The short answer
- 1A link widget is a tappable card on a story that opens a web page.
- 2Premium lets you add one, pick its style and change its label; viewers need no subscription.
- 3Name the destination, place it lower middle and use one per story.
In this article
The way out of a story
A story plays for a few seconds and moves on. A link widget is the one element that lets a viewer leave it for somewhere else: a card on the story that opens a web page when tapped. With Telegram Premium you can add one, choose its style and color, and change the text it shows. Viewers need no subscription to tap it. Posting stories in general is covered in how to post a story, and the link itself in more depth in adding a link to a story.
The widget has to pass three tests while the timer runs: the viewer has to notice it, decide it is worth leaving for, and reach it with a thumb. Most of what follows is about those three.
Making a story link widget work
| Choice | What works |
|---|---|
| Label | Name the destination, not "Link": "Full recipe", "Tickets", "Read the post". A viewer decides in a second whether it is worth leaving for |
| Position | Lower middle. The top corners hold the story controls, and the very bottom holds the reply field |
| Size | Big enough to hit on purpose. A tap near the edge of a small card skips to the next story instead |
| Style and color | Contrast with the photo behind it. A widget that blends into the picture is not seen |
| One per story | Two links split the decision, and most viewers take neither |
Adding a link widget to a story
- Open the story camera and take or choose the photo or video.
- Open the stickers and widgets panel in the story editor and choose the link widget.
- Paste the address and, if you want, change the text the widget shows.
- Tap the widget to cycle its styles, then drag it into place and pinch to resize.
- Choose the audience and post. Watch it once yourself and tap the link to check it opens the right page.
FAQ
Do viewers need Telegram Premium to open a story link?
No. Only the person posting the story needs Premium to add the widget.
Can I change the text on a story link widget?
Yes. You can replace the address with your own label when adding the widget.
Where should I place a link widget on a story?
Lower middle, away from the controls at the top and the reply field at the bottom.
Sources
At a glance
- 1What
A styled, tappable link card on a story.
- 2Works
Clear label, reachable spot, contrast with the photo.
- 3Avoid
Tiny cards, corners and two links at once.
Updated
