Enhancing Video Marketing With QR Codes: A Practical Guide

In the past few years, QR Codes have popped up everywhere, from subway ads to doctor’s offices, charity events, restaurant menus, business cards, and plane tickets. They’re a low-cost, simple way to connect different channels of information, including video marketing. 

QR Codes allow people to watch video advertising wherever they are. It doesn’t matter if they walked past a billboard, opened up a leaflet, or glimpsed the code on a screen: They can scan it and watch your video immediately. 

In this article, we’ll explore how Video QR Codes can link your online and offline marketing campaigns to increase their impact. You’ll learn how to create exciting video content, give it the distribution it deserves, and measure the results. 

The natural connection between video marketing and QR Codes

We won’t spend too long explaining the value of video marketing, because if you’re a marketer, you already know it inside and out. Still, it’s worth noting its wide and varied reach:

• Short-form video has the highest ROI of any content format.
  
  
• Social networks and ad buyers have pivoted to video.
  
  
• The White House even runs press briefings for TikTok stars. 

People watch video content, they respond to it, and they seek it out everywhere online.  But QR Codes can add even more value:

• More views: You can share QR Codes anywhere in print or on screen. That means more potential viewers who wouldn’t see your video otherwise. 
  
  
• More responses: People have to scan the code to watch the video, which introduces an element of interaction. That makes them more committed to watching the video and following up.
  
  
• More data: You can collect information about where people scan codes and how they spend time with your video content. 

Why video marketing using QR Codes is a huge opportunity for brands

Content marketers use video like a builder uses mortar. It’s one of the essential materials in constructing a marketing strategy. And, just like mortar, everyone recognizes it—but only the experts know how to use it to make something that really works.

Done right, video is appealing, highly shareable, and has a high rate of return, all important features in the age of shorter attention spans. 

But where do QR Codes fit into this elaborate construction metaphor? They’re the trowel that spreads and shapes your video marketing. They make your marketing strategy hold together properly. 

Enough metaphors—let’s get into the details. 

Store larger amounts of data

Demo version of a custom Video QR Code made with QR Code Generator.    

First, you need to know how QR Codes work.

Each QR Code resembles a dotted square. It’s this square 2D shape that allowed the scannable QR Code to gain a massive advantage over its cousin, the barcode.

Unlike their predecessor, the barcode, QR Codes are scannable both vertically and horizontally. This allows QR Codes to store larger amounts of data, which devices can process and load very quickly. 

When a potential customer scans a Video QR Code, they’re directed to an online video clip pretty much instantly. It’s a rapid and seamless experience, even if you’re sharing lengthy videos or large media files.

Track and analyze video marketing campaigns

Demo version of QR Code tracking with QR Code Generator.

Some QR Codes don’t just contain links. They also come with valuable tracking metrics, such as location data, time scanned, operating device used, and unique vs. total scans.

How does QR Code tracking work? It comes down to whether you’re using Dynamic or Static QR Codes. You can continually edit and update Dynamic QR Codes—and they carry all that crucial analytical data.

This allows you to compare and test marketing campaigns across different time periods, locations, or even different devices that match your target audience.

Pro tip: Integrate QR Code video marketing campaigns with Google Analytics to follow the customer journey from QR Code scan to purchase. 

Easily calculate ROI for print materials

An example of a Video QR Code in a print newspaper.

Tracing attribution and impact is one of the hardest jobs for content marketers. You know that video marketing reaches a wide audience, and you believe in the value of your content—but showing a direct link between content and sales is tricky.

QR Codes make attribution and return on investment (ROI) calculations much simpler. Trackable Dynamic QR Codes mean that you can see exactly which ads got customer engagement. You can even figure out the days and times when your ads are most effective. 

Customize and edit your QR Codes

The first QR Codes were black-and-white squares filled with random dots. That’s still the default, but you don’t have to stick with it. 

You can customize your QR Codes with custom frames, different colors, embedded images, logos, and added calls-to-action (CTAs) so that users know exactly where the link leads. 

If you’re using a Dynamic QR Code, you can also update the web page that it links to in real time. For example, you can swap out different versions of a video ad, or replace a pre-launch trailer with a release video.

That means you can update your video marketing content without a costly re-do of all your print materials.

Pro tip: Surprise and delight your audience by creating QR Codes with style.

Examples of marketing with videos using QR Codes

You might have already used QR Codes to link to digital platforms like email marketing, social media, podcasts, or landing pages for your website.

But using QR Codes for your video marketing strategy as well can help you integrate video in ways you never previously thought of. You can design everything from product packaging and poster ads to event tickets and instruction manuals to fit a Video QR Code. 

We’ve whipped up a few examples to inspire you, whether you’re filming content for a major corporation or sharing quick social videos for a small business. 

Share ingredient sourcing for restaurants

Example of a Video QR Code on restaurant food packaging.

Research shows that consumers care about sustainability—and they’re voting with their wallets, including when it comes to eating out. But you might not have space on the menu to explain exactly where you source each sustainable ingredient.

A Video QR Code gives you the chance to tell customers the story behind your product with a quick YouTube video. It’s also easy for these customers to share the video on social media and spread the word.

Enhance retail products with celebrity video content

Example of a Video QR Code on sports shoe packaging.

The right celebrity endorsement can significantly increase retail sales. And while short-form video reigns supreme, the most effective form that endorsement can take is a piece to camera from your chosen star. 

Video QR Codes mean that you can show that endorsement at every stage of the buyer’s journey. From billboards to magazines, catalogs, product tags, and packaging, you can continually reinforce the message to consumers—oh, and get those social shares, too.

Product assembly and instructions in video format on product packaging

Example of a Video QR Code used to share a tutorial on product packaging.

Many people watch YouTube these days for entertainment. But that’s not the only thing people use the site for. Also included in the top three reasons to visit YouTube are “to learn how to do something” and “to learn more about a hobby, interest, or industry.” Fourth place is “to learn about a product.”

That’s a golden opportunity for retailers. You can enhance printed instructions with tutorial videos. With a Video QR Code right there on the packaging, customers will appreciate the easy access to information. 

Share your brand story as a fashion retailer

Example of a Video QR Code on a fashion product tag.

Especially for smaller clothing brands and startups trying to crack a market dominated by the industry’s big names and conglomerates, it’s your brand’s unique story that can elevate you above the rest.

Video gives you the opportunity to share your story and educate your customer base. Video QR Codes mean that you can seize that opportunity wherever you advertise. 

You can add them to product tags, email marketing campaigns, and social media to ensure that you build brand awareness—and your style is everywhere consumers look.

Showcase new video game trailers

Example of a Video QR Code on a video game trailer poster.

Most game marketing is built on videos. From the first teaser trailer to gameplay footage, developer interviews, and launch day trailers, you need to show players exactly what’s in store. 

And the number of those players is growing: More than 3 billion people the world over are now considered to be part of their ranks.

A QR Code marketing campaign can help you learn which audiences are engaging with an upcoming release. Every time someone scans a QR Code, you’ll get another nugget of data about who’s watching. You can see exactly where your game sparks interest and use it to build on your strategy.

How to create and track engaging video content with QR Codes

Whatever industry you work in, QR Codes can help you get more engagement and data from your video marketing campaigns.

Individual strategies may vary, but we recommend these best practices for everyone who makes use of QR Codes in their marketing. 

Start with compelling video content

This might seem obvious, but even the most cunningly placed QR Code needs good content to keep people interested. 

Whether you produce short-form or long-form video, every clip needs:

• A clear message to speak for your brand
  
  
• A gripping story to keep viewer retention high
  
  
• A strong CTA so that viewers know what to do next

The most effective video content marketing is in tune with your target audience’s experiences, needs, and interests.

QR Codes can support that strategy: firstly by showing videos wherever your audience is, and secondly by linking onward to additional information and targeted offers. 

Create QR Codes using best practices

QR Codes are supposed to make life easier for users. That’s how you get more views and a quick response from your audience. 

Following these points will help create a smooth experience:

• Use high-quality, clear images that are correctly resized for different placements. A fuzzy image will be harder to scan.
  
  
• Check how QR Codes appear on different print materials. For example, a shiny surface might be too reflective, making it difficult to scan the code.
  
  
• Customize Dynamic QR Codes with your brand logo or colors so that people are immersed in your branding. (Here’s more on how to use QR Codes in branding.)
  
  
• Include a CTA so that people understand where the QR Code will take them. No surprises (unless you’re deliberately running a mystery campaign).
  
  
• Optimize the website URLs in your QR Codes for mobile. Nobody is out there scanning a QR Code with the webcam on their PC.
  
  
• Test the QR Codes before you ship the whole marketing campaign. Check out this list of common QR Code scanning problems if you spot any issues. 

Distribute your QR Code-enhanced videos

Content marketing is only ever as good as its distribution. You might have filmed an Oscar-worthy ad spot, but if no one sees it, that doesn’t mean much. 

The whole point of QR Codes is that they link different pieces of content together. So when you’re sharing Video QR Codes, go wide!

You can include QR Code-enhanced videos in your email newsletters, landing pages, and social media profiles. Just make sure they work in each placement, adjusting the size, resolution, and colors as needed. You can also use QR Code Generator PRO to update Dynamic QR Codes as your marketing strategy changes over time. 

Track and analyze viewer engagement

There’s a wealth of information embedded in each QR Code, from scan rates to conversion rates, viewer retention, bounce rates, and data on location, time, date, browser, referral source, and even mobile devices. 

QR Code Generator PRO comes with features to support you with QR Code analytics. You can sort through the data to figure out what’s working and feed information back into your content marketing strategy. 

For example, you can use QR Code Generator PRO’s analytics in tandem with other third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics to:

• Spot which placements get the most scans, and increase your advertising there accordingly.
  
  
• Check which video content gets the most retention, then update Dynamic QR Codes to make sure they link to the most successful content.
  
  
• Identify the most effective CTAs for different audiences and ad placements with A/B testing.
  
  
• Use bounce rates to spot where CTAs don’t match up with video content.
  
  
• Optimize links and webpages to work with the most popular browsers and mobile devices.

Experience all that video marketing can offer with QR Code Generator PRO

QR Codes are a powerful way to connect different elements of your marketing strategy. They can bring your video content to new audiences, improve engagement rates, and give you new insights into your audience and their behavior.

Best of all, they’re easy for people to use—and for you to create. Get started with the QR Code Generator PRO today.