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What Does ‘SU’ Mean on Instagram?

Published July 5, 2024

Instagram is a dynamic platform full of trends, slang and abbreviations that can sometimes be confusing. One term you may come across is ‘SU.’ If you’re wondering what ‘SU’ means on Instagram, you’ve come to the right place.

The Meaning of ‘SU’

On Instagram, ‘SU’ stands for ‘Swipe Up.’ It’s a feature used primarily in Instagram Stories to direct viewers to an external link. This can be a website, product page, a blog post or any other online resources.

How ‘swipe Up’ Works

The Swipe Up feature is a handy tool for businesses, influencers and other creators to drive traffic and engage their audience.

Here’s How It Works

  • Create a Story: You start by creating an Instagram Story just like you normally would.
  • Add the Link: If you have a business or creator account with more than 10,000 followers, you’ll see an option to add a link. Tap on the link icon (a chain link) at the top of the story creation screen.
  • Enter the URL: Input the URL you want your viewers to visit.
  • Swipe Up Action: Once your Story is live, viewers can swipe up on the screen to be taken directly to the linked page.

Why ‘SU’ Is Important

The Swipe Up feature is a valuable tool for several reasons.

Reasons ‘SU’ Is Valuable on Instagram

  • Increased Engagement: It allows users to engage with your content more deeply by visiting external sites.
  • Driving Traffic: It’s an effective way to drive traffic from Instagram to your website, blog, or online store.
  • Promotions and Sales: Perfect for promoting products, special offers, or new blog posts, making it easier for followers to take action.

Alternatives to ‘swipe UP’

In late 2021, Instagram introduced link stickers as a replacement for the Swipe Up feature. These tickets offer more flexibility and engagement options.

Link Stickers

Available to all users, not just those with 10,000 followers. You can place the sticker anywhere on your Story, and viewers can tap on it to access the link.

How to Use Link Stickers

Using link stickers is easy.

Guide to Link Stickers

  • Create a Story: Open Instagram and create a new Story.
  • Add a Link Sticker: Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen and select the ‘Link’ sticker.
  • Enter the URL: Type in the URL you want to share and customize the sticker text.
  • Position the Sticker: Place the sticker anywhere on your Story.

Best Practices for Using ‘swipe Up’ and Link Stickers

To make the most out of these features, consider these tips.

Tips and Tricks

  • Clear Call to Action: Use clear and compelling calls to action like ‘Swipe Up for More.’
  • Eye-Catching Design: Make your Stories visually appealing to grab attention.
  • Short and Sweet: Keep your message concise and to the point to encourage interaction.
  • Track Performance: Use Instagram Insights to monitor how many people are swiping up or clicking your links.

FAQs

Who Can Use Swipe Up?

All Instagram users can use the Swipe Up feature.

Why Did Instagram Replace Swipe Up?

Instagram replaced Swipe Up with link stickers to provide more creative flexibility and engagement options.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Instagram slang like ‘SU’ helps you navigate the platform more effectively and leverage its features to your advantage. Whether you’re using the classic Swipe Up or the new link stickers, these tools can significantly enhance your engagement and drive more traffic to your external account.

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Written By:
AUTHOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jessica is a consultant, researcher, and the editor-in-chief of the Buzzoid blog, who specializes in social media, marketing, and digital strategy. She is a graduate of Antioch College and earned her MBA at Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management, specializing in STEM Management.

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