Video Platforms that Support QR Codes
Key Takeaways
- Online video content can be easily distributed through QR codes
- Video content is important to any business or brand
- Most online video platforms support QR codes in some way
Video content is essential for helping brands grow in the digital age. Even if you run something like a coffee shop or comic book store, you want to have some kind of visual presence to give your potential audience a feel for who you are and what your goals are. But making and uploading videos to the internet is only part of the battle. You also have to make sure people see them, and sending out links can only get you so far. Luckily, QR codes can be used to reach potential patrons and audience members through physical media, increasing your brand awareness. In this piece I will go over how QR codes work with video content, as well as share the top platforms to use and offer tips and strategies on getting the most out of your codes. So let’s dive right in!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a special type of image that has been encoded with data. These codes can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, in order to access the content within. This can include just about any digital media, like URL links, social media pages, contact information, WiFi logins, images, parcel tracking, spreadsheets, text documents, and in this case, links to online videos. QR codes exist in the real world as simple 2D images, so they can be placed just about anywhere you could display a picture, like on posters, stickers, cards, flyers, and even in on screen media like commercials, TV shows, and video games.
How can QR codes be used with video content?
While QR codes on their own don’t have the capability of storing an entire video file, they can still be used to share URL links to videos online. These can be placed on something like a card or sticker and then easily scanned by any interested party.
Video platforms
Below are just some of the video sharing platforms that work with QR codes, but there are much more. Basically, if it exists online and has a URL address you can share then it can be made into a QR code! Perhaps the most well known online video platform, YouTube allows users to view and produce their own content in both public and private forms. If you have a video file saved on your Google Drive, then it’s likely a Google Video file that can be shared with others through the platform. Popular for brands and businesses, Vimeo allows for more curated and professional videos to be embedded on your own website. The rising start in the world of online video, TikTok hosts short form videos that can be created and shared by anyone on the platform. Youtube
Google video
Vimeo
TikTok
How to make a QR code for an online video
Get the share link for your desired video. In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code. Select the Website option as your code type. Name your code and paste the link into the URL bar. Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code. Click Generate. Test your code on multiple devices.
Benefits of using QR codes
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up. QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code. By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards. QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding. The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space. If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned. With the tools available on QRCodeveloper, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts. With QRCodeveloper you can monitor: Number of scans Number of scans by operating system Scans by browser Scans by country Scans by city Scans by language Unique scansEase of use
Widely understood
Customizable
Hands free communication
Trackable
Monitoring code usage
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can QR codes be used for video content?
Yes. QR codes can be used as an easy way to distribute links to online video content.
Can a QR code store an entire video?
QR codes by themselves do not have the capacity to store entire video files, but they can be used for URL links to access video content.
Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
What devices can scan QR codes?
Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Are QR codes safe?
While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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