How Do You Get QR Codes for YouTube?
Jonathan Palley
Jun 14, 2023
Someone can watch a YouTube video in seconds, but only if they can easily find it. If you're promoting a video through a poster, product package, business card, flyer, or event display, asking people to type a long YouTube URL isn't practical.
A YouTube QR code solves that problem. People can scan the code with their phone and open your video, playlist, or channel without manually searching for it.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create a free, customizable QR code by simply adding your YouTube URL. If you use a dynamic QR code, you can also update the destination later and track scans, making it useful for ongoing marketing campaigns.
What Is a YouTube QR Code?
A YouTube QR code is a QR code that directs people to a YouTube URL when scanned. The URL can point to an individual video, playlist, or YouTube channel.
Instead of typing a URL or searching for your content, viewers simply scan the code and follow the link that appears on their phone.
You can use YouTube QR codes in both digital and printed materials. For example, a restaurant could place one on a table card linking to a cooking video, while a business could add one to product packaging that opens a demonstration.
How to Create a QR Code for a YouTube Video
Creating a QR code for a YouTube video only takes a few steps.
Step 1: Open QR Codes Unlimited
Visit QR Codes Unlimited and open the QR code generator. You don't need coding or design experience to create your code.
Step 2: Select the URL Option
Choose URL as the content type. A YouTube video is accessed through a web address, so the URL option is the simplest way to connect your QR code to it.
Step 3: Copy Your YouTube Link
Open the YouTube video you want to share and copy its URL. Return to the QR code generator and paste the link into the URL field.
Make sure you use the correct video before generating the code. It's also a good idea to test the link afterward.
Step 4: Customize Your QR Code
You can customize the appearance of your QR code to fit your brand or campaign. Depending on the design options available, you can adjust elements such as colors, shapes, frames, logos, and fonts.
Keep readability in mind when customizing. A QR code may look great, but it still needs to scan reliably.
Step 5: Download the QR Code
Once you're happy with the design, download your QR code. Choose an appropriate file format and resolution based on where you plan to use it.
If you're printing the code, use a high-quality version so the individual modules remain sharp.
Step 6: Test It Before Sharing
Before putting the QR code on hundreds of flyers or packages, scan it with a phone.
Check that it opens the intended YouTube video and that the code can be scanned from the size and distance at which people will encounter it.
How to Create a QR Code for a YouTube Playlist
You can also create a QR code that opens an entire YouTube playlist.
First, open the playlist on YouTube and copy its URL. Then paste that link into the URL field in QR Codes Unlimited. Customize the code if you'd like, generate it, and download the finished QR code.
This can be useful when you want viewers to access a series of videos rather than a single piece of content.
For example, an instructor could create a playlist containing several lessons and place the QR code on a printed workbook. Students can scan it and immediately access the complete video series.
Can You Create a QR Code for a YouTube Channel?
Yes. A YouTube channel URL can also be converted into a QR code.
This is particularly useful when your goal is to introduce people to your entire library of content instead of promoting one specific video.
A creator could place a channel QR code on a business card, while a brand could include one on product packaging or promotional materials. Once scanned, viewers can browse the channel and choose the videos that interest them.
Static vs. Dynamic YouTube QR Codes
Before creating your QR code, it's worth understanding the difference between static and dynamic QR codes.
A static QR code stores the destination information directly in the code. If you print a static code that points to a particular YouTube video, changing the destination later generally requires creating and printing a new code.
A dynamic QR code uses a manageable destination, allowing you to change where the scan leads without replacing the printed QR code. Dynamic codes can also provide scan data and analytics, depending on the features of the QR code service you're using.
This makes dynamic QR codes useful for marketing campaigns where the destination may change over time.
For example, you could print one QR code on a product insert and initially send customers to a setup tutorial. Later, you could update the destination to a troubleshooting video or a new product guide without changing the printed material.
Ways to Use YouTube QR Codes
YouTube QR codes can connect physical materials to video content in many different situations.
Product Demonstrations
Add a QR code to product packaging, displays, or instruction cards. Customers can scan it to watch a demonstration instead of reading through lengthy instructions.
A business selling equipment, appliances, or software can use the code to provide a quick visual walkthrough.
Music and Entertainment
Musicians can place QR codes on posters, merchandise, album artwork, or promotional cards. The code can open a music video, live performance, interview, or behind-the-scenes content.
Tutorials and Education
Teachers, instructors, and content creators can use QR codes to connect printed materials with video lessons.
For example, a printed guide could include a QR code next to a difficult section that opens a YouTube tutorial explaining the concept.
Events
Event organizers can place YouTube QR codes on tickets, posters, banners, or event programs. The destination could be a promotional video, speaker introduction, event preview, or highlights from a previous event.
Travel and Hospitality
Hotels, tour operators, and travel creators can use QR codes to connect brochures and local guides with YouTube videos. A visitor could scan a code to watch a destination guide, tour preview, or video about a nearby attraction.
Where Should You Put a YouTube QR Code?
The best location depends on how people will encounter your marketing material. Some common options include:
- Posters and flyers
- Product packaging
- Business cards
- Brochures
- Event signage
- Retail displays
- Direct mail
- Menus
- Instruction cards
- Print advertisements
Wherever you place the code, give people a reason to scan it. A simple call to action such as "Scan to Watch" or "Scan for the Video" can make its purpose immediately clear.
YouTube QR Code Best Practices
A QR code works best when scanning is quick and predictable.
Start with sufficient size and contrast. Avoid making the code unnecessarily small, particularly when it will be printed. Leave enough clear space around the QR code so surrounding text, images, or graphics don't interfere with scanning.
Always test the final version before distribution. Test it on multiple phones if possible and check it from the distance at which people are expected to scan it.
You should also make sure the linked YouTube content is appropriate for the audience and remains available. A perfectly designed QR code isn't useful if the destination video has been removed or made unavailable.
Create a Free YouTube QR Code With QR Codes Unlimited
You don't need to make viewers type a YouTube URL or search for your channel manually. A QR code gives them a faster way to reach your content.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create a customizable YouTube QR code by adding your video, playlist, or channel URL. You can then download the code and add it to your marketing materials, packaging, events, or other promotional channels.
If you need the flexibility to update a destination or monitor engagement, a dynamic QR code can be especially useful for ongoing campaigns.
Ready to connect your audience to your YouTube content? Create your free YouTube QR code with QR Codes Unlimited and start sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scan a YouTube QR code?
Open your phone's camera and point it at the QR code. On most modern smartphones, a notification or link will appear. Tap it to open the associated YouTube content.
Can I create a QR code for any YouTube video?
Yes. If you have the video's URL, you can use it as the destination when creating a QR code.
Can I create a QR code for a YouTube playlist?
Yes. Copy the playlist URL and paste it into the URL field of a QR code generator. The resulting code can direct viewers to the playlist.
Can I create a QR code for my YouTube channel?
Yes. You can use your channel URL as the destination. This is a convenient option when you want people to browse multiple videos rather than opening one specific video.
Can I scan a QR code without a separate app?
Usually, yes. Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes using their built-in camera. Point the camera at the code and follow the link that appears.
Can I change the YouTube link after printing a QR code?
With a dynamic QR code, you may be able to change the destination without replacing the printed code. This makes dynamic codes a practical choice for campaigns where the linked content may change over time.
