If you use Instagram, you will be happy to know that they recently started rolling out QR Codes on the app. The testing for this started last year on Facebook before they rolled it out on Instagram. Thankfully, the QR codes are for all Android and iOS users.
This feature enables you to share your profile using a QR Code. You are also able to follow anyone on Instagram by simply scanning their QR code.
In this review, we take a look at how you can share your Instagram profile using the QR codes. This is not a very complicated process and it will make communication and following each other on the platform much easier. Read on to learn more.
What Exactly Are QR Codes?
A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a matrix type of barcode that was first designed in 1994 for the automotive industry in Japan. The barcode usually is machine-readable and is an optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached.
The codes usually contain data for an identifier or locator that points towards a specific application or website.
The code consists of black squares that are arranged in a sort of square grid on a white background that is read by an imaging device or a camera. The process uses Reed-Solomon error correction until the image is appropriately interpreted.
Instagram QR Codes
Instagram is bringing this technology to the app, and the users will be able to generate QR codes that are scannable from any device, even third-party camera apps.
The feature was launched in Japan and the idea is for businesses to be able to print their own QR codes, and then have their customers scan them to open their Instagram accounts easily.
They are then able to buy items, see the store hours, and even follow the accounts much more quickly.
How to Generate Your Own QR Code
This process is very easy. Simply go to the settings menu on your Instagram profile and tap on the QR Code. You will see a name-tag there and eventually, this will become your QR code.
You should then save this image or share it. Previously, Instagram had used a similar process, which they called Name-tags, and these were internal QR-like codes.
There are multiple apps that already use this system, such as Facebook, Snapchat, Spotify, and Twitter, so it is not a very new concept.
How to Share Your Profile with QR Codes
Go to your Profile page and tap on your profile pic icon, which is at the bottom right corner of the home page. Tap on the menu that is at the top right corner, signified by three horizontal lines.
You will see the QR code option, and you will need to tap it. The QR code will appear on the screen and now you are able to share it by simply tapping on the share button above.
You will also be able to change the color of the QR code by tapping on it. The “color” option is above the QR code. This may seem a little buggy for now, but soon you will get better at using the codes.
How to Follow Someone on Instagram Using QR Codes
If you wish to follow someone by use of the QR codes, then just use the camera on your phone if it supports QR codes. However, you can download the QR code scanner app if your camera doesn’t support it. Point the camera to the code and it will open a link to the respective profile.
Conclusion
Nothing sounds as good as being able to follow someone without necessarily looking for their profile on Instagram. This is what the QR Codes are here to do. When you follow our steps above, you will be one step closer to a stress-free following process.
