Instagram has become one of the most popular social media. And with that, there can be times that users will cross path in real life.
To make them follow each other without any hassle, Instagram introduces 'Nametags' which create a scannable calling card that contains the users' handle and profile picture. Nametags are customizable with different background color and emoji.
This Nametag can then be shown to others, where friends in real life can scan to directly open the person's Instagram profile. Simple as that, and very similar to Snapchat's Snapcodes.
According to Instagram:
To use Nametags, users can head to their profile, and tap on the three-line button at the top, and then select 'Nametag'. There, users can personalize their Nametag by touching anywhere on the screen or by tapping the button at the top to try other designs, such as colors, emojis and selfies with different stickers.
To scan someone else’s Nametag, users can either swipe right into the camera, hover over the Nametag and hold down on the screen, or they can just enter the camera by tapping "Scan a nametag" when viewing their own.
Instagram also allows users to share their Nametags to their friends via text messages and over other platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
The Nametags feature is built to appeal Instagram's core demographic which consists of younger generations.
To do this, users just need to press the arrow at the top right of their Nametag.
Alongside the Nametags feature, Instagram is also adding a feature that allows users to list the name of their college, as well as their degree and graduation year. Doing this will add the user to a group which lets them find other people who also share the same school or year.
Initially, the feature is being tested only in certain schools, and only in the U.S..
According to Instagram:
"If you choose to join, you can add a line to your profile listing your university, class year, and any relevant groups such as major, sports team, and sorority. You and others who’ve added the same university can click to go to a directory listing all the people—sorted by class year—who have added that university, where you can follow and message. "