Instagram Rolls Out Proper QR Codes To Let You Follow Accounts Quickly. Don’t open Instagram to find a profile.
Instagram is launching QR codes so businesses can make it easier for people to find their Instagram profiles. The feature will replace Nametags, which had to be scanned from within app.
It was just last month that WhatsApp officially introduced the ability to add contacts via a QR code. And now Instagram is taking a leaf out of its sister app’s book. The company today began to widely roll out QR codes in its app, after trialing the feature last year in Japan.
Now, users can now generate QR codes that’ll be scannable from any supporting, third-party camera apps. The idea is that businesses can print their QR code and have customers scan it to open their Instagram account easily. From there, people can see store hours, buy items, or just follow the account.
To generate your QR code, go to the settings menu on your profile and tap QR code. You might still see Nametag there, but eventually, it’ll become QR code. You can then save or share the image. Previously, they deployed a similar system called Nametags. Which were internal QR-like codes that could only be scanned from the Instagram camera. It’s now deprecating the feature entirely.
Multiple other apps employ their own QR-like system, including Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Spotify. (Only Twitter supports actual QR codes). But with the pandemic, it’s unsurprising to see Instagram embrace the more open QR system. Restaurants have begun leaving QR codes out instead of their physical menus. And other businesses request that people scan a QR code to load their website. While Nametags might have worked for this purpose, QR codes make it easier for people to scan. Beside, it make them less reliant on taking out the Instagram camera to access information.