> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.linkutm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Click limit

> Cap a link at a maximum number of clicks, then stop or redirect it

A click limit caps a link at a maximum number of clicks. The counter increments on each real visit, and once the limit is reached the link stops sending visitors to its destination. They go to the [fallback URL](/links/link-expiration) if one is set, otherwise they see a "not found" response. It is set in the same Advanced panel as [scheduling and expiration](/links/link-expiration).

## When to use it

* Capping a giveaway or promo link at a fixed number of redemptions.
* Limiting early-access or beta links to the first N visitors.
* Enforcing a hard ceiling on a paid placement you only bought so many clicks for.

## How to use it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Advanced">
    In the create or edit link panel, click **Advanced** in the bottom bar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a click limit">
    Type a number in **Click Limit**. The counter increments on each real visit. Once the limit is reached, the link stops redirecting.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a fallback URL (optional)">
    Enter a **Fallback Redirect URL** to send visitors somewhere useful after the limit is hit. Without one, they see a "not found" response.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    The limit is stored on the link. Counting and cutoff happen automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/utm-e577acb5/ve12jDs8nhIW2bv2/images/advancedoptionurlcreation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ve12jDs8nhIW2bv2&q=85&s=dc4468eebb05adf56abbbcb074a4ce66" alt="Advanced settings panel - Password Protection, Click Limit, Scheduling with activation and expiration dates, Fallback URL, and Link Cloaking toggle" width="1920" height="957" data-path="images/advancedoptionurlcreation.png" />
</Frame>

## Real-world example

A product giveaway capped at the first 500 entries, with a fallback to the waitlist:

```
Destination:   https://acme.com/giveaway
Click limit:   500
Fallback URL:  https://acme.com/waitlist
utm_source:    instagram
utm_campaign:  launch_giveaway
```

The first 500 visitors reach the giveaway. Everyone after lands on the waitlist instead of a dead page. Every click stays in analytics.

## Common mistakes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Setting a low limit on a high-traffic link">
    Clicks can spike fast. A limit of 100 on a link that suddenly gets 50,000 impressions cuts off almost everyone. Set a limit only when a hard cap is the actual intent.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No fallback URL">
    Without a fallback, visitors after the limit see a "not found" response. Set a fallback so they land somewhere useful.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Expecting the counter to reset">
    The limit is a lifetime total for the link, not per day. Once hit, it stays hit until you raise the limit.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Edge cases

<Note>
  **Click limit vs. expiration.** Both stop the link when triggered. If both are set, whichever condition is hit first stops the link. The fallback URL applies in both cases. See [scheduling and expiration](/links/link-expiration).
</Note>

<Note>
  **Past clicks stay in analytics.** Reaching the limit only stops new redirects. Clicks already recorded remain in reporting.
</Note>

<Note>
  **Raising the limit reactivates the link.** If a link has stopped at its limit, increasing the number lets it redirect again from the next visit.
</Note>