QR codes on TV and in video
TV is watched from the sofa with a phone in hand, which makes it one of the easiest places to scan from. A code in a TV ad, a live stream or a YouTube video turns a viewer into a visitor without them typing a URL they'll forget.
Response comes in a spike while the code is on screen, so timing and size matter more than anywhere else. And because the same ad runs on several channels or streams, separate dynamic codes tell you which one worked.
What to link from QR codes on TV and video
TV ads
An offer or app download with a code that stays on screen long enough to scan.
Live streams
A corner code that opens the product, donation page or merch store during the stream.
YouTube and recorded video
An on-screen code for viewers watching on a TV, where clickable links don't work.
Shows and broadcasts
Polls, recipes and competitions from a programme, linked to a page for that episode.
Which QR code to use
Static codes are free and need no account, but can't be changed after printing. Dynamic codes and hosted pages can be edited at any time, count every scan, and keep working on every plan, even if you cancel.
Dynamic code per channel or stream
Compare response across channels and air times, and change the destination after the campaign.
Create a dynamic codeApp download page
Shows the App Store button on iPhones and the Google Play button on Android.
App install ads with one code for both stores.
Build it in the dashboardCoupon page
An offer with a code or barcode, validity dates, terms and a copy button.
A viewer offer with a code and validity dates.
Build it in the dashboardHow big to print it
| Where people scan | Distance | Minimum code width |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop or tablet | 60 cm (24 in) | 7.0 cm (2.7 in) |
| TV from the sofa | 3 m (10 ft) | 34.8 cm (13.7 in) |
For a dynamic short link such as https://qrdx.dev/q/aB3dE5f at error correction Q, without the blank margin. Static Wi-Fi, vCard or long URL codes hold more data and need to be larger. Check yours with the print size calculator and the scan checker.
Placement tips
- Keep the code on screen for at least 10 to 15 seconds in an ad, longer in programmes.
- The 10:1 rule gives about 35 cm on screen for a sofa 3 m away, about half the height of a 55-inch TV. Phones often read smaller codes in good conditions, so test on a real TV before going smaller.
- Place it away from the edges: TV overscan and streaming overlays can crop the corners.
- Avoid motion or transitions over the code while it's on screen; a still frame scans best.
Call-to-action copy
A code with a reason to scan beside it gets more scans than a bare code. Lines to print next to yours:
- Scan now for 20% off
- Scan to get the app
- Scan to vote
- Recipe from this episode
QR codes on TV and video: FAQ
How long should a QR code be on screen in a TV ad?
Long enough to unlock a phone and open the camera: aim for at least 10 to 15 seconds, and show it early as well as at the end.
How big should a QR code be on TV?
From a sofa 3 m away, about 35 cm on screen with a short link. On smaller screens or with longer links, bigger.
How do I measure TV ad response with QR codes?
Use a separate dynamic code per channel, station or stream. Every scan is timestamped per code, so you can match spikes to air times.