Are Link in Bio Tools Still Relevant in 2025?

Instagram’s 5-link update sparked the question: “Did they just kill Linktree?” Here’s what actually happened and why dedicated link-in-bio tools matter more than ever.

What Changed? Instagram’s 5-Link Update

In 2023, Instagram made headlines with a major announcement: users could now add up to 5 links in their bios, expanding from the previous single-link limitation.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called it one of the “most-requested features,” and the internet buzzed with speculation:

“Is this the end of Linktree?” “Do we still need link-in-bio tools?” “RIP Beacons, Koji, and every other tool?”

Shortly After: Threads Followed Suit

Meta’s Threads platform rolled out the same feature, allowing up to 5 links in profile bios. The message seemed clear: Platform-native solutions are here to replace third-party tools.

Or so it seemed.

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Did Instagram Kill Linktree?

Short Answer: No.

The Data:

Before Instagram’s 5-Link Update:

• Linktree: ~20 million users
• Market: Growing steadily

After Instagram’s 5-Link Update:

• Linktree: Still 20+ million users
• Market: Continued growth
• New tools: Still launching and thriving

What Actually Happened: Link-in-bio tool usage didn’t decline. In fact, the market continued expanding.

Why Linktree (and Others) Survived

Industry analysts who predicted the “death” of link-in-bio tools were wrong. Here’s what they missed:

1. Cross-Platform Necessity: Instagram isn’t the only platform
2. Better User Experience: Instagram’s implementation has friction
3. Advanced Analytics: Data that Instagram doesn’t provide
4. Professional Branding: Control that matters to businesses
5. SEO Benefits: Your own URL ranks in Google
6. Feature Advantages: Tools Instagram can’t or won’t build

Let’s examine each reason in detail.

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7 Reasons Link-in-Bio Tools Still Matter in 2025

1. Cross-Platform Necessity 🌐

Instagram isn’t the only platform with link limitations.

Here’s the reality across major platforms:

Platform	Link Limitation	Notes
Instagram	1 in bio + 5 total	Recent update, but limitations remain
TikTok	1 link only	No multi-link feature
X (Twitter)	1 link only	Single bio link
YouTube	Limited	Few links in description
LinkedIn	1 link	Unless you have Premium
Threads	5 links	Same as Instagram
Twitch	Limited	Panel links only

The Problem: You’re not just on Instagram.

The Solution: One link-in-bio URL works everywhere:

• Instagram bio
• TikTok bio
• X bio
• YouTube description
• LinkedIn profile
• Email signature
• Business cards
• QR codes
• Print materials

Example: A creator with an AstroLink URL (astrolink.io/u/yourname) can share it across all 7 platforms. When they update their latest content, all platforms reflect the change instantly.

Instagram’s 5-link feature only solves the problem for Instagram. Your TikTok followers still only get one link.

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2. Better User Experience (No Friction) 🚀

Instagram’s 5-link implementation has a critical UX flaw:

Only 1 link is visible. The other 4 are hidden behind a “see more” button.

The Friction Problem:

Instagram’s Flow:

1. User sees your post
2. Clicks to your profile
3. Sees 1 link
4. Must tap “see more”
5. Scrolls through remaining 4 links
6. Finally clicks the link they want

Link-in-Bio Tool Flow:

1. User sees your post
2. Clicks to your profile
3. Clicks your single bio link
4. Sees all links immediately
5. Clicks the link they want

Result: One less tap, all options visible. Better conversion rates.

The Data:

According to creator surveys:

• Instagram 5-link feature: ~15-20% CTR to secondary links
• Dedicated landing pages: ~40-60% CTR to all links

Why? Visibility and trust. Users see all options at once and perceive dedicated pages as more professional.

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3. Advanced Analytics 📊

Instagram’s native 5-link feature provides zero analytics.

You can’t answer questions like:

• Which link gets the most clicks?
• What time of day do people click most?
• Where is traffic coming from?
• Which content drives link clicks?
• How many total clicks this week?

What Link-in-Bio Tools Provide:

AstroLink’s Free Plan Analytics:

• Total link clicks
• Individual link performance
• Click-through rates
• Traffic sources (Instagram, TikTok, X, direct, etc.)
• Geographic data
• Time-based trends
• Device breakdowns (mobile vs desktop)

Why This Matters:

• Content Optimisation: See which videos/posts drive traffic
• Link Priority: Reorder based on what works
• Revenue Tracking: Know which products/services convert
• A/B Testing: Test different link copy and order
• ROI Measurement: Prove value of your content

Example: A musician using AstroLink discovers that Spotify gets 60% of clicks, YouTube 25%, and merch store 15%. They reorder links to prioritise Spotify, increase playlist follows by 40%, and boost algorithmic visibility.

Without analytics, they’d be guessing.

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4. Customisation & Branding 🎨

Instagram’s 5-link feature offers minimal customisation:

• No colour control
• No typography choices
• No background images
• No custom layouts
• No branding beyond profile photo

What Link-in-Bio Tools Offer:

Design Control:

• Custom colour themes matching your brand
• Typography choices
• Background images or gradients
• Profile photos and logos
• Custom layouts (buttons, cards, lists)
• Video backgrounds (Pro plans)
• Custom CSS (advanced tools)

Branding Benefits:

• Professional Appearance: Looks intentional, not default
• Brand Consistency: Match your website, socials, merch
• Stand Out: Unique design vs Instagram’s generic look
• Trust Building: Polished = credible

Example: A business consultant using AstroLink customises their page with brand colours (#003366, #F5A623), their logo, and a professional headshot. When clients click through, they see a cohesive brand experience—not Instagram’s generic interface.

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5. SEO Benefits (Your Own URL) 🔍

Instagram’s links don’t rank in Google. Or if they do, it ranks as Instagram, not you.

The SEO Advantage of Dedicated Tools:

Your Link-in-Bio URL Can Rank For:

• Your name (e.g., “John Smith link in bio”)
• Your brand (e.g., “AcmeCo links”)
• Your keywords (e.g., “London photographer portfolio”)

Example: Search “AstroLink demo” on Google. The AstroLink landing page (app.astrolink.io/u/astrolink) ranks.

Instagram bio links? They don’t rank at all.

Additional SEO Benefits:

• Backlink Destination: Your link-in-bio URL can receive backlinks
• Social Proof: Google recognizes your brand identity
• Traffic Diversification: Not 100% dependent on social platforms
• Discoverability: People find you via Google, not just socials

Long-Term Value: Building authority on your own URL is a digital asset. Instagram’s platform is rented space.

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6. Features Instagram Doesn’t Offer 🛠️

Dedicated link-in-bio tools have evolved far beyond simple link lists. Instagram’s 5-link feature is static. Modern tools are dynamic.

Features You Can’t Get on Instagram:

Advanced Capabilities:

• Embedded Video: Showcase content directly on your landing page
• Contact Forms: Collect emails without external links
• Scheduling: Show/hide links based on time or event
• A/B Testing: Test different layouts and copy
• Email Capture: Build mailing lists
• Product Embeds: Display products with images and prices
• Countdown Timers: Create urgency for launches
• Conditional Links: Show different links to different audiences
• Integration: Connect with Shopify, Mailchimp, Calendly, etc.
• QR Codes: Download optimised QR codes for print
• Custom Domains: Use yourbrand.com instead of tool’s subdomain

Example: A course creator uses AstroLink’s embedded video to showcase their course trailer. Visitors watch a 30-second preview before clicking to purchase—resulting in 35% higher conversion than a simple text link.

Instagram’s 5-link feature? Text links only.

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7. Professional Credibility & Trust 💼

Perception matters.

When someone clicks through to your landing page, what do they see?

Instagram’s 5-Link Interface:

• Generic design
• No branding control
• Looks like every other profile
• “See more” button friction
• Platform-dependent

Dedicated Link-in-Bio Page:

• Branded design
• Professional layout
• Unique to you
• All links visible
• Platform-independent

The Credibility Factor:

For Businesses: A custom landing page signals professionalism. Would you trust a consultant who relies on Instagram’s generic interface or one with a polished, branded hub?

For Creators: A dedicated page shows you’re serious. It’s the difference between casual hobbyist and professional creator.

For Everyone: First impressions matter. A clean, fast, professional landing page builds immediate trust.

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What Creators and Experts Say

Industry Consensus:

WIRED Article (2023): “Did Instagram Just Kill Linktree?”

“While the feature has been well-received for reducing dependency on external platforms, analysts and creators argue that Linktree and similar tools still offer advantages… The platform’s analytics and cross-platform functionality still provide value.”

Creator Survey Data:

• 82% of surveyed creators still use dedicated link-in-bio tools post-update
• 76% cite analytics as the primary reason
• 71% value cross-platform consistency
• 68% prefer customisation options

Expert Analysis:

“Instagram’s update validated the link-in-bio category rather than killing it. It acknowledged the problem but didn’t fully solve it.” — Digital Marketing Analyst

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The Market Data: Tools Are Thriving

Linktree Post-Update:

• 2022 (pre-update): $1.3B valuation, 20M users
• 2023 (post-update): 20M+ users (no decline)
• 2024: Continued platform updates and feature releases
• 2025: Still the market leader

New Tools Still Launching:

Despite Instagram’s update, new link-in-bio tools continue launching:

• AstroLink (2024): Speed-focused alternative
• Others: Niche tools for specific audiences

If the market was dying, new entrants wouldn’t invest.

Creator Adoption:

70 million creators globally use link-in-bio tools. Post-Instagram update? That number increased.

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The Numbers: 30-50% Sales Increase

Why do tools outperform Instagram’s native feature?

Study Data (Creator Economy Reports):

Creators using dedicated link-in-bio tools with analytics report:

• 30-50% higher sales compared to platform-native links
• 2-3x higher CTR on prioritised links
• 40% better conversion from traffic to action

Why the Difference?

1. Analytics-Driven Optimisation: See what works, do more of it
2. Professional Presentation: Trust = conversion
3. Better UX: All links visible, no friction
4. Cross-Platform Traffic: Not just Instagram
5. Intentional Design: Strategic link order and copy

Example: A fitness coach using AstroLink’s analytics discovered that their “Free Workout Guide” link generated the most clicks but had low conversion to paid coaching. They added a testimonial section to the landing page and moved the coaching link adjacent to the free guide. Result: 52% increase in coaching sign-ups.

Without analytics, this insight would be impossible.

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The Future of Link-in-Bio Tools

Market Trends:

What’s Happening:

• Tools are evolving, not dying
• Focus shifting from simple link lists to full creator platforms
• Integration with e-commerce, email, scheduling, analytics
• Speed and simplicity becoming key differentiators (AstroLink’s approach)

What’s Not Happening:

• The category isn’t disappearing
• Linktree isn’t closing down
• New tools keep launching

Instagram’s Limitations Won’t Change:

Why Instagram Won’t Build Full Features:

1. Not Their Core Business: They’re a social platform, not a creator tools company
2. Conflict of Interest: Keeping users on-platform is their goal
3. Feature Complexity: Advanced tools require dedicated development
4. Speed Trade-offs: Instagram’s app is already heavy

Prediction: Instagram will continue improving, but dedicated tools will always offer more.

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Why AstroLink is Built for 2025

Understanding that tools aren’t going anywhere, AstroLink focuses on what matters:

The Modern Approach:

Speed: <1 second load time (3x faster than Linktree)

• Mobile-first architecture
• Minimal bloat
• Instant updates

Simplicity: No feature overload

• Clean, distraction-free design
• Easy setup (2 minutes)
• No learning curve

Fairness: Transparent pricing, no hidden fees

• Generous free plan (5 links, full analytics, no forced branding)
• Pro from £5/month (vs Linktree’s $9-24/month)
• 0% transaction fees (vs Beacons’ 9%)

Privacy: UK-based, GDPR-compliant

• No third-party trackers
• Built-in analytics (no external scripts)
• Data ownership

Reliability: 99.9% uptime guarantee

• Professional hosting
• Fast global CDN
• Always online

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FAQ: Still Relevant in 2025?

Do I still need a link-in-bio tool with Instagram’s 5-link update?

Yes. Instagram’s feature only solves the problem for Instagram. TikTok, X, YouTube, and other platforms still limit links. A dedicated tool works everywhere, provides analytics Instagram doesn’t offer, and gives you full branding control.

What happened to Linktree after Instagram’s update?

Nothing negative. Linktree’s user base remained stable at 20M+ users. The update validated the link-in-bio category rather than killing it, proving that creators need more than what platforms provide.

Are link-in-bio tools dying?

No. The market is thriving with 70M+ creators using these tools. New tools continue launching (like AstroLink), and existing tools continue growing. The category has evolved beyond simple link lists to comprehensive creator platforms.

Should I switch from Instagram’s 5 links to a dedicated tool?

Yes, consider it if you:

• Use multiple platforms (not just Instagram)
• Want analytics on link clicks
• Need professional branding
• Value faster load times
• Want SEO benefits

No need to switch if you:

• Only use Instagram
• Have 5 or fewer links
• Don’t care about analytics
• Are satisfied with Instagram’s interface

Is it worth paying for a link-in-bio tool?

Free plans are often sufficient, especially AstroLink’s (5 links, full analytics, no forced branding). Upgrade to paid if you need unlimited links, custom branding removal, or advanced features. At £5/month, AstroLink Pro is more affordable than alternatives and still cheaper than advertising.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Instagram’s 5-link update didn’t kill link-in-bio tools ✅ 70M+ creators continue using dedicated tools in 2025 ✅ Cross-platform use, analytics, and UX make tools essential ✅ Creators see 30-50% higher sales with dedicated landing pages ✅ The market is thriving, not dying ✅ Tools have evolved beyond simple link lists ✅ AstroLink represents the modern approach: fast, simple, fair

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See for Yourself

Don’t take our word for it—try a link-in-bio tool free and compare to Instagram’s native feature:

AstroLink’s Free Plan:

• 5 links (enough for most creators)
• Full analytics (see which links work)
• Custom themes (match your brand)
• No forced branding (looks professional)
• No ads (clean experience)
• <1 second load time (3x faster than competitors)

Setup Time: 2 minutes Cost: £0 forever Credit Card: Not required

See why 70 million creators choose dedicated tools over platform-native features.

Try AstroLink Free - No Credit Card Required

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The link-in-bio category isn’t dying—it’s evolving. And the tools that prioritise speed, simplicity, and fairness are winning.