QR codes, short for ‘quick response’ codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone camera to access digital information or perform actions like visiting a website or downloading an app. QR codes were originally invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company, to track vehicle parts during manufacturing. However, in recent years, the use of QR codes has expanded beyond supply chain management into marketing, payments, and social media.
One social media platform that has embraced QR codes is TikTok. TikTok allows users to create branded content and promotions using QR codes. When scanned, these QR codes can direct the user to a website, social media profile, or other destination. TikTok’s large user base of teens and young adults makes QR codes an effective way for brands to drive traffic and increase engagement. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to scan QR codes using the TikTok app.
What is a QR code?
A QR code, which stands for Quick Response code, is a type of barcode that can be read easily by a digital device and stores information such as text, URLs, contact information, etc [1]. QR codes are commonly square in shape and have a pattern of black and white squares that contain encoded data.
QR codes are commonly used to provide quick access to websites by scanning the code. For example, advertisements often have QR codes that you can scan with your phone’s camera to take you directly to the company’s website or product page. QR codes can also be used on food packaging to show ingredients or nutrition information, on tickets to verify authenticity, and in many other contexts where a small amount of data needs to be shared digitally.
The types of information that can be encoded in a QR code include website URLs, text, contact information, calendar events, and SMS messages. QR codes can also contain program code that executes specific actions when scanned. The storage capacity varies based on the type of QR code and can range from a few dozen to several thousand characters.
Why scan a QR code in TikTok?
Scanning QR codes in TikTok can provide users with quick access to additional information, media, links, and more. According to How To Improve QR Code Scan Performance + Benchmarks, QR code usage has been steadily increasing, with scans in TikTok becoming more popular. There are several key reasons TikTok users may want to scan a QR code:
- Access additional info or media that doesn’t fit within the constraints of a short TikTok video, like product details, instructions, or tutorials.
- Quickly follow other TikTok accounts without having to manually search.
- Get special coupons, deals, or offers from brands.
- Enter contests, vote in polls, or RSVP for events.
- Make donations, purchase products, or complete other transactions.
QR codes provide a seamless way for TikTok creators and brands to connect their audiences to richer content and opportunities for engagement. With TikTok’s focus on short-form video, QR codes help bridge the gap between the in-app experience and external resources. Their versatility and convenience make scanning QR codes an engaging enhancement within the TikTok ecosystem.
How to scan a QR code in TikTok
Scanning a QR code in TikTok is easy and only takes a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
First, open the camera inside the TikTok app. You can do this by swiping right from the main feed or by tapping the ‘+’ button in the bottom center and then selecting ‘Scan’.
Once the camera opens, simply point it at the QR code you want to scan. Position the QR code in the viewfinder so that all four corners are visible. The app will automatically detect and scan the QR code.
After a successful scan, TikTok will take you to the website, profile, video or other destination encoded in the QR code. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the action.
That’s all there is to it! Scanning a QR code in TikTok uses the built-in camera, allowing you to quickly open links, follow users, watch videos and more. Just point your camera at any QR code to try it out.
Tips for Scanning QR Codes in TikTok
Scanning QR codes in TikTok can be easy if you follow some basic tips:
Make sure you have good lighting when trying to scan a QR code in TikTok. QR codes need adequate lighting to be read properly by the camera. Avoid scanning in low-light conditions or you may have trouble getting TikTok to recognize the code.
Avoid glare on the QR code. Glare can interfere with TikTok’s ability to scan the code. Try moving the code to reduce glare from overhead lighting or sunlight.
Hold your phone steady. Shaky hands can make it hard for TikTok to focus on the QR code. Rest your elbows on a flat surface while scanning to keep your smartphone as still as possible.
Get close enough to the code. Don’t try to scan a QR code from too far away. Move your camera to within 6-12 inches of the code for best results.
Zoom in if needed. For small QR codes, use the pinch-to-zoom gesture on your smartphone to enlarge the code in the viewfinder. This will help TikTok recognize and scan the code.
Focus your camera. Tap the screen in TikTok to focus on the QR code before capturing it. An out-of-focus image will not scan properly.
What happens after scanning a QR code?
What happens after scanning a QR code depends entirely on the purpose for which the QR code was created. QR codes are versatile tools that can perform a wide range of functions once scanned by a smartphone camera.
Some of the most common outcomes after scanning a QR code include:
- Opening a website or landing page. QR codes are commonly used to direct users to specific webpages or sites.
- Initiating a phone call. The QR code can contain a phone number that the user’s phone will automatically dial.
- Opening an email app to send a pre-written email or email template.
- Displaying text information like contact info, coupons, event details, etc.
- Playing a video or audio file directly on the user’s smartphone.
- Adding a contact to the user’s address book.
- Opening a location in a maps app to provide directions.
Essentially, upon scanning a QR code the user’s phone will automatically open the associated app or media type that is programmed into the code. The possibilities are endless, which makes QR codes such a versatile tech tool for businesses, events, marketing campaigns, and personal use.
The person or brand that generated the QR code gets to decide the action that scanning the code will initiate. So the possibilities after scanning are limitless – a user could be directed to a website, prompted to install an app, shown a coupon, dialed into a phone call, and much more.
QR code best practices
When creating a QR code, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure the code functions properly. According to QR Code Best Practices that you should follow, one of the most important tips is to make the QR code a decent size. The bigger the code is, the easier it will be for smartphone cameras to scan it. Most experts recommend making the code at least 1 inch by 1 inch if printing it. For digital displays, the QR code should be large enough on the screen so users can easily point their camera and scan it.
Another best practice is to use a trusted QR code generator to create your codes, like our QR code generator. Generators will optimize the code properly for scanning and let you customize the design. Rather than trying to create your own code, use a generator for reliable results.
By following these tips and others, such as adding a call-to-action, branding the code, and tracking performance, you can create effective QR codes that provide a great user experience.
QR Code Security
QR codes can pose security risks if created by untrustworthy sources. One of the biggest risks is malicious links – if you scan a compromised QR code, it could direct you to a phishing site designed to steal login credentials or personal information.
According to Malwarebytes, hackers can replace legitimate public QR codes with their own malicious versions. It’s important to verify the source and double check the URL before scanning any code.
Other potential risks, according to G2, include QR codes that automatically download malware or initiate payments without consent. These “QR code traps” can lead to device compromise or financial fraud.
To mitigate risks, only scan codes shared from known, trusted sources. Be wary of random QR codes found posted publicly or sent unsolicited. Check the URL destination in advance when possible. Install security software that scans links for threats. And avoid scanning codes that request excessive permissions or sensitive data upfront without explanation.
While convenient, QR codes do require caution. Verifying legitimacy first helps avoid compromise. With proper precautions, QR codes can be safely leveraged for quick access to digital content and services.
Other uses for QR codes
QR codes have many versatile use cases beyond scanning in TikTok. Here are some of the most popular ways QR codes are used:
Payments
QR codes provide a contactless way to make payments. Many payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle let you create a personal QR code that someone can scan to instantly send you money. Retailers are also increasingly using QR codes to let customers checkout and pay without touching payment terminals. According to QRCodeChimp, QR code mobile payments are expected to reach over $3 trillion by 2023.
Marketing
QR codes are a versatile marketing tool. They can direct people to special landing pages, display coupons, show product information, initiate phone calls to businesses, and more. Marketers often use QR codes in print ads, billboards, business cards, product packaging, and at events or trade shows to bridge offline and online content. According to Uniqode, over 11 million US households scanned a QR code in 2020, showing the growing popularity of QR codes for marketing.
Product information
QR codes give customers quick access to detailed product information by scanning a code on packaging or price tags. This provides more information than what fits on a product label, like spec sheets, how-to guides, warranties and user manuals. For businesses, QR codes offer customers a smooth omni-channel experience between offline and online. According to Scanova, over 50% of smartphone users have scanned a QR code on packaging to get more product information.
Conclusion
In summary, scanning QR codes in TikTok can provide an easy way to access helpful links, special offers, contact info, and more. By opening the camera in the TikTok app and pointing it at a QR code, TikTok will automatically scan the code and display the link. Tapping the notification takes you directly to the content.
Scanning QR codes can be a fun way to engage with brands and creators on TikTok. It streamlines accessing additional info from a TikTok video or profile. As with anything online, it’s wise to use caution before scanning unknown codes or clicking unfamiliar links. But overall, QR codes offer a convenient digital bridge between the physical and online world.
With TikTok’s huge user base, QR codes present expanded marketing opportunities for businesses. Creators can drive views, follows and engagement by sharing scannable codes. While newer to TikTok, QR codes seem poised to grow as brands explore ways to connect with TikTok’s socially-savvy audience.
