The short answer
Encode your public profile link, such as instagram.com/yourname or tiktok.com/@yourname, in a dynamic QR code. That keeps working if you rename the account, and it counts scans. If you use several networks, point the code at a single link page instead of picking one.
How to make a QR code for a social media profile
Copy your public profile link
Open your profile in a browser and copy the web address, for example instagram.com/yourname. Use the web link rather than an app-only link so it works on every phone.
Create a dynamic URL code
Paste the link into a URL code and save it as dynamic. If you later change your handle or want a different network, you edit the destination and the printed code still works.
Or build one page for all profiles
If you want Instagram, TikTok and a booking link together, create a link page (a Biz Page; one page is free) and encode that page instead.
Add a reason to follow
Place a line beside the code such as “Scan to see this week’s specials”. Followers come from a reason, not from a square.
Check the scan counts
After a week, compare counts per placement and keep the ones that work.
Size, distance and placement
- Best code type
- Dynamic URL code to a profile link, or to a link page for several profiles
- Typical scan distance
- Counter card: 30–50 cm. Window or poster: 1–2 m
- Minimum printed width
- Counter card: 3 cm (1.2 in). Poster: distance ÷ 10, so 10–20 cm
- Link format
- instagram.com/handle, tiktok.com/@handle, facebook.com/pagename: public web links
- If you rename the account
- Edit the destination; the printed code keeps working
- Logo in the center
- Allowed with high error correction; cover no more than about a fifth of the code
- Platform’s own code
- Free and quick, but fixed to one network and without scan counts of your own
Platform code or your own?
Instagram, TikTok and other networks can generate a code for your profile, which is fine for a one-off. Use your own dynamic code when it will be printed: it can carry your brand colors, it survives a handle change, it can be redirected to a new campaign, and it reports scans. If you only ever need a single profile link, a static code works too, but you lose the ability to change it.
Common mistakes
Tip: a code on a poster or window can send people to a different network by season. Change the destination in the dashboard instead of reprinting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a QR code for my Instagram?
Copy your profile link from the browser, paste it into a URL code, and save it as dynamic if you want to be able to change it later. Print it with a short reason to follow.
Does the code work if I change my username?
A dynamic code does: edit the destination to the new link. A static code keeps pointing to the old address.
Can one QR code open several social profiles?
Not directly. Point it at a link page that lists them. A Biz Page can do this, and one page is free.
Is it better than the QR code built into the app?
Built-in codes are fine for quick sharing. For printed material, a code you control lets you restyle it, redirect it and see scan counts.