Sometimes networking happens when you when you least expect it. Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop, or the airport, or maybe walking in the park. You strike up a conversation with someone, and they want to know about your business. Now you can easily convert that chance connection into a new follower with your customizable Instagram profile card.
In this quick guide, we'll show you how profile cards work and help you set up your own.
What is an Instagram profile card?
Instagram’s profile cards are a simple, two-sided digital business card — one side has your profile picture, bio, and website; the other side has a QR code that people can scan to visit your IG profile.
Think of it as a shortcut for sharing your profile with others — whether on or offline. Instead of hoping IRL connections will remember to look you up later, you can use your custom profile card to direct them straight to your profile and (hopefully) gain a follower on the spot.
Instagram profile card quick facts:
- The profile card is customizable — you can change the background image on the QR code side, the background color of your handle, and the color of your QR code.
- New in-person connections can scan your QR code for direct access to your Instagram profile.
- You can share your profile card digitally by text message, a link, or to other social media platforms, including Threads.
- You can share your profile card on your Stories.
TL;DR: Instagram profiles are a fast and easy way to share your profile without someone having to search for your handle. Yes, Instagram already had profile sharing via QR codes, but now you get to make them sparkle with custom design options!
How to set up your Instagram profile card
- Open your Instagram app and head to your profile.
- Tap Share Profile in the middle of the screen. Your profile card will appear.
- Tap the pencil icon in the top right corner.
- Select Change background to add your own image as to QR side background. Or select Remove background to delete an image that you’ve already added.
- Select Change color to change the QR side to a solid background color. You can also swipe to the other side of your profile card, and change the color of your handle.
- Select Edit profile to change the content on your profile, like your bio and website. Keep in mind that whatever you change for your profile card will also change on your profile.
- When you’re satisfied with your edits, tap the X in the top left corner to exit the screen. Your changes will be saved.
When to use your Instagram profile card
If you’re a creator or small business owner with a strong Instagram presence and an audience who uses Instagram, your profile card is an instantaneous way to network online and offline. Here are a few instances where they’ll come in handy:
- In-person business events, like trade shows, conferences, markets, and other commercial events.
- Informal in-person meetings, when the conversation shifts towards your business or content creation.
- Digital interactions, like comments, threads, forums, or texts.
We’ve saved the best part for last: Profile cards are totally free. There will always be uses cases for a stack of physical business cards, but for Instagram-dominant creators, this free route is a great starting point. Just make sure your Instagram profile completes the loop for new contacts by including website and contact links to learn more about you and your business.
