How do I get a QR code for my YouTube channel?

YouTube has a built-in YouTube channel QR code in the mobile app. Open YouTube → tap “You” (bottom right) → tap “Share channel” → select “QR code.” This creates a basic YouTube-branded QR code for your channel only. For a custom YouTube channel QR code with your branding, scan tracking, and support for videos, playlists, or Shorts, use QRKIT’s generator above.

Can I create a QR code for a specific YouTube video?

Yes. YouTube’s built-in QR only works for channels, not individual videos. To create a QR code for a YouTube video: copy the video URL (tap Share → Copy link), paste it into QRKIT’s generator above, customize the design, and download. Your QR code for a YouTube video will open that exact video when scanned on any phone.

What is a YouTube Subscribe QR code?

A YouTube Subscribe QR code opens your channel page with an automatic “Subscribe?” confirmation prompt. The trick: append ?sub_confirmation=1 to your channel URL (e.g., youtube.com/@YourChannel?sub_confirmation=1), then generate a QR code from that URL. When scanned, the viewer lands on your channel with the subscribe prompt ready — they still need to tap Subscribe, but the friction is reduced.

Does YouTube have a built-in QR code?

Yes, but it’s limited. YouTube’s mobile app lets you generate a QR code for your channel only (You → Share channel → QR code). It’s YouTube-branded and free, but you cannot create QR codes for individual videos, playlists, or Shorts. There’s no customization, no scan tracking, and no print-ready formats. For those features, use a QR code generator like QRKIT.

Can I make a QR code for a YouTube playlist?

Yes. Copy the playlist URL from YouTube (it looks like youtube.com/playlist?list=[ID]), paste it into QRKIT’s generator, and create your QR code. This is ideal for educators sharing tutorial series, musicians linking to album playlists, or curators bundling related videos. A dynamic QR code lets you add new videos to the playlist without changing the code.

Can I create a QR code for YouTube Shorts?

Yes. Copy the Shorts URL (youtube.com/shorts/[ID]) and paste it into QRKIT. The QR code will open that specific Short when scanned. Shorts QR codes are great for print campaigns targeting younger audiences, social media cross-promotion, and linking physical media to short-form video content.

Is the YouTube QR code generator free?

Yes. You can convert any YouTube link to QR code free with QRKIT — no account required. Create unlimited static QR codes for any YouTube content — videos, playlists, channels, or Shorts — with custom colors, your logo, and multiple download formats (PNG, SVG, PDF). Dynamic QR codes with scan tracking and editable destinations are available on paid plans.

Can I track how many people scan my YouTube QR code?

YouTube’s built-in channel QR code offers no scan analytics. To track scans, create a dynamic QR code with QRKIT — you’ll see total scans, unique visitors, location data, device types, and scan-over-time charts. This is essential for measuring the ROI of print campaigns, merch, and event materials.

What is the YouTube TV QR code (youtube.com/activate)?

When YouTube on a smart TV shows a QR code, it’s asking you to log in — not to share content. Scan the QR with your phone camera, which opens youtube.com/activate, and either enter the code shown on TV or confirm the login. This is YouTube’s TV app authentication feature, completely separate from creating QR codes for sharing YouTube videos or channels.

Do YouTube QR codes expire?

Static QR codes never expire — they encode the YouTube URL directly and will work as long as the video or channel exists. Dynamic QR codes also don’t expire as long as your QRKIT account is active. The only scenario where a QR code “stops working” is if the linked YouTube content is deleted or made private.

Can I change the video my QR code links to?

Yes, with a dynamic QR code. Static QR codes permanently encode one URL and cannot be changed after printing. Dynamic QR codes let you update the destination anytime — swap from one video to another, redirect to a playlist, or point to a new channel — without reprinting the physical code. This is ideal for playlists, seasonal content, and ongoing campaigns.

What size should a YouTube QR code be for printing?

Minimum 2 × 2 cm (about 0.8 × 0.8 inches) for close-range scanning like business cards and flyers. For posters and signage, use 4 × 4 cm or larger. For banners and billboards viewed from a distance, scale up proportionally. Always download in SVG or PDF format for print — these vector formats scale without losing quality. Test the printed QR code before distributing.

YouTube QR Code: Built‑in Feature
vs Custom Generator

Create YouTube QR codes for videos, playlists, channels, and Shorts — free, no account required.

YouTube gives you a basic channel QR code in the app — but it only works for channels, with no customization or tracking. A custom QR code works for any YouTube content, matches your branding, and tracks every scan.

Free ForeverNo Sign UpCustom DesignAll Phones

Free ForeverNo Sign Up RequiredCustom Design & ColorsWorks on Every Phone

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.

Overview

What Is a YouTube QR Code?

A YouTube QR code is a scannable code that links directly to any YouTube content — a video, playlist, channel, or Shorts — when scanned with a phone camera. Instead of typing a URL or searching for a channel name, viewers simply point their camera at the QR code and tap the link. It works on every smartphone, no special app required.

There are two ways to get a QR code for YouTube. First, YouTube's mobile app includes a built-in YouTube channel QR code — but it only works for channels, with no customization, no tracking, and no support for individual videos or playlists. Second, a QR code for YouTube created with a generator like QRKIT works for any content type, lets you add your branding, and tracks every scan.

Whether you want to create a QR code for YouTube video sharing on print materials, generate a QR code for YouTube channel growth, or build a subscribe QR code that prompts viewers to follow your channel — this guide covers both methods step-by-step so you can pick the right approach for your goals. You'll learn how to create QR code for YouTube video content of every type and how to convert YouTube to QR code in under a minute.

Comparison

Built-in YouTube QR vs Custom QR Codes

YouTube's mobile app includes a built-in QR code for channels — but it can't create QR codes for individual videos, playlists, or Shorts, and offers no customization or tracking. Here's how it compares to a custom QR code.

To find your YouTube channel QR code in the app, open YouTube on your phone, tap “You” (bottom right), then swipe the profile buttons to find “Share channel” and tap “QR code” (see YouTube Help). You'll get a YouTube-branded code with your channel icon in the center that you can save to your camera roll. This built-in option is fine for quick sharing between friends — but it's limited to channels only. You cannot generate a QR code for a YouTube video, playlist, Short, or live stream with the built-in feature. There's no way to customize colors, add your own logo, track scan analytics, or export in print-ready formats like SVG or PDF.

Built-in YouTube QR

Basic

Channel QR code
YouTube-branded
Free
Save to camera roll
Videos & playlists
Custom colors & logo
Scan tracking
Editable destination
Subscribe prompt QR
Print-ready formats

QRKIT Custom QR

Recommended

Channel QR code
YouTube-branded or custom design
Free
Save & share anywhere
Videos & playlists
Custom colors & logo
Scan tracking
Editable destination
Subscribe prompt QR
Print-ready formats (PNG/SVG/PDF)

Which should you use? The built-in QR code YouTube offers is fine for quickly sharing your channel with friends. For videos, playlists, Shorts, subscribe QR codes, branding, and scan tracking, create a custom QR code with QRKIT — it's free and works with any phone camera.

Custom QR code

How to Create a Custom QR Code for YouTube

Wondering how to make a QR code for a YouTube video, playlist, or channel? QRKIT's YouTube video QR code generator converts any YouTube link to QR code free — no account needed. Follow these five steps to create a QR code for YouTube content in under a minute.

Step 1

Copy Your YouTube URL

Go to your YouTube content — video, playlist, channel, or Shorts — and copy the URL from the address bar or tap Share → Copy link. Any standard YouTube URL works.

Step 2

Open QRKIT’s Generator

Scroll to the top of this page or visit QRKIT’s YouTube QR Code Generator. The YouTube input type is pre-selected for you.

Step 3

Paste the YouTube URL

Paste your YouTube link. Supported formats: youtube.com/watch?v=[ID], youtube.com/playlist?list=[ID], youtube.com/@channel, youtube.com/shorts/[ID].

Step 4

Customize Your Design

Add your logo or the YouTube play button. Use YouTube red (#FF0000) for instant recognition. Pick a frame with CTA text like “Scan to Watch.”

Step 5

Download & Test

Download as PNG for digital (websites, social media, email) or SVG/PDF for lossless print quality. Always test-scan on both iPhone and Android before distributing.

Why custom QR beats built-in: Whether you need to create a QR code for a YouTube video, a full playlist, or a channel page, custom QR codes support scan tracking and analytics so you can measure real-world engagement. Dynamic QR codes let you swap the linked video or playlist without reprinting the physical code. That's how to create a QR code for a YouTube video that stays useful long after you print it.

Subscribe QR

YouTube Subscribe QR Code

Create a QR code that opens your YouTube channel with an automatic “Subscribe?” confirmation prompt. The trick: append ?sub_confirmation=1 to your channel URL. When scanned, the viewer lands on your channel with the subscribe prompt ready.

Subscribe QR Workflow

1Copy your channel URL (e.g., youtube.com/@YourChannel).
2Append ?sub_confirmation=1 to the end — full URL: youtube.com/@YourChannel?sub_confirmation=1
3Paste the full URL into QRKIT’s generator above.
4Customize with YouTube red (#FF0000), your channel logo, and a CTA frame.
5Download and share on business cards, merch, event handouts, or video end screens.

Best Uses for Subscribe QR Codes

Business cards & merch

Print the QR on cards, t-shirts, stickers, and tote bags. Fans scan at meetups and events.

Event handouts

Include on conference badges, workshop materials, or speaker handouts for instant subscriber growth.

Video end screens

Display the QR code on your video’s end screen or thumbnail as a printed overlay for cross-platform promotion.

Storefront & packaging

Add to product packaging, receipts, and in-store signage to convert customers into subscribers.

Important note

The ?sub_confirmation=1 parameter opens a subscribe prompt when the viewer arrives. The viewer still needs to tap “Subscribe” — it does not auto-subscribe them. This reduces friction and increases conversion rates compared to a plain channel link.

Content types

QR Codes for Videos, Playlists, Channels, Shorts & Live

YouTube has five main content types, each with its own URL format and best practices. Whether you need a QR code for a YouTube video, a full playlist, or your channel page, here's the right approach for each one.

Videos

youtube.com/watch?v=[ID]

A QR code for a YouTube video is the most common use case. Copy the video share link and paste into QRKIT to generate your YouTube video QR code. A static QR code is perfect for permanent content like tutorials, music videos, and product demos. Use a dynamic QR if you want to swap the video later without reprinting.

Playlists

youtube.com/playlist?list=[ID]

Link to a full playlist — great for educators sharing course series, musicians linking to albums, or curators bundling related videos. Dynamic QR is ideal here: add new videos to the playlist without changing the code.

Channels

youtube.com/@handle

Create a QR code for your YouTube channel to link directly to your channel homepage for maximum subscriber growth. Combine with ?sub_confirmation=1 (see Subscribe QR section above) to prompt viewers to subscribe on arrival. This is the same content YouTube’s built-in QR covers, but with full customization and tracking.

Shorts

youtube.com/shorts/[ID]

YouTube’s short-form vertical videos. Copy the Shorts URL and create a QR code — great for print campaigns targeting younger audiences, social media cross-promotion, and linking physical media to short-form content.

Live Streams

youtube.com/live/[ID]

Link to an upcoming or ongoing live stream. A dynamic QR code is recommended here — after the stream ends, you can redirect the QR to the recording or your next stream without reprinting.

URL tip: Always use the standard youtube.com URL format (not shortened youtu.be links) for maximum compatibility and readability. Need to update the destination later? Dynamic QR codes let you swap the URL without reprinting.

Use cases

8 Ways to Use a YouTube QR Code

Once you know how to get a QR code for a YouTube video or channel, the real question is where to put it. Here are eight proven use cases for YouTube QR codes across industries.

Content Creators

Print QR codes on merch, business cards, and event materials. Fans scan at meetups, conventions, and IRL events to instantly reach your channel or latest upload. Combine with the subscribe QR trick for maximum growth. See also: Social Media QR Code for multi-platform linking.

Musicians & Bands

QR on album art, concert flyers, merch, and venue posters. Fans scan to watch music videos, listen to albums, or subscribe to your channel.

Educators & Teachers

QR on worksheets, syllabi, and classroom posters. Students scan for tutorial playlists, lecture recordings, or supplementary video content.

Small Businesses

QR on packaging, receipts, and shelf displays. Customers scan for product demo videos, how-to guides, or unboxing content.

Event Organizers

QR on tickets, banners, and booth displays. Attendees scan for event recap videos, speaker talks, or live stream replays.

Real Estate

QR on for-sale signs, brochures, and listing pages. Prospects scan for virtual property tours, neighborhood walkthroughs, or agent intro videos.

Restaurants & Cafés

QR on menus, table tents, and takeaway bags. Customers scan for recipe videos, chef interviews, or behind-the-scenes kitchen tours.

Podcasters

QR on business cards, social posts, and studio setups. Listeners scan to watch the video version of your podcast on YouTube.

Related platform QR guides: Social Media QR Code · Instagram QR Code · Spotify QR Code · TikTok QR Code · Snapchat QR Code · Facebook QR Code · WhatsApp QR Code · LinkedIn QR Code

Scanning

How to Scan a YouTube QR Code

Standard QR codes (custom): Point your phone camera at any YouTube QR code. A link preview or notification appears — tap it. If the YouTube app is installed, the video, playlist, or channel opens directly in the app. If not, it opens in the browser. Works on both iPhone and Android.

YouTube built-in QR: YouTube's built-in channel QR code is a standard QR code — scan it the same way with your phone camera. It opens the channel page in the YouTube app or browser.

Google Lens: Open Google Lens on Android or through the Google app on iPhone. Point at any QR code to scan and open the YouTube link. This works for both custom and built-in YouTube QR codes.

YouTube TV QR code (youtube.com/activate): This is different. When YouTube on a smart TV or streaming device shows a QR code, it's asking you to log in — not to share content. Scan with your phone camera, which opens youtube.com/activate, then enter the code shown on TV or confirm the login. This is YouTube's TV app authentication feature, not a content-sharing QR code.

YouTube QR code not scanning?

Ensure the QR code image is clear and well-lit. Check that the code is at least 2 × 2 cm for close-range scanning. Make sure your phone camera has QR scanning enabled (Settings → Camera on iPhone). Update YouTube and your phone's OS to the latest version. If the QR is custom, test with a different scanner app or Google Lens.

Best practices

YouTube QR Code Design Tips

Make your YouTube QR code instantly recognizable and print-ready with these design best practices.

YouTube Red (#FF0000)

Use YouTube red as the primary accent color for your QR code. It’s instantly recognizable and signals “this links to YouTube” before anyone even scans.

Play Button Logo

Add the YouTube play button icon in the QR code’s center (quiet zone) or as a surrounding logo. This reinforces the YouTube brand association.

Minimum Size

2 × 2 cm for close-range scanning (business cards, flyers). 4 × 4 cm+ for posters and signage. Scale up proportionally for banners and billboards.

File Formats

PNG for digital use (websites, social media, email). SVG for scalable print. PDF for professional printing. Always export the highest resolution available.

CTA Framing

“Scan to Watch,” “Watch on YouTube,” or “Subscribe & Watch” — add clear text around the QR code telling people what happens when they scan.

Dynamic vs Static

Use dynamic QR codes for playlists and channels (update content over time). Use static QR for permanent video links that will never change.

Universal compatibility. YouTube QR codes work on every phone with a camera — no special app required. The YouTube link opens in the YouTube app if installed, or in the browser if not. QR codes don't expire as long as the YouTube content exists. Your audience can always watch your content.

YouTube QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions

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YouTube QR Code: Built‑in Feature vs Custom Generator