Instagram profile cards are getting a makeover, giving creators a new tool to showcase their presence on the platform. Instagram has begun testing these updated profile cards with a select group of users, adding a visually engaging element to their profiles.
The new feature aims to make it easier for others to discover and connect with creators through a simple, scannable QR code.
Instagram profile cards: Scan, connect, engage
The revamped Instagram profile cards are designed to be digitally translatable. On one side, users will find a QR code that leads directly to their profile. Flipping it over reveals a summary of the profile, including the creator’s image, bio, and relevant work links. The new layout offers speed and portability. Which is important in an age of accelerated consumption.
While the concept of QR codes is not new to Instagram (they have been around since 2018), the platform’s efforts to promote their use have not been very successful. Despite their potential for easy connectivity, many users are not aware of them, resulting in a low adoption rate. Instagram’s repeated changes to how and where these QR codes appear in the app may have contributed to this lack of awareness.
In contrast, Instagram seems determined to give QR codes another chance, having recently introduced profile cards after adding them to its Broadcast Channels in June. Time will tell whether the renewed focus on QR codes will gain traction.
A cool addition in a fast-paced world
We now live in a society where everything is designed to be consumed quickly and instantly, Instagram profile cards are yet another tool catering to our need for speed and efficiency. We swipe through 6-7-second videos, barely taking a moment to pause, let alone reflect. Instagram profile cards offer a quick, visually appealing way to connect, but they also remind us of how we increasingly prioritize convenience over experience.
As we rush to present our lives in bite-sized pieces, it’s worth remembering the value of slowing down and savoring the moment. While Instagram profile cards may make it easier to expand your online presence, taking the time to enjoy the process—and life itself—might just be the real key to satisfaction.
Featured image credit: Instagram / Edit: Furkan Demirkaya
