You need Snapchat+ to add clickable links to your story
Snapchat's free version does not let you add links to stories. To post a story with a clickable link that viewers can tap, you must subscribe to Snapchat+, Snapchat's paid membership tier. The subscription costs $3.99 per month on most phones, though the price varies slightly by region and payment method.
Once you have Snapchat+, the link tool appears in your story creation screen. You can add one link per snap, and the link appears as a small icon or button that viewers tap to open the URL in their browser or app.
Key Takeaways
- Only Snapchat+ subscribers can add links to stories; the feature is not available on the free version.
- You add links while creating a snap, before you post it to your story.
- Each snap can have one link, and the link appears as a tappable element on the snap itself.
- The link opens in the user's default browser or app when they tap it, and Snapchat does not track clicks or show you analytics about who tapped the link.
How to add a link while creating a snap
Open Snapchat and create a snap the way you normally would — take a photo, record a video, or use a template. Before you post it to your story, look for the link icon in the editing toolbar. On most phones, this appears as a chain link or paperclip icon at the bottom or side of the screen.
Tap the link icon and paste or type the URL you want to add. The link can be any web address: a product page, a YouTube video, a news article, or your own website. Snapchat does not require you to shorten the link or use a special format. Once you paste the URL, tap confirm or done, and the link attaches to that snap.
The link appears on the snap as a small icon or button. When you post the snap to your story, viewers will see this icon and can tap it to open the link. You can only add one link per snap, so if you want multiple links in your story, you need to post multiple snaps.
What happens when someone taps your link
When a viewer taps the link on your snap, Snapchat opens the URL in their default browser or app. If the link goes to an app (like Instagram or TikTok), Snapchat will open that app if it is installed on their phone. If the link goes to a website, it opens in their mobile browser.
Snapchat does not show you who tapped the link or how many people clicked it. You get no notification, no count, and no analytics. If you need to track clicks or see how many people visited a link, you would need to use a separate link-tracking tool like Bitly or your own website analytics.
Snapchat+ features beyond links
The link feature is one of several tools that come with Snapchat+. Other paid features include the ability to customize your chat colors, see who replayed your snaps, use exclusive filters and lenses, and get a special badge next to your username. Snapchat+ also gives you early access to new features before they roll out to free users.
You can cancel Snapchat+ at any time. If you stop paying, you lose access to the link tool and other paid features, but your account and your friends list stay intact.
Alternatives if you do not want to pay for Snapchat+
If you want to share a link with your Snapchat friends but do not want to subscribe, you can post the link in a chat message instead of in your story. Chat messages support links without requiring Snapchat+. You can also use your story caption to mention a link, though viewers will have to type it manually into their browser — they cannot tap it directly.
Another option is to use a different social media platform that includes free link tools. Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Facebook all let free users add links to their stories, though the availability of this feature sometimes depends on your account age or follower count.
Troubleshooting: Link icon does not appear
If you have Snapchat+ but do not see the link icon in your story creation screen, make sure your app is fully updated. Snapchat regularly pushes updates that add or change features, and older versions of the app may not have the link tool yet. Go to your phone's app store, search for Snapchat, and install any pending updates.
If the link icon still does not appear after updating, try closing and reopening Snapchat. Sometimes the app needs to restart to load all features. If the problem continues, you can contact Snapchat support through the app by going to Settings, then Support, then Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a link to a snap after I post it to my story?
No. You must add the link before you post the snap. Once a snap is live on your story, you cannot edit it to add a link. You would need to delete the snap and repost it with the link included.
What if the link I want to share is very long?
Snapchat accepts any URL length. You do not have to shorten it, though you can use a link shortener like Bitly if you prefer. The link will work the same way either way.
Can my friends see where the link goes before they tap it?
No. Snapchat shows only the link icon or button, not the actual URL. Your friends will not know the destination until they tap it and the link opens in their browser.
Do I lose the link feature if my Snapchat+ subscription expires?
Yes. Once your subscription ends, you cannot add new links to snaps. Snaps you posted with links while you were subscribed will no longer have clickable links, though the snaps themselves stay on your story.
Can I add links to my Snapchat profile or my public story?
Links work only on snaps posted to your personal story. You cannot add links to your profile, your public profile story, or snaps posted to community stories.