Instagram's New Profile Cards Feature

Instagram is expanding its suite of connection tools with the introduction of new profile cards, offering a modern, streamlined way for users to share their accounts. After months of testing with selected creators, this feature is now rolling out globally, giving users another avenue to showcase their Instagram profiles more efficiently.

What Are Instagram Profile Cards?

The new profile cards are digitally flippable panels designed to make sharing your Instagram account quick and simple. On one side, users will find a QR code for instant connections, while the reverse features a profile overview—including an image, bio, and profile category, along with any business links for creator accounts. To make it even more personalised, users can select a song that plays when the card is opened and choose a custom background image.

These cards are not only a fun way to express your personal brand but also offer a practical tool for creators. Instagram suggests that the cards could help influencers and creators connect with potential brand partners by providing a shareable summary of their online presence. They’re also a great option for users looking to share their profile with friends or groups, particularly in social settings or collaborative spaces.

Why Profile Cards?

Instagram has experimented with various QR code features since 2018, but the concept has yet to fully catch on. While QR codes have been available for profiles for several years, few users seem to have adopted them in daily practice. Instagram is hoping that these new profile cards, which blend visuals and interaction, will succeed where previous QR efforts haven’t.

With the broader rise of QR code usage—accelerated by the pandemic in many sectors—it seems Instagram believes this format still has potential. Earlier this year, Instagram also launched QR codes for Broadcast Channels, another attempt to leverage the technology for easier connection. While it remains to be seen how widely adopted profile cards will become, the ease of sharing through a simple scan may appeal to many users.

Customisation and Practical Uses

One of the major advantages of these new profile cards is the level of customisation. Users can tailor their card’s look to reflect their personal style or brand identity, choosing background images and even music. This is likely to appeal to Instagram’s core base of creators and influencers, who often seek ways to stand out in a crowded space.

The inclusion of QR codes could also make these cards a practical tool in real-life networking situations. Imagine meeting someone at a conference or event and sharing your Instagram details with just a quick scan—much faster than typing out usernames or searching for accounts manually.

Will They Catch On?

While Instagram’s previous QR code features have not gained significant traction, the aesthetic appeal of these new cards might make a difference this time. The cards are visually striking and provide a convenient way to share details with a single scan, potentially making them more popular among users. However, it’s unclear whether they will achieve widespread adoption. Instagram users are often resistant to change, and similar tools in the past haven’t made much of an impact.

Only time will tell if Instagram’s profile cards will revolutionise the way we share accounts—or if they will join the list of features that didn’t quite take off.

Instagram’s new profile cards are available globally starting today. To access yours, simply tap on the “Share profile” option in the latest version of the app.