You’ve probably seen them pop up during your favorite TV shows – those small squares sitting in the corner of commercials, just waiting to be scanned. QR codes in TV advertising have become increasingly common, and there’s a good reason for that! They’re changing how we interact with TV ads, making them more engaging and interactive than ever before.
If you’re curious about how they do this, then you’re in the right place! Join us here at My QR Code as we explore how QR codes are revolutionizing TV commercials, and why they might just be the future of television advertising. Let’s dive in!
What Are QR Codes Doing in TV Commercials?
Traditional TV commercials have always been a one-way street – viewers would sit and watch while advertisers delivered their message. But that’s all changing thanks to QR codes. They’re developing TV ads into interactive experiences, allowing viewers to engage with brands directly from their couch.
Think about it: instead of trying to remember a website address or phone number, viewers can simply point their smartphone at the screen and instantly access special offers, additional content, or exclusive deals. It’s close to window shopping in the digital age, and it’s an unmissable opportunity for brands to connect with both existing and new customers easily.
How Do TV Commercial QR Codes Work?
When a QR code appears during a commercial, viewers can scan it using their smartphone’s camera or QR code scanner. The code then instantly directs them to whatever digital content the advertiser has prepared – whether that’s a website, special offer, or interactive experience.
QR codes are usually found at the end of a TV advertisement, usually with a big CTA that says ‘Scan Here’, but they can be displayed at anytime during a commercial.
Scanning QR from a Screen
You might be wondering if scanning a QR code from a TV screen is different from scanning one on a poster or product packaging. The good news is that it works exactly the same way!
However, advertisers need to make sure their QR codes are displayed properly to ensure they can be scanned easily from viewing distance. Let’s check out how they do this.
Making QR Codes Work on TV
For QR codes to be effective in TV commercials, there’s quite a bit that goes into their implementation. Advertisers need to consider several factors to ensure their QR codes actually work for viewers:
Display Time Matters
Unlike a static advertisement where you can take your time scanning a QR code, TV commercials are constantly moving. That’s why you’ll usually see QR codes displayed for at least 10-20 seconds – giving viewers enough time to grab their phone and scan the code.
Putting QR codes at the end of ads is usually a sure bet, as viewers will have enough time to think about what your offering before scanning the QR code. Banners are also good idea if you want to keep your QR code on screen for the entire runtime of a commercial. Banners can be placed at the bottom border of a TV ad with a QR code and provide viewers with plenty of time to scan the QR code. As long as you’ve got the size right.
Size and Placement of TV Ad QR Code
The size of a QR code on TV needs to be just right. Too small and viewers won’t be able to scan it from their couch. Too large and it might distract from the commercial itself. Most successful TV QR codes take up about 1/6th to 1/4th of the screen and are usually placed in a corner where they won’t interfere with the main content.
If you want more detailed explanations about size, be sure to check out our guide on the best size for QR codes. You’ll be able to find information about TV advertising, alongside other advertising methods you might want to pair with a QR code.
Creative Uses of QR Codes in TV Advertising
Now that you’ve got an idea how they work, let’s take a look at how they’re used. QR codes in TV commercials can allow for some interesting interactions between brands and consumers. Take a look:
Second Screen Experiences
Many advertisers are creating what they call “second screen experiences.” When viewers scan the QR code, they’re taken to content that complements what they’re seeing on TV. This might be behind-the-scenes footage, interactive product demonstrations, or exclusive offers just for TV viewers.
Live Events and Time-Sensitive Offers
During big events like sports games or reality TV shows, advertisers sometimes use QR codes to offer time-sensitive deals. Scan the code during the show, and you might get access to special discounts or exclusive content that’s only available while the program is airing.
Interactive Product Launches
Think of car ads for this one. During new vehicle launches, a brand could display a QR code in their commercial that takes viewers on 360-degree virtual tours of the car’s interior and exterior. Viewers can explore every feature of the new model from their smartphone, right there on the couch!
Social Media Integration
Food and beverage brands often use QR codes to connect TV audiences with social media campaigns. The goal here is virality, so QR codes usually lead to brand social media pages on TikTok, Instagram, or even YouTube, advertising a challenge that viewers can take part in.
Shopping Made Simple
Fashion and retail brands are using QR codes to transform TV commercials into instant shopping opportunities. See something you like in the commercial? Scan the QR code, and you’re taken directly to the featured products.
Measuring Success
One of the biggest advantages of using QR codes in TV commercials is that advertisers can track exactly how many people are engaging with their ads. When someone scans a QR code, advertisers can see:
- How many people scanned the code
- When they scanned it
- Where they were located
- What type of device they used
This information helps advertisers understand how well their TV commercials are performing and make improvements for future campaigns.
Generate Your Own TV Commercial QR Code
While TV commercials might seem like they’re just for big brands with big budgets, any business can create QR codes for their video marketing needs. Whether you’re creating content for social media, local TV ads, or online video platforms, My QR Code can help you generate the perfect QR code for your needs.
Our platform makes it easy to create dynamic QR codes that you can edit anytime, even after they’ve been distributed. Plus, you’ll have access to detailed analytics to track how your QR codes are performing. You can customize the design, add your logo, and ensure your QR code matches your brand perfectly.
Ready to create your own QR code for video marketing? Give our QR Code Generator a try today
