Instagram is rolling out a new “profile card” feature that is essentially a digital business card for your profile. The official launch comes a few months after the Meta-owned social network was spotted testing the feature with select creators.
The new two-sided profile cards are designed to make it easier for users to share their Instagram account with others, as you don’t have to send your handle to someone, you can just share the card with them. Instagram sees the feature as an easier way to connect with new people and make friends.
One side is a shareable “card” that pulls information from your Instagram profile, such as your bio, profile picture, and any links or music that you have in your profile. The other side features a QR code that links to your profile. You can customize the background of your profile card with an image of your choosing to better express yourself.
The feature, rolling out to all users globally, is geared toward people who want to market themselves and grow their connections. You can share your profile card on other platforms to encourage people to check out your account and follow you.
Meta told TechCrunch in an email that it’s launching the feature in response to more Gen Zers using their Instagram as a resume of sorts. The company pointed to a recent survey that found that more than half of Gen Zers want to become influencers, which is why the social network is looking to help them present themselves to others.
Instagram says users can share their profile cards with potential collaborators or brands in a quick and easy way. The company also believes the feature can be used to make new friends who share similar interests by sharing the profile card in Instagram groups or online events.
Although Instagram has allowed users to share their accounts via QR codes since 2018, the new profile cards offer a more detailed way of doing so. Instead of just displaying a simple QR code, you can give others a bit of a look into your interests and content, which could lead to more connections than a standard QR code would.
