What "getting a link" means on Instagram
When you want to share your Instagram profile or a specific post with someone outside Instagram — in an email, a text message, on your website, or in a document — you need a direct link (also called a URL). Instagram generates these links automatically for every profile and every post you create. You do not need special permission or a paid account to copy and share them.
The link you share depends on what you want people to see. A profile link takes someone to your main Instagram page. A post link takes them directly to a single photo, video, or carousel. Both work the same way: you find the link in Instagram's menu, copy it, and paste it wherever you need it.
Key Takeaways
- Every Instagram profile and post has its own link that you can copy from the app or website — no special setup required.
- To get your profile link, tap your profile picture, then tap the menu icon and select "Copy profile URL" on mobile, or click your username and select "Copy link" on desktop.
- To get a post link, tap the three dots above or below the post and select "Copy link" from the menu that appears.
- Links work the same whether someone has an Instagram account or not — they can view the post or profile in a browser without logging in.
- If your account is private, people who are not your followers will see a message saying the account is private, but they can still request to follow you through the link.
How to copy your profile link on mobile
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your profile page. At the top right, you will see three horizontal lines (called a menu icon). Tap it.
A menu will drop down with several options. Look for "Copy profile URL" and tap it. Instagram copies the link to your clipboard. You can now paste it anywhere — into a text message, email, document, or web browser. The link will look something like instagram.com/yourname.
If you do not see "Copy profile URL", you may be using an older version of the app. Update Instagram from your device's app store and try again.
How to copy your profile link on desktop
Go to Instagram.com in your web browser and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click your username from the menu that appears. This takes you to your profile page.
Look for a button that says "Copy link" or a chain-link icon near the top of your profile. Click it. The link is now copied to your clipboard and ready to paste. On some browsers, you can also right-click your username at the top of the page and select "Copy link" directly.
How to copy a link to a specific post
Find the post you want to share — it can be your own or someone else's. On mobile, tap the three dots above or below the post (the exact location depends on whether it is a photo, video, or carousel). On desktop, hover over the post and click the three dots that appear in the top right corner of the post.
A menu will pop up. Select "Copy link" from the options. The link is now in your clipboard. When someone opens this link, they will see that single post, not your entire profile. The link will look something like instagram.com/p/ABC123XYZ.
This works for your own posts and for posts by other accounts. If the post is from a private account and you are not a follower, you will not see the option to copy the link.
What happens when someone opens your link
If your account is public, anyone who opens your profile link will see your posts, follower count, and bio without needing an Instagram account. They can browse your posts and see comments, but they cannot like, comment, or message you unless they create an account and follow you.
If your account is private, people who open your profile link will see your username, bio, and a message saying the account is private. They will have the option to request to follow you. Once you approve the request, they can see your posts.
When someone opens a post link, they see that single post in full, along with the caption, comments, and like count. They do not automatically see your other posts unless they click through to your profile.
Using links in different places
Profile links work well in email signatures, on business websites, in social media bios for other platforms, and in documents. Many people put their Instagram profile link in their email signature so clients or contacts can find them on Instagram without having to search.
Post links are useful when you want to direct someone to a specific piece of content — a product photo, an announcement, or a portfolio piece. You can share a post link in an email, text message, or even in a comment on another social platform. The person does not need to follow you or have an Instagram account to see it.
If you are using Instagram for business, you might also add your profile link to your website's contact page or "follow us" section. This makes it easy for website visitors to find your Instagram without searching.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the "Copy link" option does not appear, check whether the account is private and whether you are the account owner. Private accounts sometimes restrict link-sharing options for posts by other users. If it is your own post and the option is missing, try logging out and back in, or update your Instagram app.
If someone says they cannot open your link, ask them to check their internet connection and try a different browser. Links sometimes fail in certain apps or on certain networks. If the link still does not work, copy it again — occasionally a link can be corrupted during copying.
If you share a link to a post and then delete that post, the link will no longer work. Anyone who tries to open it will see an error message. The same is true if you change your account from public to private after sharing a link — people who are not followers will no longer be able to see the post through the link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a link to someone else's Instagram profile?
Yes. Go to their profile, tap the three dots (mobile) or click the three dots (desktop), and select "Copy link". You can share this link with anyone, and it will take them to that person's public profile. If the account is private, they will see the private account message and can request to follow.
Do I need a business account to share links?
No. Every Instagram account — personal, business, or creator — can copy and share profile and post links. The feature works the same way regardless of account type.
What if I want to track how many people click my Instagram link?
Instagram does not show you click counts for links you share outside the app. If you need to track clicks, you can use a link shortener like Bit.ly or Linktree, paste your Instagram link into it, and then share the shortened link instead. These tools show you how many times the link was clicked.
Can I change what my Instagram link looks like?
Your profile link is based on your username and cannot be customized. If you want a different link, you would need to change your Instagram username. Post links are generated automatically and also cannot be changed.
Will the link work if I deactivate my account?
No. If you deactivate your Instagram account, all links to your profile and posts will stop working. If you reactivate within 30 days, the links will work again. If your account is permanently deleted, the links are gone permanently.