INSTAGRAM EMULATES SNAPCODES THROUGH NEW NAMETAG FEATURE

From Snapchat-inspired Stories to Youtube reminiscent IGTV, it has become clear that Instagram is no stranger to borrowing from other apps. The latest round was also on Snapchat as Instagram rolled out nametags to all users on October 4 that operate in a similar way to Snapcodes, allowing users to create their own nametags and scan those of other users via the Instagram camera to get a preview of their profiles alongside a quick follow link. Simply put, a nametag is a customizable identification card that allows people to find your Instagram profile when scanned as explained by the Instagram Press blog. “Your nametag is uniquely yours and makes it quick and fun to add people and accounts you discover in person,” the blog post reads. “You can personalize your 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.” And while QR codes may not be of great popularity in Europe, they are quite big in other markets such as Japan, which has witnessed remarkable growth in terms of Instagram users over the past couple years.