YouTube rolls out QR codes across all channels

YouTube has announced the rollout of QR codes to all channels after a period of testing with selected users. The feature aims to offer an additional method for creators to connect audiences to their content easily.

YouTube explained how users can access their unique QR code: “To find your QR code, navigate to the ‘You’ tab at the bottom of the YouTube app menu, tap the chip under your handle that says ‘Share Channel,’ and then tap ‘QR code’ in the menu that pops up to see your Channel’s QR code. You can then save it to your phone’s camera roll if you so choose, or pull it up to show someone nearby, so they can easily scan it to find your channel.”

The introduction of QR codes is seen as a way to enhance channel promotion and attract new followers. However, the effectiveness of QR codes remains uncertain. Despite their potential, QR codes have not gained widespread use outside of specific contexts, such as supermarket checkouts.

Interestingly, this move by YouTube comes at a time when Instagram is also testing a similar feature with profile cards, suggesting a renewed interest in QR codes. Whether this signals a lasting trend or another short-lived experiment remains to be seen, as QR codes tend to resurface periodically before fading away once again.