Instagram plans paid links in photo caption
The social media platform Instagram may soon allow users to embed links in captions—but only for a fee. Links in captions would be particularly beneficial for influencers.
According to a patent first filed in 2016 by parent company Facebook, users would have to pay two dollars per link to embed links in captions.
Service for a fee
"When the online system detects that there is a link in the caption text, it prompts the user for input. Users are made aware that they must pay a fee to create the caption," the patent states. Users can either pay or cancel the posting.
So far, there is no way to embed links in captions on Instagram, which influencers on the platform have criticized time and again. If a user has at least 10,000 followers, he can post links in stories. However, most users use URL shortcuts or point to links in their profiles.
Hotly desired feature
According to the patent, Instagram is considering introducing the much sought-after link feature, but not for free. This would be advantageous for social media stars, because it would allow them to direct their fans to their advertising partners and their products, for example. However, it is currently unclear whether Instagram actually plans to put the patent into practice. (pte)
