Can hyperlinks be directly embedded in an ArcGIS StoryMaps map tour created from a feature layer?

No, hyperlinks cannot be directly embedded in an ArcGIS StoryMaps map tour created from a feature layer. When a map tour is created using the ‘Start with a feature layer’ option, the tour content is automatically populated from the feature layer's attributes. In this configuration, hyperlinks cannot be directly embedded within the descriptive text because the content is data driven. As workarounds, configure a button link field in the feature layer or create the tour from scratch to embed the hyperlinks.

Configure a button link field in the feature layer

1. In ArcGIS Online, create a new attribute field in the feature layer associated with the map tour and populate the field with links for the tour locations. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Add a field for instructions.
2. In ArcGIS StoryMaps, click the Edit data source button on the tour configuration bar.
3. In the Edit data source panel, on the Data tab, toggle Show button link on.
4. Select the field containing the tour location links from the Button link field drop-down menu and type the label in the Button label field. Click Save. Repeat for subsequent map tour slides if required.

Create a map tour from scratch to embed links

1. Create a story in ArcGIS StoryMaps. Refer to Steps 1 through 4 in ArcGIS StoryMaps: Create a story for instructions. In step 4(a), select Map tour.
2. In the How would you like to create your tour? panel, select the Start from scratch option.
3. In the Select a map tour layout panel, select a layout. Click Save.
4. In the Description element, insert the text for the tour location.
5. Highlight the text to be embedded as a hyperlink and click the Link icon.

6. Select Web page and paste the link. Click Apply.

The link is embedded in the highlighted text, as shown below.