The Ultimate Guide to QR Code Instructions and Tutorials

QR Codes have been around since the 1990s—and marketers have learned how to use them for newsletters, social media, store promotions, and digital events. But QR Codes can be useful after checkout, too.

You can use Video QR Codes to share instructions, tutorials, and other content that adds value for your customers. Codes on product packaging, delivery materials, and even in-store signage can all help educate customers and ensure they get the most from your products. And in the long term, they can build brand awareness, trust, and customer loyalty.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to create QR Codes for value-added content.

*Note: All brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.

QR Code basics: What they are and how they work

QR Codes (short for Quick Response Codes) are pixelated patterns containing data that smart devices can read. When you scan one with your smartphone camera app or a dedicated QR Code scanner, it leads to digital information: a website landing page, video, PDF, or even a business card.

QR Codes were originally invented as a flexible, durable alternative to barcodes. Just like barcodes, they can be printed or displayed on almost any surface, but they hold a lot more information. They can even be interactive—some QR Codes lead to online forms or augmented reality experiences.

Different types of QR Codes work in different ways. Static QR Codes contain one permanent link, but with Dynamic QR Codes, you can update where the code leads and track how people interact with it. By learning when, where, and how frequently people scan a code, you can understand your audience better.

But the benefits of QR Codes aren’t limited to brands and marketing campaigns—they help consumers too. QR Codes are predicted to transform retail and ecommerce by giving customers more information about the products they buy. They can enhance the customer experience with multimedia journeys, extra support, advice, and inspiration.

Why use Video QR Codes for step-by-step instructions

Many brands already leverage QR Codes for video marketing, but you can go a step further and add value for customers with full video instructions, tutorials, and advice. This approach allows you to:

Create a better experience for your audience

QR Codes are the easiest way to share videos with your target audience. All they have to do is open the camera on their mobile device—whether it’s an iPhone or Android—and scan the code. No need to remember a long link or type it into their web browser.

QR Codes were originally a niche piece of tech for logistics. Now, consumers everywhere interact with these codes regularly. Nearly all smartphones have QR Code scanning built-in, and there are third-party scanner apps available through Google Play and the App Store. 

Even if someone is a complete beginner to your products or services, they’ll probably know how to scan a QR Code.

Ensure content is accessible and inclusive

QR Codes can make your products more accessible by giving consumers information in a range of formats. Organizations of all kinds, from museums to cereal manufacturers, use QR Codes for accessibility. If you’re sharing video content, you can include features like captions, contrasting colors, and audio descriptions to create more accessible videos.

But, the QR Codes themselves also have to be accessible. When you display a QR Code for customers, it should be large enough to be visible and scannable from a distance. Some codes are printed extra-large or with high-contrast colors so that visually impaired people can use them easily.

Understand where users run into trouble

You’ve probably already researched customer pain points for your content marketing strategy. Sharing video guides via QR Codes gives you valuable data to refine your strategy further.

With a robust platform like QR Code Generator PRO, you can track QR Code scans to see when and where people scan and which devices they tend to use. It’s easy to see which codes get the most traffic and return viewers—and what type of video content your customers value most.

How to create video instruction QR codes

Wondering how QR Codes are generated and what you need to do to get started? This in-depth guide will show you exactly how to develop QR Codes that your audience will love.

Start by creating a step-by-step video tutorial you’re proud of

Video watching is on the rise, and 83% of people say they prefer to receive instructional content by video, rather than in text or image form. It’s a quick way to share information and accommodate different learning styles and accessibility needs.

If you want to maximize the value of your instructional videos, you’ll need to create structured, relevant, and attention-grabbing content. 

Start by deciding what you want viewers to learn and what actions you want them to take after watching the video. Storyboarding can help shape the video’s structure, even for short, simple clips. It’s always worth writing a script, even for the shortest videos, to clarify your ideas and ensure that all the relevant information is included.

When it comes to audio and visuals, put the customer first. Instructional videos should help them first and foremost—branding is a secondary consideration. Practice the script beforehand and use quality recording equipment so the content is presented as clearly as possible. Remember to include accessible functionality, such as text captions.

Generate a Dynamic Video QR Code

Once you’ve created your video, you need a QR Code. Follow these steps to create your own:

1. Get a video link: Start by uploading your video to a video-sharing platform like YouTube, so it has a unique URL.
   
   
2. Choose what type of code you need: When you make QR Codes, you can choose between Static and Dynamic. For instructional videos, Dynamic QR Codes are the best option. You can update them over time and track the number of scans to see how people respond to your content.
   
   
3. Create the QR Code: Copy the video URL into a video QR Code generator like QR Code Generator PRO. The platform will create your code instantly. 
   
   
4. Customize the design: You can edit the color, frame, pattern, and text of your QR Code and even add your brand logo.
   
   
5. Download your QR Code: Finally, you can download your code in various formats, such as PNG or SVG, so choose the option that fits your use case, whether screen displays or printing.

Create your own Video QR Code in seconds with QR Code Generator PRO!

Customize the design to reflect your brand

You can customize the design of every QR Code you create. Every detail is an opportunity to represent your brand, from the code’s shape to its color, frame, and call to action. You can even incorporate your logo into the center of the design.

Customizing QR Codes helps to create a consistently branded experience for your customers. Everything—from your product packaging to the code and videos you create—reflects your brand.

It also builds trust with your target audience. At a time when many people are concerned about QR Code fraud, branding shows people that your code is genuine and safe to scan.

Add a call to action

Whether you use a frame with an integrated CTA or print one next to the code, you need a QR Code call to action that converts. People are unlikely to scan a QR Code unless they know what it’s for.

You can flag tutorial videos with phrases like:

• “Scan to watch the tutorial!”
  
  
• “Get assembly instructions on your smartphone”
  
  
• “Need help? Scan for video instructions.”
  
  
• “Scan to watch a two-minute explainer”
  
  
• “Scan for [recipe/craft/makeup] inspiration!”

Ensure the CTA explains how the code will help and asks customers to scan.

Test your QR Code

Test every QR Code manually to ensure it has the correct link, is easily scannable, and works on various mobile devices. If you fail to test a QR Code, you risk frustrating customers who need access to those step-by-step instructions—which could result in product returns or negative reviews.

Start by double-checking that you’ve entered the correct video URL in the QR Code generator. Next, scan the code from your computer screen to ensure it works.

You’ll also need to test the code once it’s printed or displayed where customers will see it. For example, if you plan to place QR Codes on product packaging, you should test the code once it’s printed on the packaging. Then, you’ll know the code is visible and readable to smartphone cameras.

For best results, test the code with a few different smartphones, ensuring it works consistently. While most modern phones can scan QR Codes, their accuracy or camera resolution might vary.

Make sure the QR Code is easy to find

Once you’ve created a valuable video tutorial, you’ll want to share it widely. QR Codes work at different sizes and distances so you can display them almost anywhere. Print the Video QR Code on product packaging, share it in email receipts when customers buy the product, and even display it in-store or on your social media pages.

Remember, helpful content is only valuable when it’s easy to access. Ensure your QR Code is prominently placed and doesn’t blend into the design. 

Set it apart from other text or images, in a spot that’s easy for customers to scan. This is especially important if you print QR Codes on packaging or paper, where wrinkles or folds can interfere with scan accuracy.

9 Use cases for QR Code video instructions

Generating QR Codes is the easiest part of sharing video tutorials. To get you started on creating content—here are nine inspiring ideas for QR Code video instructions.

1. Recipe tutorials

Video is an amazing way to bring recipes to life. Your target audience can see ingredients, techniques, and the delicious final results through an engaging video demonstration.

Video tutorials also add extra detail and explanation if you have limited time or space to present a recipe. For example, you can display a QR Code on screen during a cooking show, add a QR Code in the notes for a foodie podcast, or print QR Codes in recipe books for extra guidance.

Take this kids’ cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen. Whenever a recipe uses a new technique, there’s a QR Code printed next to it. Each code leads to a video tutorial so children can learn to cook with confidence.

2. Craft tutorials

Craft influencers, retailers, and hobby brands can all build their reputations by sharing video tutorials. Your video content could be as simple as explaining how to use a new tool—or it could share inspiration, suggest seasonal projects, or show viewers a day in the life of a crafter. 

Music, voiceovers, and images help clarify new ideas, while video effects like time-lapses and close-ups make demonstrations clear and engaging.

Many creators have built their reputations on video-sharing sites like YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest, and you can reach an even wider audience by displaying Video QR Codes on craft tools, materials, and catalogs. 

For example, the crafting brand Woobles prints tutorial QR Codes on their crochet kits for beginners. They’ve also worked with craft influencers to create videos that guide users through the set and help them get started.

3. Furniture assembly instructions

The popularity of self-assembly, flat-pack furniture means that manufacturers and retailers need a reliable way to share instructions. But, paper leaflets can be expensive or unclear and might be at odds with your environmental sustainability goals.

Instead, you can use QR Codes to share video guides. Print them on product packaging or even engrave them on the furniture itself. If you still plan to use paper assembly instructions, printed QR Codes can enhance the text with optional video guides or extra details. 

For example, this office furniture manufacturer uses 3D video clips to make assembly instructions easier to understand. Customers just scan the QR Code to download an interactive app that guides them every step of the way.

4. Fitness and workout routines

If you’ve tried to follow a workout online, you know it’s easier to follow a video than written instructions. Video guides are visually clear and can demonstrate the correct form and the sequence of movements. 

Personal trainers, gyms, and equipment manufacturers can all benefit from sharing video tutorials or instructions with their customers via QR Codes. If you’re a personal trainer, for instance, you might add a QR Code to your business cards that links to a free beginner’s workout tutorial to give new clients an idea of what to expect.

Take the gym chain Planet Fitness as an example. They attach QR Codes to every piece of equipment in the gym, each leading to video tutorials in the Planet Fitness app. These videos deliver added value for gym members by giving them free guidance and also reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

5. Makeup and hair tutorials

YouTube videos are the medium of choice for makeup artists, influencers, and beauty brands to build a long-term audience and monetize tutorials and reviews. They can use QR Codes to extend their reach and get even more viewers—while building their reputation in the industry. 

Brands can share QR Code tutorials on their products and styling tools. Makeup artists can use QR Codes on their marketing materials, such as business cards, to show their skills to potential customers. Influencers can display codes during live events or print them on packaging for brand collabs.

The beloved beauty brand Estée Lauder uses virtual makeup tutorials to help more people enjoy their products. Customers scan the codes on products, ads, or in-store to get the most from their purchases.

6. Music tutorials

Video is infinitely more effective than text for sharing nearly anything music-related. You can use video clips to demonstrate instruments, teach specific skills, and help students understand what a new piece should sound like. 

Manufacturers can add video QR Codes to product packaging to show instrument tutorials and maintenance guides. And, if you teach music, QR Codes are a convenient way to share specific skill tutorials and feedback with your students. 

This children’s music activity set has QR Codes printed on each page of the book. As kids discover each instrument, from the triangle to the tambourine, they can listen and play alongside an experienced preschool music educator.

7. Art tutorials

Whatever medium you make art in, chances are that video is a good way to show off your creations in as much detail as possible. You can display finished pieces from different angles, walk viewers through specific techniques, and even take them inside your artistic process. 

Artists, art supply stores, and manufacturers can all benefit from video QR Codes as a quick way to bring their work to life.

Art Project for Kids offers a huge selection of step-by-step, beginner-friendly drawing tutorials, and each one includes a handy QR Code that kids can scan to watch a video demonstration illustrating each step. 

8. Product demos

Product demos are an increasingly popular way to promote big-ticket purchases like technology, software, and furniture. Instead of telling customers about all the potential benefits, you can show them the product or service in action. 

Use QR Codes to share video product demos (and invite people to sign up for a personalized demonstration) by displaying them in-store, on marketing materials, on product packaging, and even on billboards or in guerilla marketing. 

For services and B2B products, you can use video product tours and case studies to demonstrate value. For physical products, you can use demo videos and interactive content. 

One example is the IKEA app, which uses augmented reality to show customers how furniture would look in their homes. It just takes a QR Code scan to download the app and get started. 

9. Video game playthroughs

There’s a rich tradition of sharing video game playthroughs, tutorials, and easter eggs in video form. Success in the game industry is now often driven by live streaming and competitions. But there will always be an audience for evergreen, helpful content that guides new players through an unfamiliar game. 

Whether you’re a game studio, console manufacturer, reviewer, or influencer, QR Codes can help you reach a larger audience. Console makers and game studios can print QR Codes with trailers and tutorials on product packaging. Influencers can post QR Codes on their social media channels or display them at live events. 

Game studios can also use QR Codes to give players access to temporary events and bonus content. For example, players scanned a QR online to gain access to this event in Genshin Impact.

Share your step-by-step video instructions with custom QR Codes

Video is the perfect medium to share instructions and inspiration with your audience. And with QR Codes, you can share instructional videos anywhere—from billboards to product packaging, social media, books, and flyers.

But to maximize your QR Codes’ potential, you need the right tool for the job. 

QR Code Generator PRO is ideal for brands and influencers that want to create reliable, branded QR Codes. You can customize every code with your logo and brand colors to build confidence and brand awareness with your audience. 

Plus, our platform gives you access to analytics that show how, when, and where people scan codes to watch your video content. This data helps you better understand your audience and how they interact with your content, so you can fine-tune your strategy over time.

Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today and share more valuable video content with your customers!