What is a QR Code?
A QR code, short for “quick response” code, is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a camera, such as a smartphone camera, to open a website or app (Wikipedia). QR codes were invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave to track automobile parts (Investopedia).
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes, meaning they store information both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to store more data than traditional one-dimensional barcodes. The information encoded in a QR code can be text, a website URL, contact information, calendar events, WiFi passwords, and more.
When scanned by a smartphone camera, the QR code directs the phone to open a specific website or app. This allows QR codes to serve as a quick way to access digital content by simply scanning the code.
Why Use a QR Code for TikTok?
QR codes provide a quick and easy way for TikTok users to login or follow someone on the platform. By scanning a QR code, users can instantly access a profile or content without needing to manually search or type in a username. This saves time and makes it simpler to connect with creators and brands on TikTok.
For marketers and content creators, QR codes are an effective tool to promote a TikTok profile and grow a following. Embedding a QR code on posters, flyers, business cards, or packaging gives viewers a seamless way to find and follow a TikTok account. Trackable QR codes also enable analyzing traffic sources to identify the most effective marketing channels.
Overall, TikTok QR codes streamline the login process for the app’s users. They provide a frictionless method to build an audience and get content in front of more viewers on the platform.
Generating a TikTok QR Code
Generating a TikTok QR code to share your profile or videos is easy and only takes a few steps. Here is how to generate a TikTok QR code on iOS or Android devices:
1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page. Tap the “Share” button in the top right corner.
2. Select the “QR code” option. This will generate a unique QR code linked to your TikTok profile.
3. Tap “Download” to save the QR code image to your phone’s camera roll. You can then print or share the image however you like.
On iOS devices, there is also an option to share the QR code directly to other apps after generating it. The code will be scannable for 7 days and then expire.
You can also generate a TikTok QR code for a specific video you want to promote. When viewing a video in the app, tap the “Share” button and select “QR code” to create a unique code for that video.
QR codes are an easy way to build your TikTok following and get more people to view your content. The codes allow instant access to your profile or videos just by scanning with a phone’s camera. Give your TikTok QR code out at events or share it on other platforms to maximize your reach.
Source: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/solutions/tiktok-qr-code/
Scanning a TikTok QR Code
Scanning a TikTok QR code is simple if you have the TikTok app installed on your mobile device. Here are the steps to scan a TikTok QR code:
1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the discover icon at the bottom of the screen that looks like a search magnifying glass. This will open up the TikTok camera.
3. Point the camera at the TikTok QR code you want to scan. The app will automatically detect and scan the code.
4. Follow the prompts on the screen after scanning the code. This usually involves tapping a link or button to open the content associated with the QR code.
That’s it! Scanning a TikTok QR code takes just a few seconds. As long as you have the official TikTok app, you can easily use your mobile device’s camera to scan any TikTok QR code and access its linked content.
Source: https://effecthouse.tiktok.com/learn/guides/publishing/preview/preview-in-tiktok
Troubleshooting TikTok QR Code Issues
Sometimes TikTok QR codes may not function properly. Common issues include the code not working, the camera not reading the code, or login not working after scanning. There are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve these problems:
- Make sure your smartphone camera is clean and not obstructed. Wipe the lens and try again in a well-lit area.
- Double check that you are scanning the entire QR code square and that it is clearly visible on your screen.
- Try closing and reopening the TikTok app. Restarting can clear small glitches.
- Update your TikTok app to the latest version in case it is a known issue that has been patched.
- Toggle your smartphone’s wifi/cellular data on and off. A network connection issue could prevent successful scanning.
- As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall TikTok. This clears cached data that may be corrupted.
If the problem persists after trying these troubleshooting steps, you may need to contact TikTok support directly for additional help diagnosing the issue (TikTok Help Center). Be ready to provide details about your smartphone model, app version, and any error messages you are seeing.
TikTok QR Code Uses
QR codes have become a popular way to share and promote TikTok profiles and content. Here are some of the main ways TikTok creators are using QR codes:
Sharing profile: A TikTok profile QR code makes it easy for users to find and follow someone on TikTok just by scanning the code. This is an easy way to grow an audience and get more followers.
Example: Putting a TikTok QR code on business cards, flyers, posters, clothing etc. to drive traffic to a TikTok profile. According to https://qr.io/blog/how-to-create-a-custom-tiktok-qr-code/, QR codes can increase profile views and follows.
Promoting content: QR codes can link directly to a specific TikTok video or profile. Creators can share QR codes to help their content go viral.
Example: Adding a QR code to an Instagram story that goes straight to a new TikTok video. This makes it easy for Instagram followers to find and watch the video.
Contests/giveaways: TikTok creators can set up contests or giveaways by having users scan a code to take them to a TikTok post with contest details or a submission form.
Example: A TikTok QR code contest where users have to scan and follow the account to be entered to win a prize. This is an engaging way to get more followers.
QR Code Best Practices
When creating a QR code, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure the code is scannable and provides a good user experience:
Make the code large and high contrast – Small, low-contrast QR codes can be difficult to scan. The code should be at least 1 inch square and printed in black on a white background for maximum scanability. Avoid using colors, gradients, or complex backgrounds that could interfere with scanning the code.1
Test scanability – Double check that the printed or digital QR code scans correctly by testing it yourself before sharing or distributing it. This ensures the code works as intended.
Choose an appropriate error correction level – QR codes have built-in redundancy to account for damage or dirt. A higher error correction level makes the code more robust at the expense of requiring a slightly larger overall size.
Keep it simple – Avoid overly ornate designs and keep the code unobstructed by other visual elements. The scanner needs to be able to easily detect the three finder patterns in the corners of the QR code.
Follow size and resolution requirements – Printed QR codes need sufficiently high resolution, at least 300 DPI. Digital QR codes must meet minimum pixel size requirements to scan properly on high resolution screens.
Place the code appropriately – Ensure the code is easily visible and accessible wherever it is placed, with enough free space around it for scanning. Provide clear direction or cues to let people know it is scannable.
QR Code Alternatives
There are a few alternatives to using QR codes for TikTok that provide similar functionality in different formats:
Shortened URLs can be used instead of QR codes to direct users to a TikTok profile or video. Services like bit.ly allow you to create a customized shortened link that redirects to a long TikTok URL. These links are usually easier to type in than long URLs. However, shortened links lack the convenience of scanning a code.
NFC (near field communication) tags are another alternative. You can program an NFC tag to open a TikTok profile when scanned by a compatible smartphone. NFC tags allow for contactless interaction similar to QR codes. However, NFC use is less widespread than QR code scanning. Most smartphones have built-in QR scanning, while NFC requires a compatible device.
Allowing direct TikTok profile searches is another alternative. Including your exact TikTok username allows people to search and find your profile directly within the TikTok app, without needing to scan anything. However, this requires users to manually search instead of conveniently scanning a code.
While alternatives like shortened links, NFC tags, and direct searches can work, QR codes remain the most universal, convenient option for linking to TikTok profiles and videos. QR codes don’t require specialized hardware and work on both mobile and desktop.
Privacy Considerations
While QR codes provide a convenient way to quickly share information, they also present potential privacy risks that users should be aware of. When you scan a QR code, you are essentially giving an unknown source direct access to your device and personal information. This creates an opportunity for cybercriminals to distribute malware or gain access to sensitive data (source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/cybersecurity/basics/what-is-a-qr-code).
Some best practices include being selective about what QR codes you scan, avoiding scanning codes that come from unknown or untrusted sources, and using a QR code reader that checks for potential threats before redirecting you. As with any link, it’s important to use caution since you can’t vet a QR code just by looking at it (source: https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/tip/Understanding-QR-code-security-issues-for-enterprise-devices). Only scan codes shared from trusted individuals or brands. Be wary of QR codes on public advertisements or left randomly in public places, as these are more likely to be malicious.
You should also be selective in the type of information accessed via QR codes. Avoid scanning codes that could reveal sensitive personal or financial data. Be cautious entering login credentials or making payments simply by scanning a code without further verification. While QR codes are convenient, take steps to minimize privacy risks by being selective in what you scan and share.
The Future of QR Codes
The usage of QR codes is projected to continue growing in the coming years. According to research by ANA, U.S. QR code adoption is expected to increase from 83.4 million users in 2022 to 99.5 million users by 2025 (source). This growth is driven by innovations that make QR codes more versatile, intuitive and integrated into various technologies.
One key innovation is the increasing use of QR codes for payments and transactions. QR code payments are estimated to grow from $8 billion in 2020 to $35 billion in 2030, according to The Drum (source). The integration of QR codes into payment apps and digital wallets provides a seamless way for consumers to make purchases and payments.
QR codes are also becoming integrated into new technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). For example, QR codes can launch AR experiences and effects when scanned by AR-enabled apps and devices. This creates more interactive and immersive experiences for users.
Overall, the increasing ubiquity of smartphones, advancements in QR code technology, and innovative use cases will drive continued adoption and evolution of QR codes in the years ahead.