Instagram is an amazing platform where you can connect with people but there have to be rules. If not, it will end up becoming a giant spamming network.
A lot of Instagram users are sharing harmful links in posts and on their profiles, these links will end up stealing user information or can be used to install harmful malware on your device.
That’s why Instagram has strict rules when it comes to sharing links, as you already know, Instagram doesn’t support clickable links in the bio.
It’s an attempt to protect users from external threats, Instagram is doing its best to ensure that users only stick on the platform, they want to hook you up with their content for as long as they can.
Once you receive the link not allowed error on Instagram it shows that the link you’re trying to post isn’t supported, meaning that it’s not allowed to post such a link.
Before you post any content or link, it will be accessed by the Instagram Algorithm and if it doesn’t meet the standards, such content or link will be blocked.
You have to edit your link or at least change it, in this post we’re going to talk about the links allowed on Instagram so that you can avoid the link not allowed error, plus some useful tips that will help you get the most out of your links.
What Is The Link Not Allowed Error On Instagram
This is the error shown when a user tries to post a website link or URL that’s not supported on Instagram. There are certain links that are not allowed, when the URL has content that’s against Instagram policies, it will be blocked and you’ll receive the error “Link not allowed”.
Before you post any link, Instagram will retrieve and scan the content to ensure it’s safe. There are also some websites that are completely banned on Instagram, most free domain URL services are blocked since a lot of spammers use these services to create as many websites as they want to cause harm to users.
You can see that links are not allowed if they haven’t met Instagram guidelines, there is the need to talk about the restrictions Instagram has regarding the usage of links.
Instagram Link Restrictions
Adult websites
Instagram has tight rules when it comes to adult content, any post or story related to adult content will be deleted, and also any other website or link that has adult content will not be allowed. This means pornographic websites aren’t allowed or where naked images are shown.
URL shortening services
Most URL shortening services aren’t allowed on Instagram and that’s because some try to hide harmful websites, they will shorten URLs that are not supported and then mask them with these shortening services. Instagram can detect that and I’ll tell you that all the popular URL shortening services out there are blocked.
Links selling Instagram services
There are websites selling Instagram followers, likes, or even accounts. You don’t need an explanation why Instagram is blocking such URLs because you’ll do the same if you’re the owner of Instagram.
Any website or URL selling such services or has automation apps or software that can execute the actions mentioned, they won’t be allowed.
Affiliate links
Affiliate links from popular affiliate networks aren’t supported also, you want to make sure you create a review on your website where you can add the affiliate links.
Instagram is not against the promotion of products and services, they just don’t want you to do it directly without using their eCommerce solutions.
Most Instagram users face the error “link not allowed” because they’re trying to post affiliate links. They’ll think that the link doesn’t violate any rules and why is it that their link is blocked? You now know the reason.
Links that have been used a lot on other profiles
Once a website URL is shared a lot within a very short time, Instagram will prevent posting that link in your posts or on your profile. If it’s a popular website that’s been shared a lot, you can wait after 24 hours and post the link again to see if it’s approved.
Website redirect
Since some website categories are blocked on Instagram, some users set up redirects to such websites. Instagram can detect redirects, even if your website or URL is redirecting to a safe website that is supported, Instagram will block the URL.
Spam websites
Instagram has blacklisted certain websites they believe to be harmful to Instagram users, such websites are banned for life.
Links to other social networks
You can’t share Snapchat links, Telegram links, and other social networks out there. This is of course due to competition, you can’t redirect users to other social networks.
Sites with content that is not suitable for users under 16
Any content on the link you’re sharing should be suitable for 16 years, in other words, you can’t post links with explicit content on Instagram.
Links that contain Instagram in the domain name or variation of it
Such URLs can be misleading, some users will believe they’re officially owned by Instagram when they notice the name “Instagram” mentioned. It can be other variations like “Insta” or just “Gram”. Such links tend to provide Instagram services like selling automation and so on.
So far these are the types of links we believe to be restricted on Instagram, there can be other categories of links not allowed, and Instagram is also updating their rules regarding the use of links, you need to keep an eye on these rules.
Generally, the rule is that when a link is blocked it’s definitely because Instagram doesn’t support the link URL or the content on that link.
You should try and remove the content on the URL and post the link to see if the link not allowed error is resolved. Let’s now take a look at the types of links you can post on Instagram.
Links That Are Allowed On Instagram
Links from video streaming sites
You‘re allowed to post video links from streaming sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and so on. Provided the video doesn’t have content that violates Instagram terms of use, you’re safe to post such a video link.
Your website links
Whether you have a website where you offer services that are not against Instagram rules, or you have a portfolio link that showcases your skills, you can post them on Instagram.
Blog Links
You’re free to share blog posts provided the content is not against the guidelines of Instagram. You can post the picture of an infographic or a short video that introduces the viewer to what your content is all about and then add a URL to the blog post where users can get the whole content.
Contests
You can share contests and survey links where users can participate, Instagram doesn’t have a problem with this, provided you’re not reported by users mentioning that you’re running illegal activities or your contest seems to be fake just to grab user information.
Sales pages
If you have sales pages selling different products, you can post them directly on Instagram. There shouldn’t be any illegal stuff and so on, don’t think you can mix your products with illegal products and they won’t be traced. Instagram can scan pages and see what they’re all about.
Link to free items and offers
You can share links to websites offering freebies as long as you’re not misleading users. Some will claim to offer free stuff and then will attempt to charge users, this is misleading and you’ll be reported.
These are the types of links not allowed, let’s now take a look at troubleshooting the “link not allowed” on Instagram.
How To Resolve Link Not Allowed On Instagram
Sometimes even though you have posted the right link, Instagram can still end up displaying the Link not allowed. You’ll find that you have used a link before but suddenly Instagram is displaying the “Link not allowed” error.
Supposing you have shared your blog posts in the past, but suddenly, Instagram doesn’t allow you to share your blog links in posts, what will you do in such a situation?
There are simple troubleshoots you can apply to fix the problem fast, let’s take a look at the steps you’ll take to fix the Instagram link not allowed error.
Remove the link and wait
Just save your profile without the link or if it’s a post you should ignore the link. You should wait for at least 24 hours before reposting the link again.
We’ve already mentioned that if the link was recently used a lot on Instagram by you or other users, it will be blocked. That’s why it’s recommended you wait for 24-48 hours and see if you can post the link.
Restart Instagram and your device
You should now consider closing the Instagram app, and when you close it, you then restart your device. After the restart, you can launch the Instagram app and then attempt to post the link.
Use Browser
If you’re trying to post the link on the Instagram app, you should switch to using the web version. Visit Instagram on your PC browser and login, it’s advisable to use incognito mode in chrome or Private Mode for other browsers like Firefox. Then you head over to your profile or post and add the link to see if the problem is resolved.
Use a subdomain
If it’s your website or blog link, you should create a subdomain name and then move the content from the URL to your new sub-domain.
But I suggest you add a simple text on the sub-domain name as a test, make sure the text doesn’t have any offensive word that’s against Instagram policies.
After posting the link, you can then edit the sub-domain link on your server to add the content you want users to view.
Note that Instagram is still capable of scanning your website content after posting it and can be removed at any Instant. Don’t use this trick to deceive their Algorithm to add illegal content later after it has been approved.
Change your IP address
The Ip address you’re using might be blocked and changing it can help you resolve the situation. Switch to another network or use a VPN app to connect to a new IP address which you can use to post the link on Instagram.
Use apps to post the link
There are Instagram management apps, you can try your luck with these apps to see if they can help you post the links. Apps like AiSchedule promise to post any link in the Instagram bio, they claim to even post links that aren’t supported by Instagram including spammy links.
You can give these tools a try but at your own risk, there is no guarantee they can work and you’re placing your IG account at the risk of suspension. You should however don’t connect your original Instagram account, create a test account first to see how things work.
Let another user post the link in their account
It’s possible that your account is blocked from adding links, if another user is able to post the link in their account, it means your profile is blocked from using links. You’ll have to wait for 48 hours to see if the block can be lifted and if it’s not, you can contact Instagram to see if they help you fix the problem.
Here you have it, the simple steps you need to take in order to resolve the Instagram link now allowed error. You should always watch out for the content posted and avoid using websites or URLs you don’t own in your bio or posts.
You have no idea what these links are all about, but by posting your own links, you can control the content on it by making the necessary edits needed.
Thank you for reading, let us know in the comment section if you have resolved the error link not allowed on Instagram.
If you also have tips you want to share regarding the use of links on Instagram, please drop them in the comment box as well to share with our readers.