How to Make a QR Code for a YouTube Video?
Sally Wright
Jun 14, 2023
Sharing a YouTube video usually means sending a link, copying a URL, or asking someone to search for the video. A QR code makes that process much easier. Someone can simply scan the code with their phone and open the video.
You can create a QR code for almost any shareable YouTube video by converting its URL into a QR code. With a dynamic QR code, you can also change the destination later and track scans, making it especially useful for marketing campaigns, printed materials, and other offline promotions.
TL;DR
- You can create a QR code for a YouTube video using its shareable URL.
- Dynamic QR codes can let you change the destination without replacing the printed code.
- QR Codes Unlimited lets you create and customize YouTube QR codes.
- You can use YouTube QR codes on posters, flyers, packaging, business cards, and other materials.
- You can create QR codes for individual YouTube videos or playlists.
- Always test your QR code before printing or publishing it.
How to Create a QR Code for a YouTube Video
Creating a YouTube QR code only takes a few steps. You don't need coding experience or any special software. All you need is the YouTube link you want to share and a QR code generator.
Step 1: Copy Your YouTube Video URL
Open YouTube and find the video you want to share. Click Share and copy the video's link.
Make sure you're using the correct video before creating your QR code. If the video is unavailable or has viewing restrictions, people who scan the code may not be able to access it.
Step 2: Open QR Codes Unlimited
Paste your YouTube video link into the URL field. The QR code will use this destination to direct people to your video when they scan it.
Step 3: Customize Your QR Code
Customization is optional, but it can make your QR code easier to recognize and better suited to your branding.
Depending on your design, you can adjust elements such as the QR code's color, shape, frame, or logo. Just make sure there is enough contrast between the code and its background.
A QR code should always remain easy to scan. Avoid overly complicated designs or color combinations that make the individual modules difficult for a phone camera to recognize.
Step 4: Download Your QR Code
Once you're happy with the design, download the QR code.
Choose an appropriate file format based on where you plan to use it. A high-resolution format is especially important for printed materials such as posters, brochures, and packaging.
Step 5: Test the QR Code
Before printing thousands of copies or publishing your design, scan the QR code with a smartphone.
Check that it opens the correct YouTube video and that the video loads properly. If you're using the code on printed material, test a physical version at the size and distance where people will actually scan it.
This simple step can prevent a lot of frustration later.
Why Use a Dynamic QR Code for YouTube?
A static QR code can work perfectly well when you have a permanent YouTube URL. However, a dynamic QR code can provide more flexibility.
With a dynamic QR code, you can update the destination without necessarily having to replace the QR code itself. This is particularly useful when the code has already been printed on marketing materials.
For example, imagine putting a YouTube QR code on a product brochure. A few months later, you release a newer demonstration video. With a dynamic QR code, you may be able to update the destination to the new video while continuing to use the same printed code.
Dynamic QR codes can also provide scan tracking, depending on the platform and configuration. This can help marketers understand whether people are interacting with their printed campaigns.
Static vs. Dynamic YouTube QR Codes
The main difference comes down to flexibility.
A static QR code contains the destination information directly. Once it has been created and printed, changing the destination generally isn't possible.
A dynamic QR code uses a changeable destination. This means you can update where the code sends people without creating an entirely new printed QR code.
For a personal project or a permanent YouTube video, a static code may be enough. For marketing campaigns, events, product materials, or other situations where the destination could change, a dynamic QR code can be much more practical.
Where Can You Use a YouTube QR Code?
YouTube QR codes are useful anywhere you want to connect physical or visual content with a video.
Posters and Flyers
Add a QR code to a promotional poster or flyer to give people immediate access to a video. Instead of typing a long URL, they can scan the code and watch.
Product Packaging
A YouTube QR code can direct customers to an installation guide, product demonstration, tutorial, or review. This gives packaging a useful digital component without adding a large amount of text.
Business Cards
A business card can include a QR code that leads to an introduction video, portfolio, company presentation, or professional YouTube channel.
Educational Materials
Schools, teachers, and training providers can use QR codes to connect printed materials with video lessons, demonstrations, lectures, and supplementary resources.
Events and Presentations
Add a YouTube QR code to event programs, presentation slides, signs, or promotional materials. Attendees can scan the code when they want to view a related video.
YouTube QR Code Use Cases
The possibilities go beyond simply sharing a video.
- Music promotion: Artists can add QR codes to posters, album artwork, merchandise, or promotional cards that lead to music videos, performances, or behind-the-scenes content.
- Tutorials: Businesses can place QR codes on products or instruction sheets to provide customers with visual demonstrations.
- Customer testimonials: A printed advertisement can include a QR code that takes potential customers directly to video testimonials.
- Travel content: Hotels, tourism businesses, and travel creators can use QR codes on brochures, maps, and guides to share destination videos or travel recommendations.
- Real estate marketing: Agents can add QR codes to property flyers that lead to virtual tours, walkthroughs, or property videos.
- Education: Teachers and institutions can connect worksheets, posters, and other physical resources with relevant YouTube lessons.
Can You Create a QR Code for a YouTube Playlist?
Yes. You can create a QR code that directs people to a YouTube playlist instead of a single video.
This can be useful when you want to share several related videos at once. For example, a business could create a playlist containing product tutorials, while a teacher could organize several lessons into one playlist.
Simply use the playlist's shareable URL when creating the QR code.
Can You Create a QR Code for a Private YouTube Video?
You can create a QR code that points to a private YouTube video, but the QR code does not bypass YouTube's privacy settings.
Anyone scanning the code still needs the appropriate permission to watch the video. If the video is restricted to specific users, only those users will be able to access it.
For content intended for a wider audience, make sure the video's YouTube visibility settings allow your intended viewers to watch it.
Tips for Creating a Scannable YouTube QR Code
A QR code is only useful if people can scan it successfully. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use sufficient contrast. Make sure the QR code stands out clearly from its background.
- Don't make it too small. A code that looks fine on your computer screen may be difficult to scan when printed.
- Leave clear space around the code. Avoid placing text, graphics, or other elements too close to its edges.
- Test before publishing. Scan the code using multiple phones if possible.
- Use a clear call to action. A short message such as “Scan to watch” tells people what they'll get when they scan.
How to Scan a YouTube QR Code
Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly through their camera.
Open the camera, point it at the QR code, and wait for the notification or link to appear. Tap the notification to open the YouTube video.
If your phone doesn't recognize QR codes through its standard camera, you can use a QR scanning feature or compatible app.
Create Your YouTube QR Code with QR Codes Unlimited
A YouTube link doesn't have to stay trapped in a text message or browser. A QR code gives people a quick way to move from a printed or digital design directly to your video.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create a customized QR code for your YouTube video and use it across marketing materials, educational resources, product packaging, events, and more.
If you expect your video destination to change or want to understand how people interact with your campaign, a dynamic QR code gives you additional flexibility.
Copy your YouTube URL, create your QR code, customize it if needed, test it, and you're ready to share your video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a YouTube QR code on a digital image?
Yes. You can add a YouTube QR code to digital graphics such as social media posts, presentations, online flyers, email graphics, and digital advertisements. However, make sure the code is large enough to scan easily from the viewer's screen.
Does a YouTube QR code expire?
A QR code itself does not necessarily expire. Whether the code continues to work depends on the type of QR code and the service used to create it. A static QR code can continue working as long as its destination remains available, while dynamic QR codes depend on the associated service and account.
Can I add a YouTube QR code to a video thumbnail?
Yes, although the usefulness depends on where the thumbnail is displayed. A QR code can work well when the thumbnail appears on a separate screen or printed material, allowing viewers to scan it with another device. If the QR code and phone are on the same screen, scanning can be less convenient.
