How does scanning an audio QR code work?

When someone scans your audio QR code with their smartphone camera, their phone opens a short redirect URL. That URL loads a hosted audio playback page where the audio plays directly in the browser. On iPhones, the built-in camera app recognizes QR codes automatically. Most Android phones do too — no special scanner app is needed on modern devices.

What audio formats does QRKit support?

QRKit supports MP3 and WAV file uploads. MP3 is the most universal format and works on all devices with smaller file sizes. WAV offers uncompressed, high-quality audio but produces larger files. For most use cases — music sharing, voice messages, audio guides — MP3 at 128–320 kbps is the best balance of quality and loading speed.

Can I update the audio file after printing the QR code?

Yes — with a dynamic audio QR code. Log into your QRKit dashboard and upload a new MP3 or WAV file. The printed QR code stays the same and will play the updated audio when scanned. This is essential for podcasters releasing new episodes, seasonal greeting cards, or any audio content that changes over time.

How large can my audio file be?

For the best experience, keep audio files under 20 MB. MP3 files compressed at 128–320 kbps are recommended for fast loading on mobile networks. A 3-minute MP3 at 192 kbps is roughly 4 MB — well within the limit. WAV files are much larger, so consider converting to MP3 if file size is a concern.

How many times can people scan my audio QR code?

Unlimited. There is no scan limit on audio QR codes. Whether you create one code or a hundred, each can be scanned as many times as needed. With a dynamic QR code, you also get analytics on scan counts, device types, locations, and timestamps.

Can I track who listens to my audio?

With a dynamic audio QR code, QRKit tracks total scans, unique listeners, device types (iPhone vs. Android), scan locations, and timestamps. You can see exactly how many people engaged with your audio and when. For deeper attribution, add UTM parameters to track campaigns across your analytics platform.

Will the audio play automatically when scanned?

When someone scans the QR code, their phone opens a playback page in the browser. Most mobile browsers require a tap to start audio playback (this is a browser security feature to prevent unwanted sound). The listener sees a play button and taps to hear your audio. Playback is instant — no downloads or app installs required.

What’s the difference between an audio QR code and a regular URL QR code?

A regular URL QR code opens a single web page. An audio QR code is specifically designed to host and play audio files — you upload an MP3 or WAV, and QRKit creates a hosted playback page automatically. Audio QR codes also support scan analytics and can be updated without reprinting. A dynamic QR code makes this possible by encoding a short redirect URL instead of a fixed file link.

Audio QR Code Generator

Turn any audio file into a scannable QR code. Upload an MP3 or WAV, customize the design, and share.

Turn any audio file into a scannable QR code. Upload an MP3 or WAV, customize the design, and share. Dynamic QR codes let you update the audio anytime without reprinting.

MP3 & WAV UploadDynamic QR CodeScan AnalyticsUpdate Anytime

STEP 1Enter the URL

STEP 2Customize your QR

Pattern

Classic

Bubble

Smooth

Sharp

Elegant

Dots

Eyes

Classic

Circle

Bubble

Smooth

Elegant

Dotted

Dynamic QREdit & track scans

Runs in your browser. Nothing to install.

Easy to use

Create an Audio QR Code in 3 Steps

Upload Your Audio File

Select an MP3 or WAV file from your computer. QRKit hosts the audio and creates a playback link automatically. Keep files under 20 MB for the fastest loading times.

Customize Your QR Code Design

Choose colors, add a logo or album artwork, and set your QR code style. Use a call-to-action like “Scan to Listen” or “Hear the Audio” next to the code for better engagement.

Download & Share

Download as PNG, SVG, or PDF. Print on album covers, posters, greeting cards, product packaging, or exhibition signage — or share digitally in emails and social media. Because it's a dynamic QR code, you can swap the audio file anytime without reprinting.

How it works

What Is an Audio QR Code?

An audio QR code is a scannable code that links directly to an audio file. When scanned with a smartphone camera, the audio plays instantly in the browser — no app installation, no downloads, no typing URLs. One scan and the listener hears your music, message, or audio guide.

Upload an MP3 or WAV file to QRKit and generate a QR code. The file is hosted automatically and linked through a short redirect URL. When someone scans the code, they're taken to a playback page where they can listen immediately. You can create one with any QR code generator that supports audio files.

With a dynamic audio QR code, you can swap the audio file anytime from your dashboard without reprinting. Printed 1,000 posters but need to update the audio? Change it in seconds. The QR code stays the same. This makes dynamic audio QR codes ideal for podcasters, musicians, educators, and anyone whose audio content evolves.

Static audio QR codes encode a fixed URL that can't be changed after printing. If the hosted file moves or you want a different recording, you'd need a new QR code entirely. For most audio use cases, dynamic is the better choice.

Use cases

Where to Use Audio QR Codes

Musicians & Artists

Include audio QR codes on album artwork, vinyl records, band posters, or merchandise. Fans scan to hear your music instantly. With a dynamic code, update the linked track whenever you release new material.

Podcasters

Embed audio QR codes in show notes, promotional materials, or merch. Update the linked episode without reprinting — the same QR code always points to your latest content.

Educators

Create audio QR codes for language pronunciation guides, lecture supplements, or audiobook study groups. Students scan codes on worksheets to hear audio examples instantly.

Museums & Tours

Place QR codes at exhibits for audio guides, historical walking tours, or multi-language commentary. Replace bulky audio guide devices with a simple scan.

Greeting Cards

Record a personalized birthday message, anniversary voice note, or holiday greeting. The recipient scans the card to hear your voice — more personal than any printed message.

Real Estate

Add property walkthrough commentary or neighborhood audio guides to listings and flyers. Buyers listen at their own pace while viewing the property.

Businesses

Add audio commentary to printed proposals, presentations, or training materials. Pair with a PDF QR code for the full document alongside the audio explanation.

Nonprofits

Share donor testimonials, volunteer stories, or campaign audio narratives through direct mail. A voice carries more emotion than printed text.

Compare

Static vs Dynamic — Which Audio QR Code?

It depends on whether you'll ever need to change the audio file after sharing the QR code.

Static Audio QR Code

Basic

Encodes a fixed audio URL directly. The link can't be changed after the QR code is created.

Encodes a fixed audio URL
Works if the host URL never changes
Cannot swap the audio file
Cannot update after printing
No scan analytics

Best for

One-time audio that will never change.

Dynamic Audio QR Code

Recommended

Swap the audio file from your dashboard anytime. The QR code stays the same.

Swap the audio file anytime without reprinting
Full scan analytics — devices, locations, listen counts
Update without reprinting posters, cards, or packaging
Hosted audio playback — no external hosting needed
A/B test different audio versions

Best for

Music, podcasts, greeting cards, evolving content.

Our recommendation: For audio QR codes, dynamic is almost always the right choice. Audio content evolves — new podcast episodes, updated recordings, seasonal greetings. Dynamic codes let you change the audio without touching the printed QR code. Plus, you get scan analytics to see how many people are listening.

Best practices

Best Practices for Audio QR Codes

Keep Audio Files Short

Listeners lose attention after 2–3 minutes. For longer content, break into chapters with separate QR codes. Short, focused audio gets played to the end.

Use High-Quality Audio

Record at 128–320 kbps MP3 for the best balance of quality and file size. Background noise and distortion reflect poorly on your brand. A clean recording matters more than effects.

Add a Call-to-Action

Don't just print a bare QR code. Add text like “Scan to Listen” or “Hear the Audio Guide.” People need a reason to pull out their phone and scan.

Test Before Printing

Scan your QR code on both iPhone and Android before printing at scale. Verify the audio plays correctly, loads quickly on mobile data, and sounds clear through phone speakers.

Use Dynamic for Evolving Content

If you'll ever update the audio — new podcast episode, seasonal greeting, revised narration — always choose a dynamic QR code. You'll avoid reprinting everything.

Consider the Listening Environment

Will people scan in a quiet museum (full narration works) or a busy street (keep it brief with clear, loud audio)? Match your recording style to where the QR code will be placed.

Audio QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions

Get started

Share Your Audio
with a Single Scan

Upload your MP3 or WAV, customize the QR code, and share your audio anywhere — posters, packaging, greeting cards, or digital. Dynamic codes let you update the audio anytime.

MP3 & WAV upload with hosted playbackDynamic — swap the audio without reprintingTrack scans, devices & locationsWorks on all smartphones

Create Your Audio QR Code