Instagram has rolled out a new feature that lets users generate and share a QR code from a post, a Reel, or a location. This addition makes it easier for people to point others directly to specific content or places on the platform, without typing long usernames or search terms.
Introduced in August 2020, the QR codes quickly started to show up as a handy tool for individuals and brands alike. The idea is simple yet powerful: a single scan can open a profile, a post, a Reel, or a saved location, streamlining how people discover and engage with content outside the traditional taps and searches. With QR codes now available more broadly, sharing content has become faster and more intuitive for a wide Canadian and American audience.
The feature is accessible from the mobile app and, in some cases, from the web version by adding a QR suffix to the link of the item to be shared. When a user visits the share menu and selects the QR option, the code is generated on the fly and can be saved or scanned by others in a matter of seconds. This makes it particularly valuable for businesses looking to boost visibility at events, storefronts, or campaigns where quick access to a specific post, Reel, or location matters.
A representative from Meta Platforms, Instagram’s parent company, confirmed the new functionality to TechCrunch, emphasizing that the goal is to make it easier for people and businesses to share certain content. The official stance highlights a broader push toward frictionless sharing and discoverability across partnerships and real-world settings.
Industry observers have noted that the QR feature was first teased by the reverse engineering community, which tracks ongoing developments within apps. A well-known analyst in this space had suggested the capability to generate a post QR code might arrive soon, and subsequent updates confirmed that progress. The trajectory points to a steadily expanding use case for IGQR codes, evolving from a profile tool to a universal sharing mechanism for posts, Reels, and locations, and gradually becoming a standard way to connect audiences with specific digital assets.
For marketers and creators in North America, this evolution simplifies cross-channel promotion. A QR code can be printed on physical marketing materials, displayed at events, or embedded in emails and storefronts, inviting observers to land directly on a particular piece of content. The practical effect is a faster path from discovery to engagement, reducing steps for interested viewers and boosting the likelihood of interaction with targeted posts and media in the Instagram ecosystem.