Instagram Launches QR Codes Worldwide

[MacRumors]

Instagram is launching in-app QR codes worldwide via an update, according to The Verge.

Users will now be able to generate QR codes that are scannable from any third-party QR camera app. The feature will allow businesses to print and display a QR code that will direct customers to their Instagram account more easily, for example. QR codes in Instagram first launched last year in Japan, but the feature is now rolling out to all territories.

To use the new QR codes in Instagram, make sure you have the latest version of the app. Then, to generate your profile's QR code, go to the settings menu and simply tap "QR code." You can then save or share the image.

QR codes are replacing a similar system called Nametags, which were a kind of QR-like code that could only be scanned in the Instagram app. It is yet to be seen if Instagram's adoption of the open QR code standard will encourage other social media giants such as Facebook and Snapchat to follow suit.

Article Link: Instagram Launches QR Codes Worldwide

 

[repoman016]

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

 

[twinlight]

I have found some QR codes helping sometimes at restaurants or bars to get the meny instead of typing a long link. Other than that, no use.

 

[mollyc]

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

The camera app reads QR codes.

I use IG a lot and see how this could be beneficial. It saves the hassle of trying to remember an account name.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

iphone camera has built in QR code reading. No 3rd party app necessary.

 

[djcerla]

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

I’m old too, but I use QRs basically every day, for example to enter foods in the MyFitnessPal app. Or to quickly visit the page of a shop, or to read the online-only restaurants menus in covid-times. Just open the camera and frame the QR.

It’s easy, fun and useful, give it a try!

 

[Bustycat]

Maybe I'm just old, but I've never had/wanted to scan QR codes. When given the option, I always decided against it bc I didnt want to download some random app just to scan a code so I can "enter to win!" or see a drink menu

Here QR codes are becoming more useful and more important, as they benefit small businesses a lot. Today I went to a restaurant that just recently posted its QR code that I could simply scan it and redirect to Apple Pay. I am a person who doesn’t like to touch cash, and in 2020 this behaviour could help avoid SARS-CoV-2.

 

[repoman016]

iphone camera has built in QR code reading. No 3rd party app necessary.

good to know. I guess its been a long time since i've tried and I dont see them anywhere I go where I need to use one

 

[Rychiar]

Didn’t these die a decade ago...

 

[Apple Macintosh 128K]

QR codes have just never caught on in the US. Additionally, so many brands use them stupidly that they don't create the desired result. For instance, do you expect people to pull out their phone and take a photo of the QR code on your billboard while they're driving? And when you display the QR code on your website, how do you expect them to scan it with their phone while browsing your website on their phone?

 

[Apple Macintosh 128K]

good to know. I guess its been a long time since i've tried and I dont see them anywhere I go where I need to use one

Tons of restaurants around here are using them now. Rather than give you a paper menu they have to throw away or a plastic one they have to wipe down every time, they just have a code on the table. Scan it and you've got your menu. This is by far the most I've used QR codes ever, but it's a good use for them.

 

[iDento]

QR codes work on business cards too, If you have a personal Instagram account you can add it to your business card, it’s free and fun.

 

[Vanilla35]

QR codes are weird. I will say probably the only time I've seen them used usefully and appropriately has been for COVID menu's where it'll redirect to a menu, and twice I've seen it direct to a payment page. The vast majority of other times are kinda just weird marketing moves.

I saw one on a TV commercial for the first time the other day, they had their ad and then at the end they placed the deal with a QR code next to it, and just freeze framed that screen for 7 seconds. Not sure if that was long enough for people to find their phone and take a picture if interested, but it's potentially more functional than a link. Although I'd guess would drive less google searches than a website, which could result in less visits overall.

I personally don't underestimate the laziness of the average american, so I think it's dead in the water again in the coming months -- but it's good to have had a period for people to be introduced to it, in case some truly useful ideas do come of it.

 

[nylonsteel]

i wouldnt be surprised to see a qr tat on a girls backside someday

 

[0924487]

They are now copying Chinese apps like WeChat and Alipay. Facebook, Google, Apple, etc. used to laugh at the Chinese for pointing their phone at bitmap codes. They believe in the "superior" NFC tags to solidify their monopoly power on chips, patents, APIs and gateways.

 

[DeepIn2U]

The camera app reads QR codes.

I use IG a lot and see how this could be beneficial. It saves the hassle of trying to remember an account name.

you can always type the name of someone who used their name in their account : Billy Joel vs BJorlee33453 for example.

btw the camera apps doesn’t always work so good for QR code’s I’ve experienced.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Here QR codes are becoming more useful and more important, as they benefit small businesses a lot. Today I went to a restaurant that just recently posted its QR code that I could simply scan it and redirect to Apple Pay. I am a person who doesn’t like to touch cash, and in 2020 this behaviour could help avoid SARS-CoV-2.

the problem we’ve seen with QR code’s is they can easily be spoofed or replaced. China has had huge counterfeit QR codes!!

Apples take on this is mini apps which I would trust more if widespread and taken up. Honestly this is we’re Apple could once again work with Google to create a digital standard.

QR Codes to me seems very lazy implementation but it’s proliferated without anything to compete until too late. I’m glad you found a great link which routed to Apple Pay for seamless use.

fully agree cash and coins is NEVER to be used since COVID-19 came about.
PS: I just hope Levi’s or other jeans don’t ever get rid of the change pocket - need that for our AirPods/AirPods Pro case.

 

[Bustycat]

the problem we’ve seen with QR code’s is they can easily be spoofed or replaced. China has had huge counterfeit QR codes!!

If it is spoofed or replaced right on the counter of a restaurant, we should not go there anymore.