🔍 What Is This Error?
When adding social media links to your Google Business Profile (GBP), you may see the error: INVALID_SOCIAL_MEDIA_PROFILE_URL. This means one or more of your social media URLs are not formatted in the way Google requires. Google enforces strict URL standards for each platform, and even a small formatting mistake will cause the entire submission to fail.
📋 Why URL Formatting Matters
Google validates every social media URL you submit against its own rules for each supported platform. Common issues include extra query parameters, incorrect subdomains, missing path segments, or using short links instead of full profile URLs. The URL must point directly to a public profile page — not a post, a reel, a story, or a redirect link.
✅ Correct URL Formats by Platform
Use the exact formats shown below. Replace the example handles with your own.
- **Facebook:**https://www.facebook.com/YourPageName — Use the full www.facebook.com domain. Do not use fb.com, m.facebook.com, or any Facebook short URL (e.g. fb.me/...).
- **Instagram:**https://www.instagram.com/yourusername/ — Include the trailing slash. Do not link to a specific post or reel. Avoid instagr.am short links.
- **TikTok:**https://www.tiktok.com/@yourusername — The @ symbol before the username is required. Do not use vm.tiktok.com or any shortened TikTok video link.
- **YouTube:**https://www.youtube.com/@YourChannel or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxxxxxxxx — Avoid vanity URLs with custom slugs unless they match the verified channel URL exactly.
- **LinkedIn:**https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-company-name/ — Use the company page URL, not a personal profile or LinkedIn post URL.
- **X (Twitter):**https://x.com/yourusername or https://twitter.com/yourusername — Both domains are currently accepted, but avoid t.co shortened links.
- **Pinterest:**https://www.pinterest.com/yourusername/ — Link to the profile root, not a specific board or pin.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a shortened or redirect URL (e.g. bit.ly, fb.me, vm.tiktok.com)
- Linking to a specific post, reel, video, or story instead of the profile page
- Adding query parameters such as ?utm_source=... or ?ref=... to the end of the URL
- Using a mobile subdomain like m.facebook.com
- Forgetting the https:// prefix
- Including extra spaces before or after the URL
🛠️ How to Update Your Social URLs in Search Atlas
- In the left sidebar, click Local → GBP Projects to open your GBP projects.
- Select the GBP project you want to update.
- Navigate to the profile or business information section where social media links are stored.
- Remove the existing URL that is causing the error.
- Enter the corrected URL using the formats listed above.
- Save your changes and re-submit to Google.
If the error persists after correcting the format, double-check that your social media profile is set to public. Google cannot validate a private or restricted profile URL.
💡 Quick Checklist Before Submitting
- URL starts with https://www.
- URL points to the profile page, not a post or video
- No shortened links or redirect URLs
- No tracking parameters appended
- No extra spaces at the start or end
- Profile visibility is set to public on the social platform
💬 Need More Help?
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.