Eye-opening QR Code insights from marketers like you

93% of marketers surveyed have increased QR Code usage in the past 12 months
88% feel consumer sentiment toward QR Codes has become more positive
86% of marketers plan to increase QR Code usage further in the coming year

QR Codes now reach customers at every stage of their journey

Marketers are no longer using QR Codes at just one customer touchpoint. Our research shows multi-channel implementation across email (47%), product packaging (46%), events (43%), print ads (40%), and in-store displays (40%).

This multi-channel approach creates interconnected experiences that guide customers between digital and physical touchpoints, reaching them at the ideal moment to drive engagement and action.

Infographic showing top QR Code marketing channels: email leads at 47%, followed by product packaging at 46%, events at 43%, print ads at 40%, and in-store displays at 40%.

Marketers capture customer attention with timely incentives

QR Codes have expanded well beyond their original use as information-sharing tools. Today’s marketers use this technology to drive time-sensitive engagement with promotional offers and coupons (51%) leading the way, followed by event information (49%), product details (45%), and video demos (37%).

This shift from informational to experiential content is transforming how brands connect with consumers at critical decision points.

Horizontal bar chart showing QR Code content usage statistics: promotional offers lead at 51%, followed by event information at 49%, product details at 45%, video tutorials at 37%, loyalty programs at 33%, surveys at 26%, social media at 26%, company websites at 21%, and landing pages at 12%.

What motivates consumers to scan QR Codes?

From content to contests, scans are driven by the promise of value.

Pie chart showing effective incentives for QR Code scanning: exclusive content leads at 39%, discounts at 33%, contest entries at 14%, loyalty rewards at 12%, and product reordering at 1%.

Exclusive content or information (39%) now leads consumer motivations, followed by discounts or promotional offers (33%), contest entries (14%), and loyalty points (12%). Today’s consumers are looking for unique experiences and meaningful content when they scan, creating an opportunity to build deeper connections at every touchpoint.

Hear from marketers who are inspiring action with QR Codes

We ran a QR Code campaign for a retail client, linking in-store displays to exclusive online offers, which boosted conversions by 35% in three months. The seamless digital bridge drove engagement, proving how frictionless access fuels consumer action.”

UserEvidence-verified survey respondent

Adding QR Codes to all of these [customer] touchpoints has helped us reach our goals over the past few quarters. QR Codes give us the opportunity to tell our story, invite customers to explore more products, and become part of our growing community.”

Becca Rudman

Brand Marketing Manager at Curology

Marketers crave deeper insights into the customer experience

QR Codes have become powerful engagement tools—but to unlock their full potential, marketers need to address key barriers. Over half (55%) say customers don’t understand how to use them, while others cite QR Code overload (47%), security concerns (36%), and poor placement (21%).

Consumers are willing to scan—but only when the value prop is clear, secure, and worth their time. Marketers who build trust and deliver value with strong calls-to-action will drive more meaningful engagement.

Bar chart showing QR Code consumer barriers: lack of understanding leads at 55%, followed by QR Code overload at 47%, security concerns at 36%, poor placement/visibility at 21%, and other at 1%.

QR Code analytics provide new opportunities for first-party data

While scan rates are rising and use cases expanding, most marketers haven’t yet tapped into the full potential of QR Code analytics. Tracking unique users (54%), total scans (50%), time of scan (50%), and location (48%) is common, but only a third monitor the post-scan journey (31%), and just 16% tie QR Codes directly to revenue.

This represents a significant opportunity to collect more valuable first-party data and link QR Code engagement to business outcomes.

Pie chart showing primary business value from QR Codes: enhanced customer experience leads at 27%, followed by lead capture at 21%, customer insights at 17%, brand awareness at 17%, direct revenue at 16%, and reduced printing costs at 2%.

Marketers across the board crave better QR Code data

87% of marketers struggle to understand the customer journey after scanning

85% face challenges integrating QR Code data with other marketing metrics

79% cite tracking and attribution complexities as a top ROI challenge

Breaking down silos with dynamic QR Codes that adapt

QR Codes must be flexible to meet evolving campaign needs. According to our research, 69% of marketers update QR Code destinations at least monthly—highlighting the growing demand for solutions that can pivot on the fly.

Being able to change where a QR Code points (without reprinting anything!) is now a must-have for agile teams running campaigns across locations, channels, or even on product packaging.

Bar chart showing QR Code update frequency: very frequently at 27%, somewhat frequently at 42%, occasionally at 17%, rarely at 10%, never at 2%, and don't use redirects at 2%.

Customization boosts brand recognition and consumer trust

For many marketers, QR Code customization is a key part of the brand experience. Nearly half (49%) find the most value in adding a business logo, while others prioritize custom colors (38%) and unique frames or patterns (13%).

These visual enhancements do more than look good—they build trust and create a seamless brand experience that improves engagement.

Infographic showing the most valuable QR Code customization aspects: adding a business logo at 49%, selecting custom colors at 38%, and unique frames or patterns at 13%.

Paving the way for more immersive digital experiences

QR Codes are becoming gateways to emerging tech. AI tops the list, with 84% of marketers planning to integrate it, followed by VR (61%), AR (57%), 2D barcodes (56%), and connected packaging (40%).

These trends show how QR Codes are moving beyond static links and becoming key touchpoints in broader digital experiences.

Bar chart showing future QR Code technology integration plans: artificial intelligence leads at 84%, followed by virtual reality at 61%, augmented reality at 57%, 2D barcodes at 56%, and connected packaging at 40%.

Hear from marketers who are building smarter, more agile campaigns

Being able to create QR Codes and redirects has had a huge impact. We have seen [an] increase in traffic to our site by at least 25% over the past 6 months.”

Director of Annual Giving

Large Enterprise Education Services Company

[Bitly] helps me to have better control over my links assigned to a given campaign, where I can see all the statistics and the impact of the link or QR Code shared.”

Micael Landim

Director of Universidade de Santiago

We often use [Bitly] for its redirect features. I have an entire automation that relies on Bitly integration and API with Make. It helps me provide Bitly as a tool to the rest of my team without giving them direct access to my account. I love Bitly!”

Tiffany Travelute

Digital Product Manager at Pioneers

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Improve your QR Code strategy today with these resources

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