What is a Link in Bio? Complete Guide for Creators [2025]

8 min read AstroLink Team
link-in-bio guide creators getting-started
Illustration showing multiple links converging into a single bio link

Key takeaways

  • A link in bio is a clickable URL in your social media profile that directs followers to a landing page with multiple links
  • Link-in-bio tools were created to solve platform limitations like Instagram's single-link restriction
  • Over 70 million creators use link-in-bio tools despite Instagram's recent 5-link update
  • Standalone tools offer cross-platform compatibility, better analytics, and professional branding
  • AstroLink loads in under 1 second, 3x faster than competitors like Linktree

What is a Link in Bio? Everything You Need to Know in 2025

You’ve seen “link in bio” everywhere on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. But what does it actually mean, and do you need one? This complete guide explains everything.

A link in bio is a clickable URL placed in your social media profile’s bio section. It’s become essential because most social platforms severely limit where you can add clickable links.

Here’s the problem:

  • Instagram: Only 1 link in your bio (though now allows up to 5 total links)
  • TikTok: 1 link in bio
  • X (Twitter): 1 link in bio
  • YouTube: Limited links in channel description
  • LinkedIn: 1 link unless you have premium

When creators say “link in bio” in a post or video, they’re directing followers to click that one URL in their profile to access specific content, products, or services.

Link-in-bio tools are platforms that create a landing page with multiple links, all accessible from a single URL. Instead of choosing between your YouTube channel, online store, or latest blog post, you share all of them through one link.

Popular link-in-bio tools include:

  • AstroLink (fastest, <1 second load time)
  • Linktree (most recognised, 20M+ users)
  • Beacons (all-in-one platform)
  • Koji (highly customisable)
  • Milkshake (mobile-first)

Link-in-bio tools were created to solve a simple problem: social media platforms limit links.

The Instagram Problem (2016)

In 2016, brothers Alex and Anthony Zaccaria and Nick Humphreys founded Linktree in Melbourne, Australia. Instagram only allowed one link in bios, forcing creators to constantly swap out links whenever they posted new content.

The solution? A single URL that displays multiple links on a dedicated landing page.

The Problem Persists Today

Even though Instagram introduced a 5-link feature in 2023, the fundamental problem remains:

  1. Not all platforms have caught up (TikTok, X still limit to 1 link)
  2. Instagram’s implementation has UI friction (only 1 link visible, others hidden)
  3. Creators need cross-platform solutions that work everywhere
  4. Analytics and customisation matter

This is why over 70 million creators still use link-in-bio tools in 2025.

Setting up a link-in-bio page is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a tool like AstroLink (free, no credit card required)
  2. Create your landing page with multiple links
  3. Get your unique URL (e.g., astrolink.io/u/yourname)
  4. Add that URL to all your social media bios
  5. Followers click once and see all your links

Example: Creator Workflow

Instead of this frustration:

  • Monday: Link to YouTube video
  • Wednesday: Swap to merch store link
  • Friday: Change to podcast link
  • Followers: “Which link is current?!”

You do this instead:

  • One permanent link: astrolink.io/u/yourname
  • All links visible: YouTube, merch, podcast, Patreon, contact
  • Update anytime, changes are instant
  • Followers always find what they need

Yes, absolutely. Despite Instagram’s 5-link update, standalone link-in-bio tools remain essential. Here’s why:

1. Cross-Platform Necessity

Your audience isn’t just on Instagram. You need one solution that works on:

  • Instagram (1 link in bio + 5 total)
  • TikTok (1 link limit)
  • X/Twitter (1 link limit)
  • YouTube (limited links)
  • LinkedIn (1 link unless premium)
  • Email signatures
  • QR codes for events

A link-in-bio tool gives you one URL for everywhere.

2. Better User Experience

Instagram’s 5-link feature has a major flaw: only one link is visible, and users must tap “see more” to view others. This creates friction.

Link-in-bio landing pages show all links immediately—no extra taps, no confusion.

3. Analytics That Matter

Want to know which link gets the most clicks? Which content drives traffic? What time your audience is most active?

Link-in-bio tools provide detailed analytics. Instagram’s native links don’t track anything.

4. Professional Branding

A dedicated landing page looks more professional than relying on Instagram’s interface. You control:

  • Colours and themes
  • Profile photos and backgrounds
  • Layout and organisation
  • Custom domains (on some plans)

5. SEO Benefits

Your astrolink.io/u/yourname URL can rank in Google search results. Instagram links don’t give you this benefit.

6. Monetisation Tracking

Creators report 30-50% sales increases using link-in-bio tools because they can:

  • Track which products get clicks
  • A/B test different link orders
  • Understand audience behaviour
  • Optimise for conversions

For Content Creators

  • Share YouTube, podcast, Patreon, and merch in one place
  • Track which content resonates most
  • Monetise your audience effectively
  • Maintain consistent branding across platforms

For Businesses

  • Drive traffic to store, blog, contact form, and booking pages
  • Promote multiple products or services
  • Build trust with professional appearance
  • Generate leads with clear calls-to-action

For Musicians & Artists

  • Link to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, merch, tour dates
  • Promote new releases without swapping links
  • Sell tickets and merchandise
  • Grow your mailing list

For Everyone Else

  • Portfolio sharing (photographers, writers, designers)
  • Event promotion
  • Newsletter sign-ups
  • Simplify your entire digital presence

Not all link-in-bio tools are created equal. Consider these factors:

1. Speed

How fast does the page load? Slow load times lose visitors.

  • AstroLink: <1 second
  • Linktree: ~3 seconds
  • Beacons: ~2.5 seconds

2. Free Plan

What’s included for free?

  • AstroLink: 5 links, full analytics, no ads, no forced branding
  • Linktree: Limited, forced branding, analytics on paid plans only
  • Beacons: Unlimited links, but 9% transaction fees

3. Customisation

Can you match your brand?

  • Colour themes
  • Typography choices
  • Background images
  • Profile photos

4. Analytics

What data do you get?

  • Link click tracking
  • Traffic sources
  • Performance over time
  • Conversion metrics

5. Pricing

Is it fair and transparent?

  • AstroLink: Free or £5/month for Pro
  • Linktree: Free or $9-24/month
  • Beacons: Free or $10/month + 9% fees

6. No Hidden Fees

Some tools charge transaction fees on sales. AstroLink charges 0% transaction fees on all plans.

If you value speed, simplicity, and fairness, AstroLink is built for you.

Speed: Loads in <1 second (3x faster than Linktree)

  • Mobile-first design
  • No bloat or unnecessary scripts
  • Instant page loads = better engagement

Generous Free Plan:

  • 5 links
  • Full analytics (no paywall)
  • Custom themes
  • Profile photo and bio
  • Social icons
  • No ads
  • No forced branding

Pro Plan (£5/month or £49/year):

  • Unlimited links
  • Embedded video
  • Background images
  • Remove AstroLink branding
  • Priority support
  • Custom domain support

Built for 2025:

  • Modern tech stack
  • Privacy-focused (UK-based, GDPR-compliant)
  • 99.9% uptime guarantee
  • Clean, minimal design

Yes. The benefits go beyond link aggregation. You get analytics, professional branding, cross-platform consistency, and a better user experience. Plus, most free plans (like AstroLink’s) cost nothing to try.

Yes, many tools support custom domains on paid plans. AstroLink Pro (£5/month) includes custom domain support, compared to Linktree’s Premium plan ($24/month).

It depends on your needs:

  • Best for speed & simplicity: AstroLink
  • Most recognised brand: Linktree
  • Most features (but with fees): Beacons
  • Best for customisation: Koji

Read our full comparison: Best Link in Bio Tools 2025

Creators monetise by linking to:

  • Products and services
  • Affiliate links
  • Patreon or memberships
  • Course sales and digital products
  • Merchandise stores
  • Service bookings and consultations
  • Sponsorship pages

Analytics help you see which links drive revenue so you can optimise your strategy.

Yes, most link-in-bio tools include click tracking. AstroLink’s free plan provides full analytics showing:

  • Total link clicks
  • Individual link performance
  • Traffic sources
  • Performance trends over time

Key Takeaways

✓ Link in bio = a single URL in your social profile that leads to multiple links ✓ Link-in-bio tools solve platform limitations on clickable links ✓ 70M+ creators still use these tools despite Instagram’s 5-link update ✓ Benefits: Cross-platform, analytics, branding, better UX, SEO, monetisation ✓ Choose based on speed, features, pricing, and your specific needs ✓ AstroLink offers the fastest, simplest, fairest solution

Ready to create your link-in-bio page? AstroLink makes it easy:

  1. Sign up free (no credit card required)
  2. Add your 5 most important links
  3. Customise your theme and colours
  4. Copy your unique URL
  5. Add it to all your social bios

It takes 2 minutes, and it’s free forever.

Start Free - No Credit Card Required

AstroLink is the fastest, most minimal link-in-bio tool for creators and businesses who value speed, simplicity, and fair pricing. Try it free today.

More to explore

Further resources

Frequently asked

What does link in bio mean

Link in bio refers to the clickable URL in a social media profile's bio section, typically used to direct followers to external content, products, or services. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it's often the only place to add a clickable link.

Why do people say link in bio

People say 'link in bio' because most social platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X) limit or remove clickable links in post captions. The bio is the only place to add a clickable link, so creators direct followers there with 'link in bio' calls-to-action.

How do link in bio tools work

Link-in-bio tools create a landing page with multiple links. You add one URL to your social bio (e.g., astrolink.io/u/yourname), and when followers click, they see all your links in one place. This bypasses platform limitations on multiple links.

Are link in bio tools free

Most link-in-bio tools offer free plans with limitations. AstroLink's free plan includes 5 links, full analytics, custom themes, and no forced branding or ads—completely free forever with no credit card required.

Do I need a link in bio tool

If you're active on social media and have multiple destinations to share (content, products, services), a link-in-bio tool is essential. It provides cross-platform consistency, analytics, and a professional appearance.

How many links should I have in my bio

Most creators have 3-7 links in their bio. Too few limits opportunities; too many can overwhelm visitors. Prioritise your most important destinations: latest content, products, contact, and social profiles.

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