Are Clickable Links in Instagram Grid Posts Finally Coming?

For years, marketers have asked for one thing on Instagram: clickable links in grid posts. A recent leak from mobile developer Alex 193a suggests Instagram is experimenting with exactly that. If true, it would be a huge shift for creators and brands who currently rely on “link in bio”, stickers in Stories, DMs, and third-party link tools.

There’s no official confirmation from Instagram yet. Historically, Instagram leadership has pushed back on links in feed because of the risk of turning the app into a news-driven click-out experience. But the fact that we’re even seeing early signs of testing means it’s worth planning for the “what if?”.

What’s (possibly) changing?

• An internal prototype reportedly shows an option to add a link when publishing a grid post.

• A subtle “Made with CapCut”-style label could be how Instagram signals linked content in future (pure speculation), but the execution is unknown.

• No rollout timeline, no confirmation. Treat this as rumour, not roadmap.

Why this would be a big deal

If links become clickable in the feed, we could see:

• Simpler customer journeys: Fewer hoops than “link in bio”, comments, keywords, or auto-DMs.

• Higher intent traffic: Grid content often has a longer shelf life, so links could drive steadier referral clicks.

• Shifts in tool stacks: Link-in-bio tools may pivot towards deeper analytics and multi-link routing.

• Creative changes: Clearer CTAs in captions and on-image text to encourage taps.

Caution: What might not change

• Quality > clickbait. Instagram’s ranking systems still favour content people enjoy and engage with. Thin, clickbait is unlikely to thrive.

• Limits & friction may apply. Instagram could gate links by account health, region, or format; they might add interstitials, warnings, or nofollow rules.

• Organic reach won’t be guaranteed. A link won’t magically boost distribution—strong creative still wins.

How to prepare (without overhauling everything)

While we wait for clarity, set strong foundations that help now and future-proof your approach if links do arrive.

1) Tighten your link ecosystem

• Optimise your link in bio (fast loading, clear categories, mobile-first design).

• UTM everything so you can attribute traffic from posts, Stories, and DMs.

• Keep a library of canonical URLs (products, lead magnets, top blogs) with pre-built UTMs.

2) Make grid-ready creative with clear CTAs

• Design square and 4:5 templates with optional CTA placements (“Read the guide”, “Book a call”).

• Use captions that lead with value, then a simple CTA. Avoid spammy “CLICK NOW!!!”.

3) Strengthen non-public pathways (they’re booming)

• Continue to leverage Stories link stickers, Broadcast Channels, Notes, and DM automation for keyword replies.

• Encourage saves and shares—these private signals already matter a lot.

4) Measurement mindset

• Benchmark current referral traffic from Instagram with your existing flows.

• If linkable posts appear, A/B test caption CTAs, on-image prompts, and posting times; compare CTR and downstream conversion.

If Instagram links launch, here’s a fast action plan

• Week 1: Update creative templates. Add subtle on-image CTAs. Refresh your top 5 destination pages for mobile speed and clarity.

• Week 2: Run a 3-post test:

  • Post A: Educational carousel → blog link

  • Post B: Product benefits short video → product page link

  • Post C: Lead magnet static image → landing page link
    Track CTR, saves, shares, and conversion.

• Week 3: Scale what works; build a link content calendar mixing discovery posts (saves/shares) with action posts (clicks).

FAQs

Will this kill link-in-bio tools?
Not necessarily. Many will evolve into routing, tracking, and multi-link hubs with deeper analytics.

Will links hurt reach?
Unconfirmed. Historically, Instagram prioritises user satisfaction. Great content + healthy account will matter more than link presence.

What about spam?
If links arrive, expect spam controls and possible eligibility criteria. Keep your account in good standing and avoid aggressive CTAs.

My take

If Instagram does introduce links in grid posts, it will be to improve user experience where it makes sense, not to open the click-bait floodgates. Treat links as a useful tool, not the strategy. Focus on content that earns saves, shares, and conversation—the behaviours that already signal real value.

As always, we’ll keep you posted.