Your Instagram link is the URL that takes people directly to your profile
Your Instagram profile link is a web address that points to your account. When you share it, people can visit your profile without searching for you by name. Instagram creates this link automatically when you set up your account, and it follows a standard format: instagram.com/yourusername.
You do not need to create or request this link — it exists as soon as your account does. The link stays the same unless you change your username. If you change your username, your old link stops working and a new one is created with your new username.
Key Takeaways
- Your Instagram profile link is always instagram.com/yourusername and works on any device or browser without logging in.
- You can copy your profile link directly from the Instagram app by tapping your profile picture, then the menu icon, then "Copy profile URL".
- On a computer, visit instagram.com/yourusername in your browser and copy the address from the URL bar.
- Changing your username creates a new profile link; the old one no longer works after the change takes effect.
- You can share your profile link through text, email, social media, or any messaging platform — people do not need an Instagram account to view it.
How to copy your profile link on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and tap your profile picture at the bottom right of the screen. This takes you to your profile page. At the top right, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon). A menu appears with several options.
Scroll down and tap "Copy profile URL". Instagram copies the link to your clipboard. You can now paste it anywhere — into a text message, email, another social media post, or a document. The link remains in your clipboard until you copy something else.
If you do not see this option, make sure you are on your own profile, not someone else's. You can only copy your own profile link this way.
How to copy your profile link on a computer
Go to instagram.com in your web browser. Log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile picture at the top right, then click "Profile" from the dropdown menu.
Your profile page loads. Look at the address bar at the top of your browser — it shows your profile link in the format instagram.com/yourusername. Click on the address bar to highlight the entire URL, then right-click and select "Copy", or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).
You can now paste this link anywhere you need it. The link works the same way whether someone accesses it from a phone, tablet, or computer.
What happens when you change your username
If you change your Instagram username, your old profile link stops working immediately. Anyone who tries to visit your old link will see an error page. Your new username creates a new profile link, and that becomes the only working link to your account.
Before you change your username, consider telling people who have your old link that you are changing it. You can share your new link through direct messages, a story, or a post. If your old link was printed on business cards, a website, or other materials, you will need to update those too.
Instagram does not redirect old links to new usernames, so there is no grace period. The change is immediate.
Sharing your profile link with others
Your profile link works for anyone, whether they have an Instagram account or not. You can share it through text message, email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform. You can also include it in your email signature, on a website, in a document, or printed materials like flyers or business cards.
When someone clicks your profile link, they see your public profile information: your bio, profile picture, follower count, and posts you have marked as public. If your account is private, they will see your profile but will need to send you a follow request to see your posts.
Some people add their Instagram link to their email signature, website, or other social media bios to make it easy for people to find them. You can also use link-shortening services like Bit.ly if you want a shorter version of the link, though the full instagram.com/yourusername link works just as well.
Why your profile link might not work
If someone tells you they cannot access your profile link, the most common reason is that your account is deactivated or deleted. A deactivated account temporarily hides your profile; a deleted account removes it permanently. In either case, your profile link will not work until you reactivate or recreate your account.
Another reason is that you changed your username. If the person is using an old link, it will not work. Share your current profile link with them instead.
If your account is set to private and the person is not following you, they will see your profile but not your posts. This is not the same as the link not working — they can still see your profile picture, bio, and follower count.
Using your profile link for business or marketing
If you use Instagram for business, your profile link is a key way to direct people to your account. You can include it on your website, in email campaigns, on printed materials, or in other social media posts. Every time you share the link, people can visit your profile directly without having to search for you.
Some businesses create a single link (using a service like Linktree or Beacons) that holds multiple links in one place, including their Instagram profile link. This is useful if you want to share links to your website, shop, or other social media accounts alongside your Instagram profile.
Your profile link does not expire, change on its own, or require any maintenance. It remains the same as long as you keep your username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a custom or shorter Instagram profile link?
No, Instagram does not allow you to customize your profile link. It is always instagram.com/yourusername. If you want a shorter link, you can use a link-shortening service like Bit.ly, but the original link remains the same.
Does my profile link work if my account is private?
Yes, the link works for everyone. People can visit your profile and see your bio and profile picture, but they cannot see your posts unless they follow you and you approve their request. The link itself does not stop working when your account is private.
What if someone else has the username I want?
You cannot use a username that is already taken. If you want a specific username, you would need to wait for that person to change theirs or delete their account. You can only create a profile link with a username that is available and unique to your account.
Can I have multiple Instagram profile links?
No, each Instagram account has one profile link based on its username. If you have multiple accounts, each one has its own separate profile link. You cannot create additional links for a single account.
Does my profile link change if I take a break from Instagram?
No, your profile link stays the same whether you are active or inactive. As long as your account exists and is not deactivated or deleted, your profile link remains the same and continues to work.