Linktree vs Milkshake: Which Link-in-Bio Tool is Right for You

If you’re choosing between Linktree vs Milkshake, you’re likely looking for a clean way to share multiple links from your Instagram or TikTok bio. Both platforms solve the same core problem, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Linktree has become the household name in link-in-bio tools, while Milkshake positions itself as a mobile-first card builder designed specifically for visual storytelling. This comparison will help you understand which tool actually fits your workflow, whether you’re a creator, small business, or influencer looking for something more than a basic list of links.

The choice between these two often comes down to design philosophy. Linktree prioritizes simplicity and speed, while Milkshake emphasizes visual appeal and mobile-native design. Neither is universally better, but one will likely match your needs more closely than the other.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Linktree	Milkshake
Primary Use Case	Simple link aggregation	Visual card-based pages
Customization	Moderate (themes and buttons)	High (card templates)
Ease of Setup	5 minutes	10-15 minutes
Monetization	Integrated payments and tips	Limited
Pricing	Free tier + paid plans	Free with premium features
Best For	Quick link sharing	Visual storytellers and brands

Linktree Overview

Linktree is the original link-in-bio tool that popularized the concept of consolidating multiple links into a single landing page. It launched in 2016 and has since become so ubiquitous that “Linktree” is often used generically to describe any link-in-bio page.

The platform is built for speed and simplicity. You can set up a functional page in minutes, add unlimited links on the free plan, and share it immediately. Linktree works across all devices but doesn’t prioritize mobile design over desktop the way some competitors do.

Key strengths: Fast setup, name recognition, extensive integrations with email tools and analytics platforms, built-in monetization options, and a reliable infrastructure that handles high traffic without issues.

Real limitations: The free tier shows Linktree branding and offers limited customization. Design options, while improving, still lean toward utilitarian rather than visually stunning. Advanced features like priority links, animations, and detailed analytics require paid plans.

Milkshake Overview

Milkshake takes a completely different approach to the link-in-bio concept. Instead of a simple list of links, it lets you create card-based “websites” directly from your phone. Each card can contain different content types: links, images, text blocks, product showcases, or contact forms.

The platform is designed exclusively for mobile creation and viewing. You build your entire site using the Milkshake app, swiping through cards rather than scrolling through a traditional page. The aesthetic is Instagram-native, with templates that feel more like stories than web pages.

Key strengths: Superior visual design, mobile-first approach that matches how most audiences will view your page, no desktop requirement for setup or editing, and templates designed specifically for different creator types (influencers, artists, small businesses).

Real limitations: The card-based interface can feel limiting if you need to share many links quickly. Analytics are basic compared to Linktree’s paid tiers. Monetization features are minimal, and the platform is less useful for desktop-heavy audiences or professional contexts where visual flair matters less than functionality.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Ease of Use

Linktree wins for pure speed. Creating an account and adding links takes minutes, and the web-based dashboard is intuitive for anyone familiar with basic content management systems. You can bulk-add links, reorder them with drag-and-drop, and schedule link appearances.

Milkshake requires more intentional design work. You’re not just adding links; you’re composing visual cards. This takes longer initially but results in a more polished final product. The mobile-only editing can be a dealbreaker if you prefer working on a computer, but it’s perfect for creators who do everything on their phones anyway.

Customization

This is where the Linktree vs Milkshake debate gets interesting. Linktree offers customization through themes, fonts, colors, and button styles. Paid plans unlock custom backgrounds, avatar frames, and animation effects. It’s functional but somewhat template-bound.

Milkshake provides deeper visual customization within its card framework. You can choose from dozens of templates, adjust layouts, add image galleries, and create multi-card experiences. The limitation is that you’re always working within the card paradigm, which may or may not fit your vision.

Monetization

Linktree has invested heavily in creator monetization. Paid plans include integrated payment processing for tips, digital products, and premium content. You can also add commerce links, priority placement for paid content, and tracking for conversion metrics.

Milkshake offers minimal direct monetization. You can link to payment platforms or storefronts, but there’s no native payment processing. For creators whose primary goal is selling products or services, this is a significant gap. If you need robust payment features, tools like Payable.at might complement Milkshake better than using it alone.

Analytics

Linktree’s free tier provides basic click tracking. Paid plans add detailed analytics including geographic data, device types, click-through rates by link, and referral sources. The data integrates with Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel.

Milkshake’s analytics are straightforward: you can see total visits and individual card views. There’s no geographic data, device breakdown, or integration with third-party analytics platforms. For casual creators, this is enough. For anyone running a business or tracking marketing performance, it’s insufficient.

Integrations

Linktree connects with dozens of platforms: email marketing tools, e-commerce systems, video platforms, social networks, and analytics services. These integrations allow automated workflows like adding new subscribers to Mailchimp or tracking conversions in Google Ads.

Milkshake doesn’t offer platform integrations in the traditional sense. You manually link to external services, but there’s no API or automation layer. This keeps the platform simple but limits its usefulness for growth-focused creators.

Performance

Both platforms load quickly and handle traffic reliably. Linktree has been stress-tested by millions of users, including high-profile accounts that drive massive concurrent traffic. Milkshake performs well but has a smaller user base and less public data on performance under extreme load.

Use-Case Scenarios

Best for Content Creators

Milkshake edges ahead for Instagram influencers, artists, and visual creators who want their link page to match their content aesthetic. The card-based design feels native to Instagram Stories, and the mobile-first approach aligns with how these creators work.

Linktree is better for creators who publish across multiple platforms (YouTube, podcast, blog, newsletter) and need a centralized hub that’s less about aesthetics and more about functional link distribution.

Best for Small Businesses

Linktree is generally more practical for small businesses. The ability to integrate with email marketing, track conversions, and add payment processing makes it a functional business tool. The interface also looks more professional in contexts where credibility matters.

Milkshake works for visually-oriented businesses (boutiques, cafes, photographers) where the aesthetic experience is part of the brand. However, the lack of analytics and payment features makes it less suitable for businesses that need to track ROI.

Best for Payment-Focused Users

Linktree’s paid tiers include native payment processing, making it straightforward to collect payments without directing users to external platforms. This creates a cleaner user experience and better conversion rates.

Milkshake requires external payment links, adding friction to the transaction process. If monetization is your primary goal, you might consider combining Milkshake’s design strengths with a dedicated payment platform, or choosing a tool designed specifically for creator payments.

Best for Simple Link Pages

For someone who just needs to share five links with minimal fuss, Linktree is the obvious choice. Setup takes minutes, the free tier is genuinely useful, and the resulting page works everywhere.

Milkshake requires more investment to shine. If you’re not going to take advantage of the visual customization, you’re just creating extra work for yourself.

Pricing Breakdown

Linktree operates on a freemium model with multiple paid tiers. The free version includes unlimited links and basic customization. Paid plans add features like custom branding removal, advanced analytics, payment processing, priority links, and scheduling. Pricing scales from individual creators to team and enterprise plans.

Milkshake is free to use with most features available to all users. Premium features are available through in-app purchases, but the core platform remains accessible without payment. This makes it attractive for creators on a budget, though the lack of advanced features may become limiting as you grow.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If neither Linktree nor Milkshake feels quite right, several alternatives target different niches. Beacons and Later offer similar link-in-bio functionality with their own strengths. Carrd provides more website-like customization for a one-time fee.

For creators focused specifically on monetization and payment collection, Payable.at offers a streamlined approach to accepting payments directly through your link page. It’s worth considering if your primary goal is converting audience attention into revenue rather than just distributing links.

Final Verdict

The Linktree vs Milkshake decision comes down to priorities. Linktree is the practical choice for most users. It’s faster to set up, more feature-rich, better for analytics and monetization, and more versatile across different use cases. If you need a functional tool that works reliably and offers room to grow, Linktree is the safer bet.

Milkshake wins on aesthetics and mobile-native design. If you’re building a personal brand where visual consistency matters, if your audience is primarily mobile Instagram users, and if you prefer creating content on your phone, Milkshake provides a more cohesive experience. Just be aware of the limitations around analytics and monetization.

Neither tool is expensive enough to warrant extensive deliberation. You could reasonably try both and see which workflow feels more natural. Most creators will find Linktree more immediately useful, but Milkshake offers something genuinely different for those willing to invest in the design process.

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