Free YouTube QR Code Generator

YouTube is one of the most popular social media and video streaming platforms, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users. It’s an indispensable tool for creators, influencers, and marketers to reach their audience easily. 

To simplify shareability, you can create QR codes for YouTube channels, playlists, music, shorts, and even subscribe to your channel. This way, instead of searching to locate your video or channel, users can reach there with just a scan. 

Read on to find out how you can access your YouTube channel’s QR code and create one for your videos or playlists using an online QR code generator.

What is a YouTube QR Code?

A YouTube QR Code is a type of QR code that, when scanned, directs users to a specific YouTube video, channel, or playlist. It eliminates the need to manually type or search for content, making it easier for creators, influencers, educators, and marketers to share videos instantly.

You can place a YouTube QR Code code on marketing materials, posters, business cards, or any other medium to provide quick access to your video content, making it easier for viewers to watch your videos without typing in the URL.

How to create a QR Code for YouTube

YouTube mobile app generates a shareable QR code for your channel. However, it is not customizable and is limited to the channel only. You can use an online QR Code generator to create QR Codes for your channel, videos, music, shorts, and playlists. 

Follow these steps to start creating customizable YouTube QR codes. 

Step 1: Go to The QR Code Generator

Log in or sign up for free to The QR Code Generator app using your Google, Outlook, or email ID. Click on “Create QR Code.”

You’ll be redirected to a dashboard where you can select the type of QR Code you want to create.

Here, select “Socials,” and within this tab, select the YouTube icon.

Step 2: Find your YouTube link

Find your YouTube channel link:

To find your YouTube channel’s sharable link, follow these steps:

1. Open YouTube and sign in.
2. Click your profile picture on the top-right corner.
3. Go to “Your Channel. This opens your YouTube channel page.
4. If you’re on the Desktop, the link in the address bar is your channel’s shareable link. Alternatively, you can click on “Share channel” and copy the link generated.

5. If you are using YouTube mobile app, tap the three dots (⋮) or Share icon and select “Copy Link.” YouTube app gives you an option to download the QR code for your channel directly. However, if you want to customize the QR code, then you’ll need to copy the link and use a third-party QR code generator.

Find YouTube video link

1. Open YouTube and go to the video you want to share.
2. Click the “Share” button below the video.
3. A pop-up will appear with the video link—click “Copy” to copy it.

Note: You can also share private or unlisted YouTube videos via QR codes. It is ideal for exclusive content, internal communications, or VIP-only access without making videos public. Users with the QR code can view the video while keeping it hidden from general search results.

Find the YouTube Shorts link

1. Go to YouTube and open your Shorts video.
2. Click the Share button (below the video).
3. Click the Copy link—this is your sharable Shorts URL.

Find your YouTube Playlist link

On desktop: 

1. Go to your account (located at the top right). You’ll find your playlist tab. 
2. You’ll find “View full playlist” written under the playlist thumbnail and description. Click on this text. 
3. The selected Playlist will expand, and you’ll find the share icon. Click on the Share icon and copy the link that’s generated.

On Mobile: 

1. Go to your account (located at the bottom right on mobile). You’ll find your playlist tab. 
2. Click on the three dots towards the right.
3. Select the “Share” option in the dialogue that opens at the bottom.
4. Click on the “Copy link” option to get the link for your YouTube playlist.

Find YouTube “subscribe to my channel” link

You won’t find a direct link to “subscribe to my YouTube channel.” But there’s a simple workaround you can try.

1. Go to your YouTube channel.
2. Copy the URL from the address bar (it will look like https://www.youtube.com/channel/YourChannelID)
3. Append ?sub_confirmation=1 to the end of your channel URL.
4. Here’s how your link would look like: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1234567890ABCDEF?sub_confirmation=1
5. When someone clicks on this link or scans the QR code associated with this link, they will automatically get subscribed to your channel.

Step 3: Customize or design your QR Code

Once you’ve entered the URL to your YouTube channel, video, shorts, or playlists, the next step is to customize the QR Code.

The QR Code Generator comes with 12 predetermined templates you can choose from, including one designed for YouTube.

What are the Benefits of using a YouTube QR Code?

QR codes for YouTube videos provide instant access, eliminating the need for manual searches and boosting engagement. They are easy to share across print and digital media, making video content more accessible and interactive. Here are the benefits of using it if you haven’t thought of it before. 

1. Instant access to YouTube videos

Create QR codes for YouTube videos that let users watch content instantly by scanning from flyers, product packaging, or storefronts—no manual typing required.

2. Drive channel subscriptions

Use a YouTube Channel QR code to direct viewers to your channel’s homepage with a one-click subscribe option, increasing your subscriber base effortlessly.

3. Promote YouTube Shorts

Share short-form content by generating QR codes for YouTube Shorts—ideal for quick tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, or viral marketing campaigns.

4. Increase YouTube Music discovery

QR codes for YouTube Music let users instantly stream and explore playlists or tracks—perfect for promoting new releases or curated music collections.

5. Share private and unlisted videos

Share private or unlisted YouTube videos via QR codes—ideal for exclusive content, internal communications, or VIP-only access without making videos public. Users with the QR code can view the video while keeping it hidden from general search results.

How do you promote your YouTube channel or video using a QR Code?

Now that you’ve created a QR Code, let’s get those scans rolling and build your subscriber base. Here are some creative ways to use your YouTube QR Code:

1. Use QR Codes on your merch 

Embed your QR Code directly onto t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags. Fans can scan and subscribe while sporting your brand.

2. Launch teaser scavenger hunts for videos 

Organize a scavenger hunt with QR Codes hidden around your town. Each QR Code could unlock clues or give a peek at your upcoming YouTube video, leading participants to your channel.

3. Use YouTube QR Codes on flyers and posters 

Print your QR Code on flyers for upcoming events or posters promoting your channel at local businesses. 

For example, if you’re a food blogger, partner with local restaurants to place your QR Code on their walls or takeaway bags. This will direct guests to your cooking tutorials and recipe videos. Talk about product-market fit! 

4. Embed your YouTube channel in digital business cards 

Who said YouTubers don’t have a business card? For example, if you’re a real estate agent, including your YouTube QR Code on your digital business card will help your clients view property tours and market updates on your YouTube channel without searching manually.

5. Use your YouTube QR on instruction manuals

Supplement printed guides with step-by-step video instructions or troubleshooting.

6. Put YouTube QR on event tickets and badges 

Share event highlights, speaker info, or live-stream access for attendees through a scannable QR code linking to recent videos.

7. YouTube QR for classroom materials

Enrich learning by linking a QR to video lectures, educational demonstrations, or supplementary resources for students. Track how many students scanned the QR and accessed the learning material you shared.

Things to know before creating a QR Code for YouTube

1. Use Dynamic QR Codes to be able to change the video link without changing the QR

If your YouTube video is likely to change (e.g., promotional campaigns or product tutorials), choose a dynamic QR code. It allows you to update the video link without reprinting the QR code, ensuring your audience always sees the most current content.

 2. Enable QR Code tracking to analyze your campaign performance

Use a trackable YouTube QR code to gather valuable data on scans, locations, and devices. This insight helps optimize video performance and understand how your audience interacts with your content.

 3. Customize QR Codes for branding and building trust

Boost recognition and trust by creating a branded YouTube QR code with your logo and custom colors. Add a clear call-to-action (e.g., “Scan to Watch” or “Watch the Demo”) to guide users toward scanning.

 4. Optimize for cross-device compatibility

Ensure your YouTube QR code works seamlessly across different platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktops. Test the QR code to verify smooth video playback on all devices.

5. Use multi-URL QR Codes for multiple videos

If you want to share more than one YouTube video, use a multi-URL QR code. This allows viewers to choose from tutorials, product demos, or event highlights—all from a single scan.

 6. Ensure QR Code scanability and resolution

Generate high-resolution QR codes (300 DPI for print) and keep your YouTube URL short for better scannability. Always test the QR code on multiple devices before distributing it.

 7. Secure content with password-protected QR Codes

For sensitive YouTube videos, use password-protected QR codes to control access and share confidential content securely with specific users.

 8. Position QR Codes strategically for maximum scans

Place YouTube QR codes where users can easily access them—on product packaging, event banners, storefronts, or digital screens. Ensure clear visibility to encourage scanning.

 9. Follow size and design guidelines

Ensure your YouTube QR code is at least 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches) for print materials and 300 px for digital displays. Maintain a quiet zone around the code for error-free scanning.

Frequently asked questions