How to Send an Image as a Clickable Link on WhatsApp

If you are running a business or sending an event invitation, you have probably asked this question: “How can I send a photo so that when someone touches it, it takes them directly to my website?”

You do it in emails all the time. But on WhatsApp, it is tricky.

If you just upload a photo from your gallery, you cannot add a link to the image itself. WhatsApp does not support “hyperlinked images” (HTML) for security reasons.

However, there are three clever workarounds to achieve the same result. Here is how the pros do it.

Method 1: The “Link Preview” Trick (Best for Marketers)

Have you ever received a WhatsApp message that looks like a big image card, and when you click it, it opens a website?

That is not an uploaded photo. That is a Link Preview.

When you paste a URL into WhatsApp, the app automatically fetches the “Featured Image” (Open Graph Metadata) from that website and displays it as a clickable card.

How to do it correctly:

Don’t upload the image. instead, paste your website URL (e.g., www.yourshop.com/product).
Wait 2-3 seconds for WhatsApp to load the preview image.
Once the image appears, send the message.
Now, the entire image block is clickable!

Pro Tip: If your website shows the wrong image (or no image), you need to fix the og:image tag on your website or use a tool like AnyImage to create a custom social card for your link.

[Insert Screenshot here: Show a WhatsApp chat where you pasted a link and the preview image is loading]

Method 2: The “Caption” Method (The Fail-Safe)

If you absolutely must send a specific poster or flyer from your gallery (that isn’t on a website), use the caption field effectively.

Open WhatsApp and select the photo from your Gallery.
Do not hit send yet.
In the “Add a caption…” bar at the bottom, type your message and paste your URL.
Send it.

Why this works: The link becomes blue and clickable immediately. While the user still has to tap the blue text (not the image), the text stays “glued” to the bottom of the image, ensuring they don’t miss it.

[Insert Screenshot here: An image in WhatsApp with a blue link visible in the caption area]

Method 3: The PDF Hack (The Sneaky Workaround)

If you want a truly clickable design (like a brochure with buttons), send a PDF instead of a JPG.

Create your design in Canva or Word.
Add a button (e.g., “Click Here to Buy”) and hyperlink it to your website.
Export the design as a PDF (Standard).
Send the file on WhatsApp.

When the user opens the PDF, the links inside are active and clickable. This is perfect for menus, catalogs, and invitations.

Summary: Which method should you use?

For Websites/Blogs: Use Method 1 (Link Preview). It looks the most professional.
For Promo Posters: Use Method 2 (Caption). It ensures your specific artwork is seen.
For Catalogs/Menus: Use Method 3 (PDF).