Your anonymous messages link in an Instagram story
Last updated: 28 September 2026 · The Sea Messages safety team
The easiest way to get anonymous messages from your followers is the link sticker in an Instagram story. This guide walks through the steps, how to use Sea Messages' ready-made story image, and what to do if the sticker doesn't show up.
How do I put the link in my story?
Copy your island link, start a new Instagram story, tap the sticker icon, choose the Link sticker, paste the link and share. You can change the sticker's text to an invitation, like "Send me a bottle", so followers know what it's for.
- Copy your island link from Sea Messages (seamessages.com/b/yourname), or tap Make a story sticker on the Me tab to get the ready-made story picture.
- Open Instagram and start a new story, using the story image or any background you like.
- Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen and choose the Link sticker.
- Paste your island link; you can change the sticker text to something like "Send me a bottle".
- Place the sticker somewhere easy to see, then share your story.
Do I need 10,000 followers?
No. That was true of the old swipe-up feature, but Instagram opened the link sticker to all accounts in October 2021, whatever their follower count. The exceptions Instagram names are new accounts and accounts that repeatedly break its Community Guidelines. Otherwise, if you can't find it, the cause is usually an outdated app.
Where do I get the ready-made story image?
On the Me tab, tap Make a story sticker. Your phone's share sheet opens with a story-sized picture showing your island's name and link: share it straight to Instagram, or save it first. Use it as your story background and put the link sticker on top, so followers can see at a glance that they can write to you.
The link sticker is missing or the link won't open?
First update Instagram to the latest version. If the sticker is still missing, add the link to your bio under Edit profile, then Links. If the link won't open, check that you copied all of it, starting with seamessages.com/b/, and try opening it yourself from the story.
Tips for getting more messages
Post in the evening when your followers are online, ask a specific question instead of "send me anything", and share a few kind messages with your reply as a card in your story. Every reply you share reminds your followers your link is there.
Need ideas? Try these story questions for your followers.
More questions
Can I see who tapped my link?
Instagram may show how many people tapped the sticker, but Sea Messages never tells you who visited your link, or who sent an anonymous message.
Can I put the link in my bio too?
Yes. Go to Edit profile, then Links, then Add external link, and paste your island link. That way followers can find it after your story expires.