Quick answer: a QR code can’t hold a video file; it holds a link. Upload the video somewhere people can watch it (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive or your own website), copy a link that anyone can open, and make the QR code from that link. Use a dynamic QR code if you want to count scans or swap the video later.
Want to share a video without sending long links or bulky files?
A QR code makes it effortless. Whether it’s a YouTube tutorial, a product demo, or important information on Google Drive, just scan and watch.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest way to turn your video into a QR code that’s ready to share anywhere – flyers, packaging, presentations, or social media. No tech skills needed!
Where to put the video before you make the QR code
The QR code only opens a web address, so the video needs a home first. Pick one where people can watch without asking you for access:
- YouTube. Click Share under the video and Copy the link. Tick Start at first if the QR code should open at a certain moment, per YouTube Help. Public and unlisted videos both work: unlisted videos can be seen by anyone with the link and don’t need a Google Account, but they don’t show up in search or on your channel, per YouTube’s privacy settings help. Private videos won’t play for people who scan.
- Google Drive. Select the file, click Share, set General access to Anyone with the link as a Viewer, and click Copy link, per Google Drive Help. Large files may be slower to start on a phone than a streaming site.
- Vimeo or another video host. Copy the video’s share link and check its privacy setting lets people with the link watch.
- Your own website. Embed the video on a page and make the QR code for that page. This gives you room for a headline, captions and a call to action.
Have an MP4 on your computer? Upload it to one of these first. A “video QR code generator” that takes a file does the same thing behind the scenes: it hosts the file and puts a link in the code.
Methods for creating video QR codes
Creating a QR code for your video is simple and can be done in a few ways:
- Free QR code generators: Use free tools like Replug’s QR Code Generator. Just paste your video link, customize, and download the code.
Drawback: Limited tracking features and customization options.
- YouTube QR code tools: Some platforms offer direct options for YouTube videos, perfect for quick sharing. Replug also has a YouTube QR code generator that you can use to create dynamic and customized QR codes for your videos for free.
Drawback: Only works for YouTube videos, limiting flexibility for other platforms.
- Dynamic QR code tools: Platforms like Replug let you create custom QR codes, track scans, retarget viewers, and update the video link anytime without reprinting.
Drawback: you need an account, and some features are on higher plans (in Replug, changing a printed code’s destination is on Scale and Agency).
Choose what suits your needs: simple share or full-featured marketing!
What is Replug, and why use Replug to make a QR code for your video?
Replug is a powerful link management and marketing tool that allows you to create optimal short links and manage branded, dynamic QR codes for your videos.
Unlike static QR codes, dynamic QR codes run through a short link, so you can count scans and update the linked content without changing the QR code itself. This makes it ideal for marketing campaigns, promotions, and tracking video engagement.
Here’s why you should use Replug to make a QR code for your video:
- Create branded dynamic QR codes
- See how many people scanned your QR code
- Retarget viewers with ads (retargeting pixels: one on Essentials, unlimited on Scale and Agency)
- Change the video the code opens without reprinting it (Scale and Agency)
- Set up URL redirects based on conditions such as country or device (traffic routing, Scale and Agency)
How to create a video QR code using Replug
See how to create video to QR code.
Step 01: Get your video URL
Copy the video URL from the browser address bar or use the Share button to copy the link. Check that it opens in a private browser window where you aren’t signed in.
Step 02: Create a branded link in Replug
Log in to your Replug dashboard. On the Home screen, paste your video URL into the Paste a long URL to shorten… field and click Shorten. The Your link window opens with options to customize your link.
Step 03: Customize your link
In the pop-up, you’ll find multiple features like link shortening, the ability to add tags, customization of the link preview, A/B testing, password protection, and more.
Customize your link as needed: this URL will appear when someone scans the QR code. A custom ending such as /brew-guide is on Essentials and up; A/B testing and password protection are on Scale and Agency, per replug.io/pricing.
Step 04: Generate the QR code
Click Save Shortened Link, then the QR code button.
It sits next to Copy Link, right after the Shortened link field.
The New QR code page opens for that link. Choose colors, shapes and a frame (paid plans) or add your logo (Scale and Agency), then click Create QR Code.
You can also start from QR Codes > Create new > Start blank. For a YouTube video, click Show social and payment apps and pick YouTube; for Vimeo, Google Drive or your own page, pick Website and paste the link.
Step 05: Download and use your QR code
Test the QR code by scanning it with your phone to ensure it directs to the correct YouTube video.
Once satisfied with your QR code, click Download and pick SVG, PNG or JPEG, then share it as needed. SVG stays sharp at any print size.
You may also like: How to create a QR code for Zoom meetings
Final thoughts
Whether you use free online generators for quick sharing or go for Replug’s dynamic QR codes for tracking and retargeting, there’s an option for every need. Don’t forget to follow best practices, like ensuring scan quality and testing your code before distribution. With the right QR code, your video will reach your audience in no time – effortlessly!
Frequently asked questions
Manahil
