As part of its monetization strategy, Instagram will soon allow users to add a clickable link to the post’s caption. For now, Instagram doesn’t allow users to add clickable links in captions. As a result, users have no other option but to add a relevant URL in their profile bio so that their followers can open it in a web browser application. But it looks like things won’t remain that way for long.
Instagram devising a new revenue strategy
According to a new patent application, Instagram will charge users a $2 fee to make the link clickable in their post’s caption. This way, users can easily promote a clickable link in the post caption without requiring users to visit the profile bio. At the same time, Instagram will earn revenue on each request, resulting in a win-win situation for both parties.
As demonstrated in the updated patent application, Instagram users can compose a post as usual. After they have added a URL in the post’s caption, a following pop-up message will appear:
“Would you like to activate the link in your caption for $2.00?”
If you say yes, Instagram will direct you to its payment gateway page. After you have made the payment, Instagram will make your post live alongside the clickable URL in its caption.
Describing the proposed system, the patent application says:
“The generated link is a selectable object that, when selected on a user client device, causes the client device to access content associated with the link (e.g., a web page). If the posting user does not pay the fee, the online system may display the link text within the caption, but not as a selectable object or remove the link text entirely.”
Being unable to post clickable links in the post caption has long been one of the complaints about Instagram. Besides, verified users can add links to their Instagram stories. If this proposed system goes into effect, it will redefine the branded content strategy for most users and companies.
