How to create an Instagram QR code: 2 easy ways

Looking to create a QR code that links directly to your Instagram profile?

Whether you’re sharing it on a flyer, business card, product label, or event booth, a QR code makes it effortless for people to find and follow you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• How to generate your Instagram QR code directly within the app
• How to customize it based on your account type
• And how to take things to the next level with Replug, a powerful link management tool that gives you full control, branding options, and detailed analytics
  

Let’s get started.

What is an Instagram QR code?

An Instagram QR code is a unique, scannable code that instantly directs users to your Instagram profile.

It eliminates the need for manual searches, making it easier for people to find and follow you. When scanned with a smartphone, the code takes users to your profile.

How to create an Instagram QR code?

Option 1: Creating a QR Code for Instagram using Instagram’s built-in feature

Instagram already has a built-in way to generate a QR code for your profile. Here’s how you can do it from your Instagram app:

1. Open Instagram and tap your profile picture (bottom right corner).
2. Tap “Share Profile.”
3. You’ll see your Instagram QR code.

Want to customize it? Here’s how:

• Personal account users: Tap the pen icon (top right). You can change the color or add a background from your photo gallery.
• Business or Meta-verified accounts: You get more creative freedom with the option to customize your QR with a background using emojis, selfies, or images along with color changes.

Neat, right? But here’s the catch; the customization stops there. You can’t track how many people scanned it. You can’t update the destination later. And you can’t add any branding or call-to-action elements.

So… what if you want more?

Option 2: Use Replug for a custom, trackable Instagram QR Code (with extra perks)

If Instagram’s native QR feature is like a standard coffee, Replug is your custom latte with oat milk, a splash of vanilla, and your name on the cup.

Replug lets you generate a branded, highly customizable QR code that links to your Instagram, and a whole lot more.

Here’s how to create one:

Step 1: Log in to Replug and head over to the “QR Codes” section.

Step 2: Click “Create New”

Step 3: Enter a title and description, paste your Instagram profile in the appropriate field, and choose “Instagram” from the QR code types.

Step 4: Customize it your way:

• Change colors to match your brand palette
• Choose from a variety of frames for different use cases
• Add your logo 

Related: The ultimate guide to creating a Discord QR code

Step 5: Download it in either PNG, SVG, JPEG, or WEPB, and share it anywhere; business cards, posters, packaging, even your pet’s bandana.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also create a smart bio link using Replug, and connect your Instagram along with other platforms, all under one QR scan.

Why use Replug instead of Instagram’s QR?

Wondering if Instagram’s QR code is enough?

Here’s how Replug takes things further with more customization, control, and conversion-focused feature:

Feature	Instagram QR	Replug QR
Color customization	✅	✅
Background image customization	✅	✅
Emoji/selfie backgrounds (biz)	✅	❌ (more pro style)
Add logo or watermark	❌	✅
Custom frames	❌	✅
Branded short links	❌	✅
Track scans (analytics)	❌	✅
Retargeting pixel support	❌	✅
Change destination later	❌	✅ (dynamic QR code)
Dedicated analytics dashboard	❌	✅

Instagram QR codes best practices

Using QR codes on Instagram can be a powerful tool to engage with your audience and drive traffic to your content. Here are some best practices for effectively using Instagram QR codes:

• Clear CTA: Clearly state what users will get by scanning the code.
• Placement: Put QR codes where they’re easily visible, like in your bio, posts, or stories.
• Customization: Customize codes with brand colors or logos for better recognition.
• Testing: Ensure codes work across devices and apps before wide use.
• Provide value: Offer exclusive content or incentives to users.
• Track performance: Use analytics to measure scan rates and engagement.
• Educate audience: Explain how to scan QR codes for those unfamiliar.
• Integration: Use QR codes across marketing channels for consistency.
• Compliance: Follow Instagram’s guidelines for QR code use to avoid issues.

FAQs for how to create an Instagram QR code

Why should I use Instagram QR codes for marketing?

Instagram QR codes are an effective way to bridge the offline and online worlds, allowing you to easily connect with your audience and drive them to your Instagram profile, specific posts, promotions, or other content. 

How can I create an Instagram QR code for my business?

You can create an Instagram QR code using an online QR code generator or through Instagram’s built-in QR code feature. 

Can I customize the design of my Instagram QR code?

Yes, many QR code generators allow you to customize the design of your Instagram QR code by adding your brand colors, logo, or other visual elements.

How do users scan an Instagram QR code?

Users can scan an Instagram QR code using their smartphone camera or a QR code scanning app.