music, and upcoming shows

• Photographers display portfolio categories

• Writers promote their books across various retailers

Instead of forcing followers to hunt down your content, you put everything in one convenient spot.

Collecting Leads or Donations

Many use Linktree to facilitate direct actions:

• Newsletter signups

• Contact form submissions

• Donation links for causes

• Membership registrations

• Patreon or Ko-fi support pages

This turns passive scrolling into active engagement with your brand or mission.

Sharing Multiple Resources

Sometimes you need to share several things at once. Speakers might share their slides, contact info, and upcoming events after a presentation. 

Teachers might provide lesson materials, forms, and assignment links. Linktree gives everything a home under one URL.

The real beauty of Linktree lies in its convenience – for both you and your audience. 

You update one page instead of changing links across multiple platforms, and your followers get a clear menu of options without hunting through your content.

Key Features and Pricing of Linktree

Linktree operates on a freemium model, giving you basic functionality for free with paid options for advanced features.

Free Plan Features

The free version of Linktree includes:

• Unlimited links

• Basic themes and customization

• Simple analytics (total clicks)

• Standard link thumbnails

• Basic payment collection options

• Linktree branding on your page

• A "linktr.ee/yourusername" URL

For casual users or those just starting out, the free plan covers the essentials. You can create a functional link page without spending a dime.

Paid Plans Features

Paid tiers (ranging from about $5 to $24 monthly) unlock additional capabilities:

Customization

• Remove Linktree branding

• More themes and custom designs

• Custom colors, fonts, and button styles

• Animation options

• Background images or videos

Analytics

• Detailed click data

• Views vs. clicks ratios

• Geographic information

• Referral sources

• Traffic patterns over time

Commerce & Integrations

• Priority links (highlighted options)

• Scheduled links (time-sensitive content)

• Email capture forms

• Video embeds

• Music players

• No transaction fees on payments

• Integration with additional platforms

Support

• Priority customer service

• More frequent updates

• Extended features

The key difference between free and paid is control – paid plans give you more branding options, deeper insights, and additional tools to engage visitors.

It's worth noting that even paid Linktree plans do not support using your own custom domain. 

Your link will always be "linktr.ee/something" rather than "yourname.com/links," which some brand-conscious users find limiting.

Pros and Cons of Using Linktree

Pros (Why Linktree is Great)

• Simplicity - Setting up a Linktree takes minutes – no coding or design skills needed. The interface is intuitive, with drag-and-drop simplicity for organizing your links.

• Universal Recognition - As the pioneer in this space (founded in 2016), Linktree has become the standard. When people see a "linktr.ee" URL, they know exactly what to expect – no explanation needed.

• Platform Independence - Linktree works across all social networks. Create once, share everywhere – Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, email signatures, or business cards.

• Insights and Optimization - Even the free version shows which links get clicked most often, helping you understand what your audience cares about and optimize your page accordingly.

• Feature Richness - Beyond basic links, Linktree enables mini-applications within your page – from music players to contact forms to payment buttons – creating functionality that a simple link could never provide.

Cons (Where Linktree Falls Short)

• The Extra Click Barrier - Every marketing principle emphasizes reducing friction in the customer journey. Linktree adds an extra step between your audience and your destination. Some visitors will bounce rather than make that second click.

• Branding Limitations - On the free plan, your page prominently displays Linktree's logo and uses their domain. Even on paid plans, you can't use a custom domain, which means you're always promoting Linktree alongside your own brand.

• Generic Appearance - Despite customization options, many Linktree pages look similar. Standing out requires a paid plan and careful design choices, and even then, you're working within their template constraints.

• Platform Dependency - Your links live on Linktree's servers. If they experience downtime (rare but possible), your bio link becomes temporarily useless. There's also the small risk of platform policy changes – Instagram briefly banned Linktree links in 2018 before resolving the issue.

• Evolving Platform Competition - As Instagram and other networks add native multi-link capabilities, part of Linktree's original purpose becomes redundant. For some users with simple needs, these native options might be sufficient.

Linktree vs Other "Link in Bio" Tools (Alternatives)

The success of Linktree has spawned many competitors, each with their own approach to the link-in-bio concept. Here's how Linktree alternatives compare to the OG:

Beacons

Beacons takes the link-in-bio idea further by focusing on monetization. 

While Linktree offers a simple list of links, Beacons builds a mini-website with robust selling capabilities.

Key Features:

• More extensive customization options

• Built-in storefronts for digital and physical products

• Subscription and membership options

• Direct video/image embedding

• Custom forms and email collection

Pricing: Beacons offers a free plan with most features but takes a 9% commission on sales. Paid plans ($10/month and up) reduce or eliminate that commission.

Best For: Creators who actively sell products, courses, or memberships. If commerce is your priority, Beacons provides more sales-focused tools than Linktree's simpler approach. Beacons is even more tailored towards creators who monetize, which is why we did a Beacons vs Stan Store comparison a while ago. 

Later's Linkin.bio

Linkin.bio takes a visual approach, specifically designed for Instagram content creators.

Key Features:

• Recreates your Instagram grid as clickable images

• Links each post to a specific URL

• Includes standard link buttons alongside the visual grid

• Integrates with Later's social scheduling platform

Pricing: Linkin.bio comes bundled with Later's plans. The basic version is included with Later's free plan, with enhanced features on paid plans ($18+/month).

Best For: Instagram-centric brands and creators who want their bio link to maintain visual consistency with their feed. If your content is highly visual and you want to link each post individually, Linkin.bio creates a more seamless experience than Linktree's list format.

Tap.bio

Tap.bio reimagines the link-in-bio concept with a card-based, swipeable interface that feels like browsing Stories.

Key Features:

• Multiple "cards" users swipe through

• More immersive, full-screen experience

• Visual storytelling approach

• Different content types on each card

Pricing: Free plan includes limited cards, with paid options for additional features.

Best For: Creators who value design and user experience. Tap.bio creates a more engaging, app-like experience compared to Linktree's straightforward list, making it ideal for building brand atmosphere and storytelling.

Other Noteworthy Alternatives

• Koji offers mini-apps for your link page (games, polls, tip jars)

• Taplink emphasizes customization with no transaction fees

• Carrd lets you build a complete one-page website

• Stan Store focuses specifically on creator product sales (read a stan store vs Linktree comparison in our separate guide on it!)

• Your own website with a custom "links" page (never been easier to build with AI and “vibe coding”)

Each alternative has strengths and weaknesses. 

The right choice depends on your specific goals – simple link sharing, visual branding, selling products, or creating interactive experiences.

Tips for Using Linktree Effectively

Whether you're just starting with Linktree or looking to optimize your existing page, these strategies will help you get more clicks and conversions:

Prioritize Your Most Important Link 

The first link gets the most clicks, period. 

Put your current priority (new product, latest video, time-sensitive offer) at the top. Rotate this position regularly based on your current goals.

Keep It Clean and Focused 

Resist the urge to add every link you own. Curate 5-7 of your most relevant destinations. Too many options create decision paralysis and lower overall click rates.

Use Action-Oriented Button Text

Replace generic labels like "Website" with compelling calls-to-action:

• "Get My Free Workout Guide" (instead of "Fitness E-Book")

• "Listen to the Latest Episode" (instead of "Podcast")

• "Shop the Summer Collection" (instead of "Store")

Add Visual Elements

Use emojis in your button text to draw attention to key links. 

For example, "🔥 New Video: Beach Workout" stands out more than plain text. On paid plans, customize colors to match your brand for a cohesive look.

Track Performance and Experiment

Check your analytics weekly. Which links get clicked? Which ones sit ignored? Test different button text, link orders, and design elements to optimize engagement.

Update Regularly 

Nothing signals neglect like outdated links. 

Remove time-sensitive content after it expires, and refresh your page whenever you launch something new. Returning visitors should always find something fresh.

Promote Your Linktree Strategically 

Don't just drop it in your bio and forget it. Mention "link in bio" in your content when relevant. 

For example, "Full tutorial in my link in bio!" or "All shopping links in my bio!" This active promotion significantly increases clickthrough rates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Linktree

Is Linktree free? 

Yes, Linktree offers a robust free plan with unlimited links and basic analytics. 

Paid plans start around $5/month and add features like custom designs, deeper analytics, and the ability to remove Linktree branding.

Is Linktree safe to use and allowed on Instagram/TikTok?

Yes, Linktree is completely safe and widely accepted across all major social platforms. 

While Instagram briefly banned Linktree links in 2018, this was quickly resolved, and millions of users now use Linktree on Instagram without issues. 

TikTok and other platforms also permit Linktree links (though some platforms require business accounts to add any clickable links).

Can I sell products or collect payments through Linktree?

Yes, Linktree now offers commerce features. 

You can add payment buttons for donations, tips, or simple product sales directly on your Linktree page. 

Free users can connect payment providers like PayPal or Square, though transaction fees may apply. 

For more complex e-commerce, consider linking to a dedicated store or exploring alternatives like Beacons that offer more robust selling features.

How does Linktree compare to making my own "link in bio" page? 

Creating a custom page on your own website (yoursite.com/links) gives you complete control over design, analytics, and branding. 

It also keeps visitors in your domain ecosystem rather than sending them through a third party. 

The downside is that you need website access and some technical skills to build and maintain it. 

Linktree offers convenience and speed at the cost of some branding control. 

For established businesses with web resources, a custom page might be preferable, while creators without technical support often find Linktree's simplicity worth the trade-offs.

Do I still need Linktree now that Instagram allows multiple links? 

It depends on your needs. Instagram now permits up to 5 bio links, which covers basic requirements for many users. 

If you only need a few key links and Instagram is your primary platform, the native multi-link feature might be sufficient. 

However, Linktree still offers advantages: it works across all platforms (not just Instagram), holds unlimited links, provides analytics, and offers features like embedded content and payment collection that Instagram's basic links don't support. 

Many users combine approaches – using direct links for top priorities and Linktree for everything else.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Linktree solved a real problem when social platforms limited users to a single link, and it continues to offer value even as the digital landscape evolves. 

Its simplicity, universal recognition, and constant feature updates have kept it relevant.

But is it right for you? 

If you need a quick, no-fuss solution to share multiple links from your social profiles, Linktree remains an excellent choice, particularly for beginners. 

The free plan covers most needs, and the paid options add genuine value for growing brands.

That said, alternatives exist for specific use cases – Beacons for sellers, Linkin.bio for Instagram-focused creators, or custom pages for established brands with technical resources. 

The right tool depends on your goals, technical comfort, and how much control you need.