How to Get QR Code for a YouTube Video?
Sally Wright
Jun 14, 2023
Sharing a YouTube video usually means sending someone a link, asking them to search for your channel, or directing them to a page where they can find your content. But there is an easier option when you're promoting a video offline or across different devices: a QR code.
A QR code for a YouTube video lets people open your content by scanning a code with their smartphone. You can add the code to a flyer, poster, product package, business card, presentation, or other promotional material.
The process is simple. You only need the YouTube URL and a QR code generator such as QR Codes Unlimited. With its dynamic QR codes, you can also track scans and update the destination without creating a new code.
How to Create a QR Code for a YouTube Video
You don't need coding or graphic design experience to create a QR code for your YouTube content. Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Open QR Codes Unlimited
Go to QR Codes Unlimited and select the option to create a QR code. The platform allows you to create QR codes without paying for every scan.
For a YouTube video, the URL option is the easiest choice because your QR code will direct scanners to the video link.
Step 2: Copy Your YouTube Video URL
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. When someone scans the finished QR code, their phone can open the YouTube video through that link.
You can use the same process for other YouTube destinations, including a channel or playlist.
Step 3: Customize Your QR Code
A basic black-and-white QR code works, but customization can make it easier to incorporate the code into your branding.
Depending on your design, you can customize elements such as the colors, pattern, border, text, and logo.
Keep readability in mind when customizing your code. A QR code still needs enough contrast and clear space around it to scan reliably.
You can also add a short call to action, such as “Scan to Watch” or “Scan for the Full Video.” This tells people what they will get after scanning.
Step 4: Generate and Download the QR Code
Once you're satisfied with the design, generate your QR code and download it.
Before using it on printed materials, scan it with a smartphone. Testing the code first helps make sure the correct YouTube page opens and that the design remains easy to scan.
Step 5: Add It to Your Promotional Materials
Now you can place the QR code wherever you want to promote your YouTube content.
For example, you can add it to posters, brochures, business cards, packaging, event signage, presentations, or printed handouts.
If you're using the QR code in a digital graphic, make sure viewers can display the code on one device while scanning it with another. A QR code shown on a phone screen, for example, cannot always be conveniently scanned by the same phone.
Why Use a QR Code for YouTube?
YouTube is already one of the most popular destinations for video content. The challenge is getting people from your physical or offline marketing materials to the right video.
A QR code creates that connection.
Instead of typing a long URL or searching for your channel, viewers can scan the code and access the content directly.
This can be particularly useful when you are promoting videos in places where people may not have a convenient way to type a URL.
Connect Offline Marketing to YouTube
A printed advertisement can only provide so much information. A QR code gives the audience a direct path to additional content.
For example, a restaurant could place a QR code on a menu that opens a cooking video. A school could place one on an event brochure that leads to a campus tour. A business could add one to a product display that opens a demonstration video.
Track Campaign Performance
Dynamic QR codes can provide additional insight into how people interact with your campaigns.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can track scans from your dynamic QR codes. This can help you understand whether people are engaging with the materials where your QR code appears.
For marketers, this can be useful when comparing campaigns, locations, or promotional materials.
Update Your Destination
Another advantage of a dynamic QR code is flexibility.
Suppose you print thousands of brochures containing a QR code for your YouTube content. A few weeks later, you want to promote a different video.
With a dynamic QR code, you can update the destination without having to create and print an entirely new QR code. The printed code can continue to be used while the linked destination changes.
Where Can You Use a YouTube QR Code?
There are plenty of ways to use a QR code to promote YouTube videos. The best placement depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Flyers and Posters
Add a QR code to promotional flyers or posters to give people instant access to a video.
For example, an event organizer could link to a promotional trailer, while a business could direct potential customers to an introductory video.
Product Packaging
A product package can provide basic information, but a video can demonstrate much more.
Add a QR code that leads to a YouTube tutorial, product demonstration, setup guide, or maintenance video.
This can give customers useful information without filling the package with lengthy instructions.
Business Cards
Business cards don't have much room for information. Instead of trying to list every service you offer, add a QR code that directs people to your YouTube channel or a specific introduction video.
This gives potential customers another way to learn about your business after meeting you.
Events
QR codes can also be used at conferences, workshops, trade shows, and other events.
You can link to event previews, speaker videos, interviews, livestreams, or recordings of previous sessions.
Place the code on event signage, tickets, programs, or promotional materials.
Education
Teachers and educational institutions can use QR codes to connect physical learning materials with video resources.
A QR code on a worksheet could lead to a lesson explanation. A textbook could include codes that open supplementary videos. Schools can also use them to share campus tours, student resources, or program information.
Presentations
If you're giving a presentation, you can include a QR code on a slide to let your audience access a related YouTube video.
This can be helpful when you want attendees to watch additional material without manually searching for it.
YouTube Video QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes
Not every QR code works in exactly the same way.
A static QR code permanently contains its destination information. If the destination changes, you generally need to create a new code.
A dynamic QR code provides more flexibility. The destination can be updated later, which is particularly useful for long-term marketing campaigns.
For example, you might initially link a QR code to your latest YouTube video. When that campaign ends, you can change the destination to another video while continuing to use the same printed QR code.
Dynamic QR codes can also provide scan-tracking information, giving you more visibility into campaign performance.
How to Create a QR Code for a YouTube Channel or Playlist
You aren't limited to individual videos.
To create a QR code for a YouTube channel, copy your channel URL and paste it into the URL option in QR Codes Unlimited.
You can do the same with a YouTube playlist. Copy the playlist URL, enter it into the generator, customize your QR code if needed, and generate it.
This approach can be useful when you want viewers to explore multiple videos instead of directing everyone to a single piece of content.
Tips for Using a YouTube QR Code
A few simple practices can make your QR code more effective.
- Test the code before publishing it. Scan it from the final design to make sure it works correctly.
- Make it large enough to scan. A QR code that is too small may be difficult for smartphone cameras to recognize.
- Use sufficient contrast. Avoid color combinations that make the pattern difficult to distinguish from its background.
- Leave clear space around the code. Don't crowd it with text, images, or other design elements.
- Add a call to action. “Scan to Watch” gives people a clear reason to use their phone.
- Think about placement. Put the code somewhere people can comfortably reach and scan it.
Promote Your YouTube Videos With QR Codes
Getting people to your YouTube content doesn't have to involve typing URLs or searching for your channel.
A QR code provides a simple bridge between physical materials and digital video. Whether you're promoting a vlog, product tutorial, educational lesson, event recording, or YouTube channel, people can scan the code and access your content from their smartphones.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create customizable dynamic QR codes for free, track scans, and update destinations when your campaign changes.
If you want to explore more ways to use QR codes for marketing, content, and business, check out the QR Codes Unlimited Academy for additional guides and ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scan a YouTube QR code?
Open your smartphone's camera and point it at the QR code. Most modern smartphones will recognize the code and display a notification or link. Tap it to open the associated YouTube page.
Can I create a QR code for a YouTube playlist?
Yes. Copy the URL of your YouTube playlist and enter it into the URL option of a QR code generator such as QR Codes Unlimited.
Can I create a QR code for a YouTube channel?
Yes. You can create one by using your YouTube channel URL. This lets viewers scan the code and browse your available videos instead of opening one specific video.
Can I track YouTube QR code scans?
Yes. Dynamic QR codes created with QR Codes Unlimited can provide scan-tracking information, helping you measure engagement with your QR code campaigns.
Can I change the YouTube link after creating a QR code?
If you're using a dynamic QR code, you can update its destination without needing to replace the printed QR code. This makes dynamic codes useful for campaigns that may change over time.
Do YouTube QR codes expire?
A QR code itself does not automatically expire simply because it links to YouTube. With QR Codes Unlimited, dynamic QR codes are designed for ongoing use, so you can continue using them while the associated service and destination remain available.
