How to Use QR Codes
on TV Commercials

Using QR Codes on TV commercials is an excellent marketing tool to engage your viewership. Luckily, the distance from a TV QR Code to a smartphone is only a short journey. With just one scan, you’ll connect viewers to your products, services, and other platforms.

Create a QR Code like this now

Benefits of Using QR Codes on TV Commercials

TV commercials remain a powerful marketing platform, attracting loyal viewers. Adding QR Codes allows audiences to take immediate action by scanning directly from the screen.

Second to Fourth-Screen Benefits

QR Codes link viewers to additional information, app downloads, social media campaigns, or online stores. For example, Burger King's QR Whopper campaign redirected viewers to a landing page with a Dynamic URL QR Code.

Track and Test Your Campaigns

QR Code tracking provides actionable metrics, including scan frequency, unique scans, location, device, and OS. This real-time data ensures you can optimize campaigns effectively. For large-scale commercials, such as the Super Bowl, CDN testing may be required to handle traffic.

Editable and Updatable Information

Dynamic QR Codes can be edited, updated, or changed even after the campaign has launched. This flexibility prevents errors and allows continuous improvements.

Create Brand Awareness

QR Codes are highly customizable. Match colors, styles, logos, and frames to ensure a seamless brand experience on TV.

Historical Perspective

TV commercials date back to May 2, 1941, with NBC's first legal commercial “Bulova Time Check.” Over time, commercials have evolved to include humor, jingles, iconic characters, and identity-driven storytelling.

Advantages of TV Advertising with QR Codes

Within 15–60 seconds, TV commercials can introduce your brand, products, or services, while QR Codes enable viewers to instantly connect with your offers.

How to Create a QR Code for TV Commercials

1. Go to QR Code Generator and select the QR Code type (start with URL QR Code).
2. Enter the website address.
3. The QR Code is generated automatically.
4. Customize it with a frame and “Scan Me” logo.
5. Choose colors to match your brand identity.
6. Download the QR Code in .jpg format.
7. Integrate it into your TV commercial.

Sign up to access Event, Video, App, and Coupon QR Codes with editable content and custom frames/logos without reprinting.

TV QR Code Best Practices

1. Add instructions: Provide a short explanation of the benefits of scanning your TV QR Code.
2. Frame it: Use ready-made or custom frames with CTAs, icons, and colors.
3. Add a logo: Place your brand/logo at the center without affecting scanability.
4. Save your designs: Reuse branded QR Code templates across campaigns.
5. Customizable URL: Edit the short URL to include your brand name for trust and recognition.

Examples of QR Codes on TV Commercials

1. NBA All-Stars Voting

During an NBA game, QR Codes allowed viewers to vote for All-Star players via a landing page.

2. Coinbase Super Bowl Ad

Coinbase used a floating QR Code in their Super Bowl commercial to direct viewers to their website.

3. Betty Baker Recipes

A fictional brand shared PDF recipes through TV QR Codes, engaging viewers and incentivizing product use.

4. The Kayas Music Promotion

The Kayas used QR Codes on music channels to promote a new single, directing viewers to an MP3 download page.

5. World Trekker Tours

A summer vacation TV ad offered a 15% discount via a Coupon QR Code, redeemable in-store or online.

6. KTVU App Downloads

Fox 2 KTVU promoted their app in a 6-second commercial with a QR Code, enabling instant app downloads from viewers' mobile devices.