- You Cannot See Who Clicked Your Instagram Link: Instagram only shows the total number of link clicks without revealing who clicked, maintaining user privacy.
- Metrics You Can See in Instagram Story Insights: You can view metrics like impressions, reach, and total link clicks, but not the identities of users who engaged.
- How to Check Link Clicks on Mobile and Web: Access Story Insights by swiping up on your story in the mobile app or using the web browser menu on Instagram.
- Advanced Tracking Methods for Link Clicks: Use tools such as UTM parameters in Google Analytics, Linktr.ee, brand affiliate links, or Amazon dashboards for deeper and long-term link performance tracking.
Instagram Stories have grown from casual posts to a major marketing tool, with over 500 million daily users. The FOMO effect drives engagement and boosts sales.
Previously, only accounts with 10K+ followers could promote products using the swipe-up feature. Now, with the Link Sticker, anyone can sell regardless of follower count. This democratizes opportunities for small creators and businesses. But with this power comes the responsibility to track, measure, and understand story engagement.
No, Instagram doesn’t show who clicked your Story links. The good news is there are tools that can help, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to track those clicks like a pro.
Can You See Who Clicked the Link in Your Instagram Story?
No. Instagram doesn’t let you see who clicked your Story link. You can only view the total number of clicks. This protects user privacy and prevents potential misuse like spamming.
No third-party tool can show you this either. Anyone claiming otherwise is fake or violating Instagram’s policies since the platform doesn’t provide this data through its API.
What You Can Actually See
Well, you cannot see who actually clicked on your link, but you can see these things:
- Impressions: The total number of people who saw your Instagram story.
- Reach: Number of all the new and existing accounts your story reached.
- Link Clicks (or CTR): Number of people who clicked on your link. (More on this, later in this article.)
- Additional Metrics: Story replies, shares, etc.
How to See Link Clicks on Your Instagram Story
Before checking your Story Insights, make sure you have a Business or Creator account.
On iPhone/Android
- Open Instagram and tap on your Story.
- Go to the Story that includes the Link Sticker.
- Swipe up to view Insights.
- Scroll down and look for Link Clicks.
On Web
- Open Instagram on your browser and view your Story.
- Find the Story with the Link Sticker.
- Click on the three dots in the corner.
- Click View insights.
- Scroll down and look for Link clicks.
That’s it. You’ll see how many people clicked, though you won’t see who they are.
Limitations of Instagram Insights
While Story Insights are useful, they come with some limitations. Here they are:
- Time-Limited Access: Story Insights are only available while your Story is active and for a limited period afterward, typically up to 14 days, though this can vary. After that window, the detailed metrics may no longer be accessible through the app.
- Collective Click Count: The click count doesn’t tell you if the same person clicked once or multiple times.
- No Audience Demographic: Although you can see the audience demographic from your profile insights, you won’t be able to find it for the Link Clicks.
- No Conversion Tracking: The same goes for conversion tracking also. Instagram doesn’t show you what people did after clicking your link, whether they made a purchase, signed up for your newsletter, or immediately closed the page. For that level of detail, you need external tracking tools.
4 Ways to Track Story Link Clicks
Once you’ve checked your basic Link Click metrics, take it a step further with more detailed tracking methods. These provide deeper insights and long-term data beyond Instagram’s 14-day limit.
1. Use UTM Parameters with Google Analytics
UTM parameters are tags you add to your URLs that allow Google Analytics to track exactly where your traffic is coming from and what users do once they arrive. Your UTM Story links can provide you with accurate and detailed insights for your link clicks.
2. Use Link-in-Bio Tools
Link-in-bio platforms have evolved from simple tools to sophisticated analytics dashboards. While Instagram limits you to one clickable link in your bio, these tools create a mini landing page with multiple links and, crucially, they provide detailed click analytics.
For example, here’s a screenshot of popular link-in-bio tool Linktr.ee.
3. Use Affiliate Links from Brands
If you’re an influencer, brands always provide a trackable affiliate link. You can always take a look at it to get more detailed insights into your link clicks.
4. Use Amazon or Other Store Affiliate Links
If you are a creator who makes product videos, using affiliate links like Amazon’s makes great sense. You can just log onto their website to see the insights like clicks, conversions, orders, etc.
For example, you can take a look at Amazon’s Affiliate dashboard.
Honourable Mention: You can also use Notion page links to track views. Although they don’t provide demographics but they provide better views insights than Instagram.
Tips to Increase Link Clicks on Instagram Stories
Here’s how to boost engagement and get more people tapping your Story links:
- Use a clear call to action (e.g., “Tap here!”).
- Design eye-catching Stories; use GIFs or stickers to highlight the link.
- Post at peak times according to your profile insights. To view your peak time, go to Your profile > Professional dashboard > New followers > Most active times.
- Rotate story content and avoid overusing links; engagement may drop if every story is a promotion.
- Double down or replicate what got you the most Link Clicks the previous time.
Pro Tip: Some creators believe adding Story links can slightly lower reach. If you notice this, try using automation tools like Manychat to send links privately to viewers who reply to your Story. That way, engagement stays organic.
Final Thoughts on Tracking Instagram Story Link Clicks
Instagram doesn’t reveal who clicked your Story links, but you can track total link clicks and reach through Story Insights or use tools like Google Analytics and Linktree for deeper analysis. These methods help you measure and improve Story engagement while respecting user privacy.
FAQs
No. Instagram or any other app does not reveal the names, usernames, or profiles of individuals who clicked your Story links.
Not through Instagram, but tools like Linktree or Beacons can show analytics such as clicks, device types, and location data.
Yes. Only Business and Creator profiles have access to Story Insights and Link Sticker metrics.
Instagram Stories expire after 24 hours, but Insights remain accessible for a limited time afterward, typically up to 14 days, though this can vary if Instagram decides to throw a new update.
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