Instagram has started to notify users that the swipe-up gesture to access links is going away on August 30. The company will use a new link sticker instead.
As noticed by researcher Jane Manchun Wong, who usually breaks news about features social networks are developing, Instagram is getting rid of the swipe-up gesture to access links.
Then, YouTuber Sam Sheffer shared the message some users are receiving on the Instagram app:
Although the feature is new, Instagram says link stickers will only be available for users with more than 10K followers or that are verified by the platform with a blue checkmark, as it already happens with the swipe-up gesture.
Swipe up links will soon be stickers
Starting August 30, swipe up links will go away. To add a link to your story, use the new link sticker.
It was June when Instagram started to test this function with a small group.
At that time, The Verge reported that “these stickers will operate the same way a swipe-up link does, except with a tap instead of a swipe. This also means that people will be able to respond to stories that include a sticker, something that is not possible on stories with a swipe-up link.”
Since it’s been more than two months that tests started, Instagram seems satisfied with it and will start rolling out this new feature next week. As for now, it’s unclear how this feature will roll out to all users and whether there will be any limitations on who can use a link sticker.
How do you feel about this change? Do you want to use this new feature? Tell us in the comment section below.
same pic.twitter.com/xIVEURtYzj
— Sam Sheffer (@samsheffer) August 23, 2021
