How to Make an Instagram QR Code for Your Content

What is an Instagram QR Code?

An Instagram QR Code is a solution connecting an Instagram profile — business, creator, or personal — with a QR Code. Anyone who scans the QR Code is directed to that specific Instagram page, where they can view details and images or follow that account.

If you’re searching for a way to get more eyes on your Instagram profile, look no further than an Instagram QR Code. When scanned, this type of QR Code sends users directly to your Instagram profile so they can follow you in the blink of an eye. They’re also versatile enough to be used in print campaigns. By generating a QR Code for Instagram, you can easily slip it into your designs.

How does an Instagram QR Code work? Every scan brings someone new to your profile. After all, more Instagram followers and more engagement mean even more exposure for you and your brand. Wondering our Instagram QR Code generator works? It’s as easy as can be.

To generate a QR Code for Instagram:

Copy and paste your Instagram profile link (instagram.com/yourbrandname) from your desktop computer into the QR Code Generator above. A QR Code that links directly to your Instagram page will be generated automatically.

Why do I need an Instagram QR Code?

If your brand focuses on visual content, then using Instagram as a promotional platform is the best choice when it comes to social media. But the road to viral status is no easy feat. It requires not just engaging content but also the digital tools and know-how necessary to help you build your follower count and promote your Instagram page online and offline.

Here, we take you through the nitty-gritty of how to generate a QR Code for Instagram and all the reasons why you might want to create one.

1. A flexible marketing tool

These days, contactless marketing is everything — which is why Instagram launched its own in-app QR Code generator in August 2020, to make it easier for users or companies to share their profiles. However, there are a few reasons why you might want to create a QR Code for Instagram outside the app.

Instagram’s QR Code customization options are limited to a background with their brand colors or an emoji — fun, but perhaps not the QR Code that would be best suited to your business or brand. With our QR Code Generator, you can customize every aspect of your QR Code, such as the frame, colors, and CTA. It’s even possible to create an Instagram QR Code with a logo.

The images below highlight the differences between the two kinds of QR Code:

2. Easily gain followers with seamless access to your Instagram profile from print

Why do you want to make a QR Code for Instagram, especially if you’re using print media? Consider this: the more people have access to your profile, the higher your chances are of increasing engagement rates. Higher engagement rates often correlate to more conversions and a boost in business growth.

That’s where QR Codes come in: they provide an opportunity for you to bridge the gap between digital and offline marketing. By placing a QR Code on a print ad, consumers are able to connect directly with your brand: to follow you, they only need to scan the QR Code and take it from there.

3. Complete QR Code customization options for your brand

Want to take your QR Code marketing even further? We have the perfect solution: the Dynamic URL QR Code. This allows you access to the full range of customization options that will help you match your Instagram QR Code to your branding, along with scan data and the ability to edit the URL after the QR Code has been created. If you have multiple Instagram profiles and wish to link to a different one than the one you originally used, then it’s possible to do so with the Dynamic URL QR Code.

4. Holistically align your Instagram campaigns with QR Code tracking & editability

There are two further benefits to creating your Instagram QR Code as a Dynamic URL QR Code: editing and tracking. With a Dynamic URL QR Code, you get the option to update the link within your QR Code anytime without needing to reprint — saving immensely on time, money, and stress!

Furthermore, Dynamic URL QR Codes enable real-time QR Code tracking, meaning you get 24/7 access to your Instagram QR Code scan data across different locations (city and country), operating device used, unique vs. total scans, and time scanned. That’s the finishing touch you need to optimize your Instagram QR Code strategy and calculate print marketing ROI (return on investment)!

How to make a QR Code for your Instagram:

How to make a QR Code for your Instagram? It’s easy to make one — just follow these steps:

Select the URL tab in the generator above. If you would like to create a trackable QR Code, please sign up to QR Code Generator PRO to create a Dynamic URL instead.
Copy and paste your Instagram profile link (instagram.com/yourbrandname) from your desktop computer into the URL field.
Your QR Code will then be generated automatically. Do a scan test to see if it’s working correctly, as you will not be able to edit a Static QR Code after it’s created.
Customize your QR Code with a frame and color.
Download the Instagram QR Code and add it to the medium of your choice.

Can I see how an Instagram QR Code is used?

Social media can help transform any industry — and for those companies or brands where aesthetics take center stage? Then Instagram is indispensable. We show you how our Instagram QR Code generator might help your business reach its full potential.

Restaurants

Foodies love finding inspiration for new restaurants by scrolling through mouth-watering images on Instagram. And if a friend, family member, or colleague posts about their favorite new place to eat on social media, that’s the best free marketing a restauranteur can hope for. Get in on the act by turning your menu into a QR Code menu by adding a restaurant QR Code linking to Instagram — the perfect excuse for happy customers to follow your profile, snap pictures, and share their praise about your food!

Tourism

People travel for sun, new experiences, beautiful vistas — and there’s a good chance they’ll want to share it on Instagram. In fact, this visual appeal makes it the perfect platform for businesses in the tourism industry, such as tour operators and travel agents, to maximize their audience reach. Pack your Instagram full of inspiring shots from the tours and destinations you offer, and create a window QR Code display or promotional poster linking to your company’s Instagram. When prospective travelers see the sights they’re missing out on, more bookings are sure to be coming your way.

Fashion Retailers

With Instagram’s exponential rise, one beneficiary stands out in particular: the fashion industry. For consumers, it’s ideal for staying on top of trends, styles, and seasons — and there’s ample opportunity for retailers to stay ahead of the curve by using a shop QR Code. Beef up your marketing strategy with a packaging or product QR Code linking to your Instagram profile, or create a giveaway or QR Code raffle to incentivize fashionistas to get on board with your brand. In either case, you have the opportunity to reach out to shoppers across the digital divide, and keep them informed of your latest looks.

Musicians & Artists

The music industry is no stranger to the power of Instagram. It offers bands and artists the chance to speak to fans directly and to keep them informed about fresh releases or upcoming tours. Why not let your band reap the benefits of Instagram by using a QR Code for music? Try adding a QR Code linking to your Instagram profile to concert tickets or promotional posters to boost your following and build your base of devoted fans.

Photographers & Videographers

If you’re a photographer or videographer, there's a chance that Instagram either has or could become your de facto portfolio. And why not? With Instagram’s over one billion users, your work can reach one of the biggest audiences on the planet. Use a QR Code linking to your Instagram profile to take full advantage of the platform — you could add it to and create a QR Code business card, so prospective clients have an instant overview of your skills and abilities.

Are there any Instagram QR Code best practices?

There are a few important details to keep in mind when creating and using your Instagram QR Code. To get you off on the right foot, we have outlined the top best practices below.

1. Use a link from a desktop browser

It’s not so intuitive to copy the link to your Instagram profile from the app itself. For speed and ease, use a desktop browser to access your Instagram profile and create the link for your QR Code.

If you want more flexibility from your links — by using deeplinks or tracking links, for example — using QR Code generator makes it easier for you to use exactly the link you want.

2. Give an incentive to scan your Instagram QR Code with a call-to-action

Your newly-made Instagram QR Code is not going to get many scans if potential followers are not sure what you’re offering. Customize your QR Code, and add a snappy CTA to pique their interest — a clever CTA is more likely to get more scans. A “Follow us on Instagram!” QR Code sounds more enticing than the tried and true “Scan me.”

3. Continuously engage with your Instagram followers

The Instagram algorithm is notorious for rewarding engagement. To ensure your posts make it into users’ feeds, regularly adding fresh content that people want to like, comment on, or share is key. No matter if your campaign runs continuously or for a short period of time, make sure you have a holistic QR Code Instagram marketing strategy that engages and stays in touch with your new followers.

4. Customize your Instagram QR Code’s size and design

Your Instagram QR Code can be almost as big as your design will allow, but there are some minimum size requirements. Firstly, your QR Code should be no smaller than 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 in) if Dynamic and 3 x 3 cm (1.2 in x 1.2 in) if Static, and it should be scaled to the size of the medium you’re using. Our QR Code size guide can help you determine the best ratio for your printed QR Code.

5. Create a QR Code for Instagram, and track scans

If you want to understand your audience better and are trying to decide between a Static vs Dynamic QR Code, opt for a Dynamic QR Code. The Dynamic QR Code gives you access to scan data: where, when, and on what medium your QR Code is scanned. With Instagram, you’ll be tempted to measure the success of your QR Code by the new followers you have gained, but a Dynamic QR Code allows so much more. For example, you can test if placing your QR Code for Instagram in different locations or on different printed materials has an impact and build on your strategy from there.

How do I scan a QR Code on Instagram?

Regardless of whether you use Instagram on a desktop or via the app, many newer smartphone models can automatically scan QR Codes with the camera. We have you covered on how to scan a QR Code on Android and how to scan a QR Code on iPhone. Otherwise, you can always use a third-party scanning app.

Creating and printing your Instagram QR Code is easy. First, copy the URL for your Instagram profile into the QR Code Generator above. Next, download the QR Code and add it to the design or materials you’re planning to use — and do not forget to follow our sizing recommendations. Finally, print the materials featuring the QR Code, and you’re all set!

Have more questions?

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