Are Instagram's new digital business cards just a gimmick?

Few things in this world boost your ego quite like opening a package of 500 business cards with your personal details plastered across them.

But don't worry, if you've never felt such a thrill, now you can!

Instagram now provides a colourful and multifaceted new alternative to business cards (albeit with less paper).

The app recently introduced 'Profile Cards,' a feature you can find right now by going to your page and hitting 'Share Profile.'

A digital card should pop up with 2 distinct faces to flip between:

The 'back' of the card features a customisable background and a QR code linking to your profile. The 'front' has your profile pic, Insta bio, and Threads handle.

You can also attach links and even a song of your choice to the card. Whenever you send your card to someone, they will see everything you've added to it.

That’s cool, but why do I need an Instagram business card?

The 'why' of these digital cards comes down to the rise of influencer culture and shared dreams of making it as a creator.

Meta, Instagram's parent company, told TechCrunch the cards were made in response to Gen Z using their Insta like a resume. This aligns with survey findings suggesting 57% of young people want to be influencers.

Now, as for how you'd use your card, Instagram has a few ideas in mind.

At the personal level, you can wave your QR code in someone's face, whether they be someone at a networking event or a stranger at the bar. Then, they can scan it from their phone to quickly follow you.

But if you're looking to be more professional about it, you can also message your card directly to creators and businesses. They can view it (and listen to it) to get a snapshot of your personality and what a creative lil scamp you are!

It also bears repeating, Insta's had QR codes for a few years now, but it's unclear how popular they've actually been. Yet the app remains undeterred. And, who knows, putting codes on a customisable, flippable digital card might make them more attractive?

If you're the business card type, right now you might be thinking:

What do I do with the 500 business cards I have in my desk drawer?

First of all, don't toss them out!

We think this is a welcome update for Insta and there are good odds it'll make personal and business networking more seamless (and fun).

But remember: the media industry lives on social media, but not every industry does.

We asked our show writer and social media creator, Buskey Sharma (@whoisbuskey) whether he thinks these cards are worth using:

'I can't really see the reason behind it if you're looking to be a lawyer or work in something like insurance. But I definitely see it being useful for media companies and creators, who work in those social media spaces,' he says.

So heed this message: if you've got a gazillion business cards but don't work in media, take a breather and keep handing 'em out like candy. But if you are in the media world, then it might be time to shrink your paper budget!

-Devin, Copywriter