While sharing content on Instagram is pretty simple, it gets a little annoying to share the same content on other apps or even with the real world. I know, it is annoying. So, I decided I’ll figure out a solution by the end of the day. And guess what I stumbled upon on the same day? Instagram QR code!
Yep! You must be wondering what Instagram QR codes are and how to even create a QR code that features your Instagram profile’s link. So, the thing is, you can use the Instagram QR codes to share posts, business locations, profiles, and more.
Today, I am going to discuss Instagram QR codes in detail, highlighting how to use these for sharing information in the real world.
Stay tuned.
Yes, surprisingly, there is an Instagram QR code generator!
You can generate various QR or quick response codes on Instagram that people can easily scan with any smartphone camera. So, when your business’s followers or customers can see your QR code, their camera will automatically identify the URL, prompting people to reach the linked spot.
Moreover, in a majority of cases, the URL opens Instagram automatically, directly taking the user to a post, profile, or some other content. Since QR codes can direct people to specific spots inside the app, they are perfect for promoting your socials at offline events and marketing activities.
So, Instagram first launched a QR code feature in 2020, only meant for sharing profiles, expanding the feature by August 2022. Since then users can access this feature from your Explore tab.
Then September 2022 onwards, Instagram made it possible for all users – creator and business accounts, to access its QR Code feature. Moreover, the Instagram QR Code feature operates well with both third-party and owned content to share posts, profiles, and more on Instagram.
So, whether you want to boost traffic on your account or make your content viral, there is an authentic and unique code for the same. As a result, in a majority of cases, you can easily create QR codes inside the mobile application.
Also, you have the choice to create these codes within a browser by adding ‘QR’ after any URL on Instagram.
On that note, let’s go through the different options:
So, let’s say you want to share a carousel post or image that your business just published on the platform. Or maybe you have stumbled upon a relatable post that is ideal for your brand’s pop-up?
It’s pretty easy – just click on the three dots positioned on your screen’s upper-right side and subsequently select the QR Code option from the menu.
So, when you click on this option, you will find Instagram instantly generating QR codes for the same. This unique code also has a small description that features the data, original creator, and content type, giving users the exact context, helping marketing professionals to keep their codes organized.
Moreover, these QR codes also have a tool for colour selection. So, you can pick a color to change the code’s appearance. As a result, it tends to do better work for your business, brand, or marketing materials.
Additionally, once you finish modifying how the code looks, click on the ‘Save QR Code’ option and download the same. Once you download the code on your device, you can share it or upload it to any cloud-based storage application.
The workflow for creating an Instagram QR Code for your reel is identical to doing the same for a post.
Just find the reel that you want to share and click on the three dots positioned on the lower-right side of your screen and choose the QR Code option. Then personalize the colors before hitting the download button.
It seems like QR codes do not appear on Instagram’s Reels menu. So, if you don’t come across QR Codes for reels you feel like sharing, try to access the app from your desktop browser. Just add ‘QR’ at the end of the URL.
Due to their 24-hour time span, it is not always practical to share stories offline, at least in most cases. However, if you plan on sharing time-sensitive content, you can definitely create an Instagram QR Code for sharing your Stories.
There are two ways to do it—you can either create a code from the Instagram Stories menu or, if you don’t come across this option on the app, just add ‘QR’ at the end of the URL to the specific story.
Instead, you can create a QR Code for Instagram Story Highlights since these tend to be evergreen. It is also super easy to share these on Instagram. To do this, open your profile and navigate to the menu. From the menu, tap on the ‘Show QR Code’ option and save it. Don’t forget to review the highlight’s color palette.
You can generate location-based QR codes to help users arrive at any specific location on Instagram, from regions and cities to buildings and neighbourhoods.
So, to find the right location pages, you can do one of two things: either navigate to your Explore page and click on the tab marked ‘Places’ to find a location, or you can just click on the location from a reel or post and arrive at the same page.
Once you are on a location page, click on the three dots beside the name of the location—a menu will pop up. From this menu, click on the ‘Show QR Code’ option, review the color palette, and save it on your device.
How can you add Instagram QR codes to branding, marketing, and promotional efforts? On that note, let’s check out some ways in which you can use this particular feature to promote third-party and owned content:
Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.
