Instagram launched new web badges on Wednesday, allowing users to embed the Instagram logo linking to their accounts on blogs, websites and branding campaigns. While the move seems small — it’s just a tiny badge, after all — the addition marks a continuation of Instagram’s move toward the desktop web and acquisition of new users.
Just this month, the company made Instagram profiles available on the web, making the service look far more like its new parent company Facebook and giving it far more visibility with non-users. Instagram initially launched as an exclusive mobile app, with photos only available to other Instagram users. But with the ability to cross-post photos to Twitter and Facebook, and the company increasing its web presence with Android apps and web profiles, it’s becoming much harder to miss the photos if you’re casually browsing the web.
The company explained how badges will work in a blog post on the site:
Today, we are very excited to launch Instagram badges, a tool that will help you link to and promote your Instagram web profile. Add them to your personal blog, brand website, or campaign promotions to direct new followers to your Instagram web profile and encourage others to discover and engage with your Instagram content.
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