Using Metaverse QR Codes Effectively: Use Cases and Examples

The metaverse—once a figment of a writer’s imagination is now a reality, thanks to an unwavering dedication to push technology beyond all bounds. 

The metaverse has been a topic of interest for some time now, with individuals being able to connect seamlessly across long distances. But the interest in the metaverse goes beyond individuals—marketers are realizing its potential to revamp campaigns with interactive experiences.

But where do QR Codes come into all of this? Well, these unassuming symmetrical squares are the gateways to metaverse experiences. QR Code encoding facilitates seamless access to a virtual world that was only possible in science fiction just a few decades ago. 

Curious how? Read on as we explore the role of QR Codes in the metaverse. 

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse is a three-dimensional (3D) universe where your physical world intersects with virtual and augmented reality. In this virtual space, you exist as an avatar—a cartoonish character that represents your digital identity. You can do virtually (pun intended) anything you want in this formless world, from work and play to buying digital real estate and earning metaverse crypto.

The metaverse first appeared in 1992 in Neal Stephenson’s book Snow Crash. In the novel, Hiro, the main character, accesses the metaverse through a personal terminal and interacts with other people’s avatars in the 3D virtual world. 

Thanks to tech innovators at GoMeta, an idea that was seemingly out of reach became a reality. The company launched an augmented reality platform called the Metaverse Studio app. The platform consists of a mix of interactive experiences, with a large focus on augmented reality. The platform empowers users to create interactive content using augmented reality—from games and stories to educational learning experiences and more—all without using code. 

Today, the metaverse has become synonymous with the gaming industry, as multiplayer games like Minecraft and Fortnite provide virtual worlds for their players. Companies in other sectors are also incorporating metaverse marketing into their campaigns. For example, McDonald’s entered the virtual realm in 2023 with McNuggets Land to boost engagement with its audience. 

Virtual reality versus augmented reality

Augmented and virtual reality have played a crucial role in developing the metaverse. But what does each technology do, and what’s the difference—if any?

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technology used to create a simulated environment that is experienced in 3D. A VR headset immerses the user directly into the virtual environment through sight and sound, creating an illusionary reality experience. Once your headset is on, your vision is completely cut off from your surroundings, making the virtual world all the more immersive.

Augmented reality

If VR pulls you into the virtual world, AR (augmented reality) technology brings the digital world into the physical. 

AR operates in the real world by overlaying real-life objects with digital content. The AR experience is incredibly interactive; people can enhance ordinary everyday objects into extraordinarily lively digital objects. You can play with AR devices via glasses, apps, and other tech devices.

Mark Zuckerberg unveils the Facebook metaverse

Facebook (now Meta) CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse pitch went viral in 2021. In his Facebook Connect keynote presentation, he revealed his grandiose vision for the metaverse. Here are some noteworthy takeaways:

• Zuckerberg called the metaverse a shared digital space: a place where people can enter and feel as connected as they would in real life. 
  
  
• He aimed to create an embodied internet experience beyond entertainment, augmented and virtual reality. 
  
  
• He imagined a future of community building on the metaverse platform where creators have far greater possibilities. 
  
  
• He predicted a world of new opportunities in the metaverse, including but not limited to a new digital economy, job creation, and digital goods. 
  
  
• He forecasted a future where the metaverse will replace our digital devices, making them the center of our attention. 

What can we do in the Facebook metaverse?

The Facebook metaverse, also known as Horizon, has come a long way, experiencing ups and downs over the two years since Zuckerberg first introduced it. Despite some downs, it’s undeniable that the platform has revolutionized how people interact and work. Today, you can:

• Collaborate with teammates and share ideas through Horizon Workrooms. You can access the platform using a Meta Quest headset or a 2D screen. 
  
  
• Explore over 10,000 worlds and experiences through Horizon Worlds. Whether you want to enjoy music concerts, games, or social spots, Horizon Worlds has you covered. 

What can we expect for the future of the Facebook metaverse?

The Facebook metaverse has had a tumultuous couple of years, with Meta’s Reality Labs losing $13.7 billion in 2022. But all hope isn’t lost. 

According to Zuckerberg, clients are yet to see the full potential of the Facebook metaverse. At Meta Connect 2023, he announced his plans to blend digital and physical worlds through the metaverse. The platform plans to make it possible for people to connect as holograms in the physical world and for artificial intelligence (AI) bots to become characters in the 3D metaverse reality, allowing people to talk to them rather than communicate with them through typed prompts. 

While some people have expressed some doubts on whether this is possible, we remain hopeful, as technology has shown us time and time again that anything is possible. Remember, once upon a time, QR Codes were only scannable through designated barcode readers—now you’ll find a QR Code scanner built-in on most smartphone models. 

Moreover, since the coronavirus pandemic, QR Codes have resurrected to the point of omnipresence. The tech world is on the precipice of advancing beyond our mind’s eye. 

Examples of using QR Codes in the metaverse

Most people are already familiar with QR Codes. After all, they’re virtually everywhere, from restaurants and retail stores to educational institutions and hospitals, because of their versatility. 

As such, it’s probably not surprising to find the words “QR Code” and “Metaverse” in the same sentence. QR Codes enhance metaverse experiences, making the 3D world more fun and immersive. Here are some use cases of QR Codes in the metaverse realm:

Product instructions

The metaverse concept is still relatively new. Therefore, it’s common to find people who don’t know about the cutting-edge technology. Some people have only heard about it but don’t know how to access the virtual 3D worlds. 

So, what do you do to provide a seamless and stress-free customer experience if you want your audience to delve into the virtual world? Simple—use QR Codes to provide instructions. 

Add a QR Code on product packaging to lead customers to detailed tutorials or simulations within the metaverse. This will help them navigate the metaverse better and improve their experiences. 

Why is a QR Code a better option than a standard instruction manual? A QR Code is more engaging, so customers are more likely to make time for it than a typical manual. QR Codes can also link to a wide range of instruction materials, including images and videos—learning how to use new technology is easier with visuals. 

You can even create a QR Code landing page that provides step-by-step guidelines for accessing the metaverse without worrying about taking up too much space on your product packaging. 

Cinematic experiences

QR Codes can also help you enjoy metaverse cinematic experiences with your friends. You can use them when planning a movie marathon to send your loved ones instructions on how to watch shows in virtual reality or to make it easy for them to choose the movies to watch together.

Let’s take Netflix as our example since it allows VR viewing on Meta VR headsets and Apple and Android devices. Find instructions on watching Netflix in VR. Then, create a QR Code linked to the instructions and send it to your friends. Next, ask them to choose a genre to watch—anything from comedy to thrillers. When you agree, convert the genre’s code into a QR Code and send it to your friends. All they need to do is scan the Code to choose their favorite movies and get the watch party started. 

Educational opportunities

Adopting tech such as AR and VR in the classroom has been a progressive move in education: students get a real feel for the subject beyond the textbook by learning through immersive experiences. In one particular school, Geography educators used VR, 360 films, and 3D-printed fossil coral specimens to teach their students about the coral reefs. The tech had such a tremendous impact on the students’ learning that many of them were initially apprehensive but became eager and curious to snorkel and explore the coral reel in real life.

You, too, can offer such immersive experiences seamlessly with QR Codes. Simply create QR Codes that link to your topic of interest and ask students to scan them to access immersive experiences. For example, if you teach history, you can create a QR Code that links to virtual museum tours. This is an excellent way to supplement theoretical lessons and promote in-depth understanding. 

Asset authentication

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are key cryptocurrency and blockchain components for metaverses. They represent unique digital assets, like in-game collectibles and virtual real estate. They facilitate running a digital economy that allows people to trade and buy assets like they would in the physical world. 

But as with physical assets, there’s always a risk of purchasing fake digital assets, which are worthless in the metaverse. Asset owners can use QR Codes to prove the authenticity of their products in the metaverse, reducing the risk of would-be buyers getting scammed. To do so, one only needs to create a QR Code that provides details about the creator, ownership history, and validity of a digital item. 

Interactive advertising

Modern marketers are outdoing themselves every day with innovative campaigns. You can become one of them by giving your target audience easy access to metaverse experiences using QR Codes. For example, you can use a QR Code linked to 3D videos of how to use your products to give customers a unique experience. 

To be effective, give your audience a short introduction on what to expect from your campaign and use a call to action QR Code at the end of your presentation or brief. This way, customers can scan the code to access your metaverse experience. 

Social experiences

The metaverse is a community that facilitates digital interactions with people from all over the world. You can make the interactions seamless by integrating QR Codes. 

To make it easy for friends to find you, create a QR Code that, when scanned, leads them to your avatar. You can also add a QR Code linked to your social media profiles or contact information to your avatar—this can make it easier for the friends you make in the metaverse to find you in the real world. 

Metaverse creators can also use QR Codes to allow people to join communities and participate in events. This can result in a richer and more immersive experience for participants. 

Harness the power of metaverse QR Codes for your brand

Metaverse QR Codes have changed how people work and interact with each other by providing a seamless way to connect. They have also revolutionized marketing, as brands can offer more interactive experiences through QR Code scanning. 

QR Code Generator helps you connect your audience to the interactive and immersive experiences the metaverse offers through QR Codes. With this tool, you can create a wide range of codes, including QR Codes that link to metaverse guidelines to help clients navigate the technology faster and codes that provide seamless access to your metaverse world. 

Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today to make it easier for customers and friends to find metaverse-related information quickly and facilitate a better and more enjoyable experience.