What Linktree does and why you'd add it to Instagram

Linktree is a tool that lets you put one clickable link in your Instagram bio that opens to a page with multiple links inside it. Instagram limits you to a single URL in your profile, so Linktree solves that problem by acting as a hub — when someone clicks your bio link, they see a list of all the destinations you want them to reach.

You might use it to link to your website, online store, YouTube channel, TikTok, email signup, or anything else. The link itself stays the same even when you change what's behind it, so you don't have to update your Instagram bio every time you want to point people somewhere new.

Linktree is free to set up and use at the basic level. A paid version exists with more customization options, but most people start with the free plan.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a Linktree account at linktree.com, add the links you want to share, and then copy your unique Linktree URL into your Instagram bio.
  • Your Linktree URL looks like linktree.io/yourname and stays the same even when you rearrange or change the links inside it.
  • The free version of Linktree includes a customizable landing page, up to five links, and basic analytics showing how many people clicked each link.
  • After you paste your Linktree URL into Instagram, it appears as a clickable link in your bio that opens the page in a browser.

Create your Linktree account

Go to linktree.com in your web browser. Click the "Sign up free" button near the top right. You'll see three sign-up options: email, Google, or TikTok. Choose whichever is easiest for you — if you use Gmail, signing up with Google is fastest because it pulls your information automatically.

If you sign up with email, enter your email address and create a password. Linktree will send you a confirmation email — click the link inside it to verify your account. If you sign up with Google or TikTok, you'll skip the confirmation step.

After you confirm your account, Linktree asks you to choose a username. This becomes part of your Linktree URL — for example, if you choose "sarah_photos", your link will be linktree.io/sarah_photos. Pick something short and easy to type. You can change it later if you want, but it's better to get it right the first time since you'll be sharing this link.

Add your links to Linktree

Once you're logged in, you'll see a dashboard with a section that says "Add links" or shows a plus sign. Click it to start adding destinations. For each link, you'll fill in two things: a title (what people see) and the URL (where it goes).

For example, you might add a link titled "My Website" pointing to yourwebsite.com, another titled "Shop" pointing to your online store, and a third titled "YouTube" pointing to your YouTube channel. The order matters — links at the top appear first when someone opens your Linktree page, so put your most important destinations at the top.

You can add as many links as you want on the free plan, though keeping it to five or fewer is cleaner and makes it easier for people to find what they're looking for. After you add each link, it appears on your Linktree page right away.

Copy your Linktree URL and add it to Instagram

In your Linktree dashboard, look for your profile URL — it will say something like "Your link: linktree.io/yourname". Click the copy button next to it (usually a small icon that looks like two overlapping squares), or select the text and copy it manually.

Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap "Edit profile" (on mobile) or click the edit button (on desktop). Find the "Website" or "Bio link" field — this is where your single clickable link goes. Paste your Linktree URL into this field and save your changes.

Your Linktree link now appears in your Instagram bio. When someone clicks it, they'll see your Linktree page with all the links you added. You can test it yourself by clicking your own bio link to make sure it works.

Customize how your Linktree looks

Your Linktree page doesn't have to look plain. In your Linktree dashboard, click "Appearance" or "Design" to change the background color, add a profile picture, and adjust the button style. You can upload a photo to appear at the top of your Linktree page, which usually works best if it matches your Instagram aesthetic.

The free version gives you several background colors and button styles to choose from. If you want more control — custom fonts, video backgrounds, or the ability to remove the Linktree branding — that's where the paid plans come in, but most people find the free customization enough.

Any changes you make to your Linktree appearance show up immediately on the live page, so you can see how it looks as you edit.

Rearrange or remove links anytime

Your Linktree links aren't permanent. In your dashboard, you can drag links up or down to change their order, edit the title or URL of any link, or delete links you no longer need. All of these changes take effect right away — you don't have to update your Instagram bio or do anything else.

This is one of the main reasons people use Linktree: if you want to promote a new YouTube video, you can add it to the top of your Linktree page without touching your Instagram bio. When the promotion ends, you can move it back down or delete it entirely.

Check how many people clicked each link

Linktree's free plan includes basic analytics. In your dashboard, you'll see a count of how many times people clicked your Linktree page from Instagram, and how many times they clicked each individual link inside it. This helps you understand which destinations your followers care about most.

The analytics update throughout the day, so you can check back anytime to see if a new link is getting clicks. The paid plans offer more detailed analytics, but the free version is enough to get a sense of what's working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Linktree if I have a business Instagram account?

Yes. Linktree works with any Instagram account type — personal, creator, or business. The process is identical: paste your Linktree URL into your bio link field and save.

What happens if I change my Linktree username?

Your Linktree URL changes when you change your username, which means your Instagram bio link will stop working. You'd have to go back to Instagram and update the URL in your bio. It's better to choose a username you're happy with from the start.

Can people see my Linktree page without Instagram?

Yes. Your Linktree page has its own URL that works in any browser. You can share it on other platforms, in emails, or anywhere else. People don't need Instagram to access it.

Is Linktree the only tool that does this?

No. Other tools like Beacons, Stan Store, and Milkshake do similar things. Linktree is the most popular because it's free, simple, and works well with Instagram, but you can explore other options if you want different features or design options.

Do I need to pay for Linktree to use it on Instagram?

No. The free plan includes everything you need to add a working Linktree link to your Instagram bio. You only pay if you want advanced customization, more detailed analytics, or the ability to remove Linktree branding.