Instagram’s new feature helps college students connect with others on campus
Instagram has rolled out a fresh update designed to strengthen student communities. Instagram’s new feature helps college students connect with others on campus by letting them add their school to their profile and browse verified classmates. The move comes just a week after TikTok introduced a similar tool, signaling a growing trend in social apps tailored for student networking.
Image Credits:Silas Stein/picture alliance/ Getty Images
How the new Instagram campus feature works
The feature allows students in the U.S. to link their college or university directly to their profile. By selecting the “Add School” option, students complete a quick verification through UNiDAYS to prove enrollment. Once approved, a school banner appears on their profile.
After setup, students can control who sees their school information and explore a student directory filled with verified peers. This gives them a way to discover classmates, potential study partners, or even new friends on campus.
A student directory built for connection
Instagram’s campus feature isn’t just about displaying a school name—it also functions as a searchable directory. Students can browse their entire university community or filter by graduation year to find peers in their same cohort.
This directory is designed to mirror the natural way students connect on campus while making it easier for them to form online connections that translate into real-life relationships.
Why Instagram is leaning into student networking
By launching this feature, Instagram is tapping into one of its strongest user groups: college students. Social platforms have long been central to student life, but competition from apps like TikTok has pushed Instagram to reimagine community-driven tools.
With Instagram’s new feature helping college students connect with others on campus, the platform positions itself as more than just a place for sharing photos and reels—it becomes a tool for fostering meaningful offline relationships.
Privacy and control for students
Student safety is a priority. Instagram emphasizes that students control visibility of their school banner, choosing whether it’s public, visible only to friends, or private. This flexibility allows students to participate without feeling exposed.
What this means for the future of Instagram
If successful, this feature could pave the way for more niche community tools within Instagram. College-specific communities may expand into event groups, study forums, or mentorship opportunities, blending social networking with real-world value.
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