Marketing
It’s straightforward to build followers from people browsing online, but how do you convert in-person interactions into Instagram follows? Whether you’re hosting an event, engaging customers in-store, or in-person networking, getting people to type in your Instagram handle on the spot can be tricky. That’s where an Instagram QR code can help.
When users scan your Instagram QR code, they’re taken directly to your Instagram profile, easily converting offline interactions into new followers.
Instagram’s built-in QR code generator creates basic codes for your profile. But if you’re running campaigns across multiple locations or need to track which offline efforts drive the most followers, you’ll want a custom QR code solution. With custom QR codes, you can track scan data, maintain brand consistency, and update destinations without reprinting materials.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to generate an Instagram QR code, why dynamic QR codes outperform static ones, and how to choose the right approach for your marketing needs.
How to generate an Instagram QR code
Instagram has a built-in QR code generator that lets you create and share QR codes directly in the app. To generate this code, you need to:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap “Share Profile” on the right.
- Customize the background color, emoji pattern, or background image.
- Tap the download icon to save your QR code or share it directly via a link.
Use your Instagram QR code on product packaging, include it in signage, or add it to business cards and flyers. They’re also handy for mobile marketing campaigns at in-person events or store displays.
The limitations of native Instagram QR codes
The native Instagram QR code generator is suitable for casual use, but it lacks the functionality that marketers need to optimize campaign performance. Instagram’s QR codes have several limitations:
- No tracking or analytics: You won’t know how many people scanned your Instagram QR code or any additional information on its performance.
- A single, static destination: You can’t update the link destination.
- No branding control: Customization is limited to colors, emojis, or background photos, making it hard to incorporate your actual brand assets.
- No attribution tracking: You can’t tie scans back to a specific Instagram campaign.
- No A/B testing: You can’t test different designs or optimize based on performance data.
If you’re running multiple Instagram campaigns, need brand control, or want performance data, you need a more flexible solution.
Enter custom QR codes: The professional alternative
Custom Instagram QR codes, also called dynamic QR codes, offer far more value than a static Instagram QR code that can only ever link to your Instagram profile.
For starters, dynamic QR codes let you change the URL if your campaign goals change or you need to update specific information. But it’s not just about editable links. What really sets custom QR codes apart are the features built specifically for marketers who need visibility, flexibility, and brand control.
1. Advanced scan analytics
Native Instagram QR codes don’t provide your team with any performance data. Custom QR codes change that. With a dynamic QR code platform, you can see:
- How many people scanned your code
- Where and when scans occur
- What type of device was used (iOS, Android, etc.)
- Engagement trends by time of day or day of the week
This level of granularity enables you to measure campaign reach, understand audience behavior, and make more informed decisions for your marketing and user engagement strategies.
2. URL editing without reprinting
Printed materials have a long shelf life, so it’s frustrating when you have to reprint a QR code because a campaign URL changes. Dynamic QR codes let you update the scan destination at any time. If you pivot your Instagram marketing strategy or need to reroute users to a time-sensitive promotion in your Link Gallery, you can easily do so without having to reprint anything.
3. Custom branding and visual design
Maintaining a consistent brand identity across platforms and campaigns helps you create a seamless experience for anyone interacting with your company online and in the physical world. Custom QR code tools let you incorporate your company logo, use your brand colors, and incorporate design elements that reflect your overall visual identity. Custom-branded Instagram QR codes are more immediately recognizable and trusted, which increases their conversion potential.
4. Built-in campaign tracking
With custom QR codes, you can embed UTM parameters directly into the URL. That means you can attribute every Instagram QR code scan to a specific campaign, channel, or geographic region in your analytics dashboard. Whether you’re running paid campaigns, print ads, or in-store promotions, you’ll finally have full visibility into what’s working. Combine these insights with your broader Instagram linking strategy to build a more comprehensive picture of your audience on the platform.
5. Integration with marketing tools
Custom QR platforms, such as Rebrandly, help you create an ecosystem of tools that your team can use to build more effective campaigns. They integrate with CRMs, analytics suites, ad platforms, and social tools—allowing you to build end-to-end workflows that connect with your audience at every touch point in their custom journey.
6. ROI tracking and performance optimization
Custom QR codes make it easier to track campaign ROI and make data-driven decisions about what works. With detailed insights into traffic sources, conversion events, and audience behavior, you can attribute ROI across campaigns and experiment with QR code placement and destination.
Knowing when to use a custom Instagram QR code platform and how it impacts your overall campaign strategy helps you refine your social media marketing strategy as a whole.
Making the right choice for your marketing strategy
Not every campaign needs a fully customized Instagram QR solution. For small businesses or solo creators running occasional promotions, Instagram’s built-in QR codes might work fine. They’re easy to generate, require no additional tools, and link directly to your profile.
But if you’re managing multiple campaigns, need performance data, or want consistent branding across different locations, custom QR code solutions become necessary. These tools provide the analytics, flexibility, and brand control you need to optimize your campaigns.
Start by mapping out where and how you plan to use QR codes. If you need performance tracking or brand consistency, consider tools like Rebrandly, which offer dynamic, trackable, and customizable QR solutions that scale with your marketing needs.