What Does Link Mean in Slang? Snapchat, Texting, and More

Co-authored by Imad Jbara and Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: April 13, 2022

Want to know what “link” means on Snapchat and everywhere else you see that word floating around? Since “link” can send lots of different messages in texts or on social media, we’re here to walk you through all the ways “link” is used. Read on to figure out all the uses of “link” and talk about it with friends, followers, or someone special.

Section 1 of 6:

What does “link” mean on Snapchat?

1
On Snapchat, “link” means you added a clickable link to your snap. Whether you post a pic or a video snap, you can include a link, or website URL, at the bottom of it. Once you’re done creating your snap and applying any add-ons—like stickers—that you like, tap the link icon on the right-hand menu. Type or paste the URL, then select Allow to enable it. Choose Attach to Snap at the bottom. Your friends and followers will see the link at the bottom of your snap and be able to “swipe up” on it.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Link to a blog, article, video, or charity to direct friends and followers to what’s interesting or meaningful to you. Anyone on Snapchat can use this feature—you can send a clickable link as a private snap to your friends or as a public story to your followers.
- Add a caption to your snap like, “This news story is mind-blowing! 🤯 Check it out!”
- Draw attention to a vid with a comment like, “Watch this clip of fox playing fetch! 🦊 Cute!”
- Talk about a URL for a charity or a fundraiser with words like, “Let’s raise $$ for children’s hospitals! 🏥”
2
On Snapchat, "link" may also mean you want to add someone as a friend. Maybe you want to exchange memes or secrets with a buddy, so you want to talk to them on Snapchat. You might’ve also met someone on a dating app, like Tinder or Bumble, and you’re not ready to give them your number yet. In this case, you’ll ask to “link up” on Snapchat so you can send pics and video chat.
- “Hey, let’s link up on Snapchat! I wanna spill so much tea. 😈☕”
- “OMG. We should totally link up and make our own memes. 🤣 Add me on Snapchat!”
- “I can’t post pics here. 😉 I think we should link up and take this to Snapchat”

Section 2 of 6:

What does “link” mean in text messages and on social media?

1
In texts and on social media, “link” usually means to meet up or connect with a person.^{[2]
X
Research source} When you “link” with a friend, you can agree to go to a specific place, like the movies, or you can decide on a time to talk to each other online or over the phone. If you just made a new acquaintance, then you “link” with each other when you exchange contact info or your social media profiles. You can plan to “link” with someone in text messages or other chat platforms like Instagram DMs or WhatsApp chats.
- “Hey! When should we link to catch the new MCU flick? 🦸‍♀️🍿”
- “I really want to tell you about this new guy I met! 🥰 Wanna link for a phone call?”
- “Let’s link for a raid, dude! 💻⚔️ What about 6 PM tonight?”
- “Nice meeting you at the networking event! Would love to link with you. Here’s my number.”
2
In texts and on social media, “link” is also a way to text about casually dating someone. If you “link” with a person, then you spend a lot of your free time with them and share a cute, romantic bond. Still, neither of you has said you’re in a relationship. Right now, you just enjoy each other’s company and get pretty affectionate with one another. Usually, you share juicy details about who you’re “linked” with in private convos over text or in DMs.
- “I’m linked to that guy at the gym, yeah. 🏋️‍♂️ We’re not serious though.”
- “You’re right. You can say I’m linked with her. She’s a sweet girl. 👍”
- “I like being linked with you! 😘 You always show me a good time.”

Section 3 of 6:

How to Reply to “Link”

1
On Snapchat, show support and interest by visiting your friend’s link. If your buddy shared an eye-opening article, wholesome content, or a fundraiser, then let them know you noticed it. They’ll love that you’re so engaged with their snap or story.
- “I never knew that’s why inflation is so common! The more you know! 🌈💸”
- “That is so adorable! 🥺 Total sugar rush. 🍭”
- “I’d love to contribute to a good cause! 😊 Thanks for posting.”
2
Reach out on Snapchat if someone asks to “link up.” If you met on a platform where you can’t exchange vids or pics and they gave you their Snapchat username, then add it and say hello. You’ll have a chance to jump into a really fun convo and share anything you want to.
- “I’d love to take this off Tinder! My Snapchat is BassAllDay.”
- “I think that’s a great idea. I have so many memes to show you! 😇”
- “Cool! I bet we’ll talk so much that we’ll be Snapchat Best Friends! 😉”
3
In texts, DMs, or over social media, share your schedule if a buddy wants to “link” with you. If you’re excited to hang out with your friend and they brought up a fun plan, tell them when you’ll be free. Once you lock down a time, you’ll both have a lot to look forward to.
- “I get off work at 7 PM! Let’s get tickets for a late-night show. 🌙”
- “Oh, girl, I want you to spill all the details! 🤩 I’ll be free in an hour!”
- “6 PM works for me! For the Alliance! ✊🏽”
4
In texts or DMs, talk about your romantic expectations if someone’s “linked” to you. If you and a cutie have agreed you’re “linked,” then discuss what you might want for the future. You’ll both be able to understand each other’s hopes and desires.
- “I might want to take things to the next level! Time will tell! ⌛”
- “I still just want to keep it light for now. Is that okay?”
- “You’d like to be official? I’d actually love that too! 😘”

Section 4 of 6:

What does “link in bio” mean on IG?

1
"Link in bio" means you posted a website that you want your IG followers to visit. Currently, Instagram just lets you post one link, or URL, in your bio. Make it count and bring attention to a page where you really want traffic, such as a blog or a small business.^{[3]
X
Research source} If you want people to see all your social media platforms, you can post a page that has all of your links, such as Linktree.
- Draw extra attention to your URL and post a fun IG story with the caption “link in bio.” Your followers might be curious right away.
2
"Link in bio" can also say that have a special surprise for your IG followers. Drum up excitement for one of your projects and say “link in bio” as a teaser. Post a mysterious IG story that gives some details of what you have in store for your followers, then redirect them to the URL in your bio. They’ll rush to click it and see what it’ll reveal.
- Use the “link in bio” technique to announce a giveaway, a product launch, or a new creative venture.

Section 5 of 6:

How to Reply to "Link in Bio"

Comment on the link as a way to show you’re a loyal IG follower. Whether you're their friend or a fan, an excited reply shows that their link was successful and that they know how to engage their audience. You'll definitely make their day if you prove that you paid attention to the link in their bio.
- "No way! A giveaway for a $300 makeup brush kit?! 🖌️ It's so chic."
- "You're going to film documentaries now?! 🎥 I love this new direction!"
- "I'm going to buy your merch as soon as it drops! 😍"

Section 6 of 6:

What does “sneaky link” mean on TikTok?

1
Ask for a "sneaky link" if you want to meet up with someone from TikTok for casual sex. Based on a viral song by the same name, a “sneaky link” describes a “hook up” or a “one night stand.” When TikTok users talk about a “sneaky link,” they either want to meet up with each other for a quick encounter or share a story about some “no-strings-attached” fun they had.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- TikTok users playfully warn you not to “fall” for your “sneaky link” so you can keep it light.
2
Keep it chill and on the down-low if you want to use TikTok for a "sneaky link.” Since “sneaky links” are all about quick, short-term flings, make sure that you and your “sneaky link” partner feel totally okay with the situation and are fine that it’s temporary.
- Discuss expectations and boundaries with your “sneaky link” so you’re on the same page.
- Remember to practice safe sex with your “sneaky link.”
- If you tell a story about your “sneaky link,” leave out their name and other personal details.