If you’re aware of the digital world surrounding you, there might be chances you know about QR Codes.
Thanks to Denso Wave, what began as a tracking tool for car parts in 1994 has developed into a digital innovation powerhouse.
These days, QRs aren’t limited to business applications; they play a crucial role in our daily interactions with brands, transactions, and information connections.
They are popular, no doubt. But by the end of this article, you will be able to learn more about QR Code popularity.
A. Why QR Codes got popular
A combination of consumer convenience, technical developments, and a major boost from the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the rise in popularity of QR Codes. A summary of their increasing ubiquity is as follows:
1. Technology advancement
The presence of smartphones has made it easy to read QR Codes.
Integrated Features: Scanning QR Codes is a natural feature of many modern smartphone camera apps, which makes using them easy.
Quick Internet: Instantaneous access to digital content connected to QR Codes is possible with mobile internet at high speeds.
2. User comfort
User-Friendly: Without much manual effort, QR Codes offer a rapid and straightforward way to access websites, information, and applications.
Immediate Gratification: By providing immediate access to information (be it text, multimedia, documents, videos, etc.), they instantly deliver best-in-class user experience.
3. Contactless solutions
Pandemic-driven needs: To reduce face-to-face encounters, businesses and consumers sought contactless solutions during the COVID-19 epidemic. This accelerated the use of QR Codes.
Hands-free Transactions: Need of the hour back then (a delight now), QR Codes have become instrumental for hands free (read hassle-free) processes. Some of these include payments, digital menus, and event check-ins.
4. Adaptability
Broad Application: QR Codes are extremely flexible and can be used for various purposes, including payments, marketing, exchange of information, and verification.
Measurable Information: They give companies useful, quantifiable information about user behavior.
5. Engagement and marketing
Marketers have made QR Codes popular too. Why? Because they empower print media with interactivity and trackability. Yes, a simple QR makes it easier for people to take the desired action.
It could be visiting a website, saving a contact, finding directions on maps application, getting a coupon, and more.
Due to this versatility, they’re now everywhere. Makes sense, right?
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B. QR Code popularity in the US
The Super Bowl LVI commercial from Coinbase was extremely popular. It attracted viewers with a basic approach—a QR Code that changed color and floated on the screen.
The Coinbase app broke due to the massive volume of users who scanned the code. This episode brought to light an important facet of human nature: curiosity. It also emphasized the reasons behind the enormous resurgence of QR Codes.
Even with their lengthy history, QR Codes had trouble at first. The lack of user-friendly technologies hindered early adoption.
Even in cases where smartphones were common, scanning QR Codes necessitated the use of extra programs. The experience was further hampered by clumsy landing pages and slow mobile internet.
The game has changed for today. Mobile internet rates are lightning-fast, and smartphones with built-in QR Code readers are commonplace. This change was expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic as customers and businesses looked for contactless alternatives.
These days, QR Codes are essential. They are utilized for e-scooter rentals, social media authentication, product information, and payments.
Not only are consumers aware of QR Codes, they actively utilize them. When it comes to reducing in-person interactions, like when using digital menus in restaurants, the pandemic makes QR Codes indispensable.
By providing comprehensive product information at a glance, they also meet the increasing need from customers for transparency.
A Scantrust poll from 2021 provided insight into US QR Code usage. Important conclusions consist of:
Demographics: Women make up the majority of QR Code users, ranging in age from 18 to 46, and their median family income is approximately $67,000.
Usage Frequency: The majority of users scan QR Codes multiple times a month, mostly to make purchases and verify the details of food products.
Simple, regular QR Codes are the ideal design. Its simplicity promotes communication and builds trust.
C. QR Code popularity in Europe
The mobile commerce scene in Europe is changing dramatically, and QR Codes are a major factor in this.
A thorough analysis of mobile commerce and QR Code usage in the five biggest European markets—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—has been made public by ComScore, a renowned provider of digital business data.
This supports the expanding worldwide trend and comes after a similar study conducted in the US.
Growing Adoption of QR Codes
The rapid growth of QR code interactions in Europe is nothing short of remarkable. From 2018 to 2020, QR Code interaction rates surged by an impressive 96%. This substantial increase highlights the growing reliance on QR codes for a variety of applications, from marketing and retail to healthcare and transportation.
In 2020, Western Europe saw a significant boost in QR Code usage, with a growth rate of 28%. This surge is a clear indicator of the technology’s rising popularity and acceptance among consumers and businesses alike.
According to Statista, the financial impact of this trend is equally impressive. In 2021, a staggering $1.6 billion was spent using QR Codes in Europe. This figure is projected to climb to $2.3 billion by 2025.
Despite these substantial numbers, QR Code transactions still represent just a small fraction of the total retail payments on the continent, suggesting ample room for further growth and integration into everyday commerce.
As QR Codes continue to gain traction, businesses across Europe are poised to leverage this technology to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive sales. The future looks bright for QR Codes, with their potential still largely untapped in the expansive retail landscape.
What Do Customers Look Up Online?
Product information is one of the most common reasons people scan QR Codes. How often? Well, almost three out of every four scans are done to get product details.
This demonstrates the growing need among consumers for access to product details. That’s why there’s a need for companies to make their product pages mobile-friendly.
Also, 19.4% of QR Code scans yield coupons or exclusive deals. This indicates the possibility for companies to increase revenue and client involvement with focused marketing campaigns.
And 13.4% of scans were for application downloads, highlighting the use of QR Codes in speeding up app installations and improving mobile user experience.
It’s interesting to note that 12.1% of scans yielded information on charities or causes, suggesting that QR Codes are a useful tool for non-profits to spread awareness and encourage support.
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D. QR Code popularity in Asia
Originating in Japan, QR Code technology has taken root in Asia and is currently gaining traction throughout the world.
The Growing Market Impact of QR Codes in Asia
GlobalWebIndex data demonstrates Asia’s dominance in the use of QR Codes:
In Asia-Pacific, 15% of people use QR Codes regularly.
Latin America: Not far behind, with 13 percent of the populace using QR Codes.
Third place was shared by the Middle East and Europe, with 10% apiece.
North America: Adoption is lagging at 8%, but it is picking up steam in the US.
The true impact, however, is considerably more stunning when looking at East Asia. In 2018, 70% of the Chinese populace paid with QR Codes regularly. Mobile app payments in China, largely using QR Codes, reached 277.39 trillion yuan ($42.4 trillion) in 2018, rising to 347.11 trillion yuan ($53.1 trillion) in 2019.
By June 2020, 801.7 million consumers in China had utilized mobile payment apps, up from 765 million in March 2020.
China’s rapid transformation from a cash-dominated economy to ubiquitous digital wallet and smartphone app transactions, aided by QR Codes, has left many foreign markets behind.
Innovative Applications for QR Codes
Asia’s leadership in QR Code adoption offers various instances of how this technology can be efficiently deployed:
a. Mobile transactions
QR Codes serve as a safe link between mobile wallets and real-world actions, allowing for smooth and ubiquitous mobile payments in physical stores around Asia.
QR Codes on workplace signs, pamphlets, and resources provide quick access to information and support, improving user experience without cluttering designs.
b. ID authentication
Linking QR Codes with biometric data for ID verification secures critical company locations and streamlines access management, decreasing the workload for human receptionists.
c. Social media
QR Codes provide for instant social media connections and group joining, resulting in faster and safer involvement. Platforms such as WeChat have fully accepted QR Codes for a wide range of interactions, from linking to official accounts to making payments.
d. Product verification and information
Customers can verify products before purchasing by scanning QR Codes on them, which provide extensive ingredient information and usage instructions.
QR Codes simplify software downloads and product verification, reducing superfluous steps and increasing user comfort.
e. Enhanced advertising experiences
QR Codes in print ads or other media offer users rich, engaging experiences, allowing businesses to connect with their target audience on a deeper level.
f. Discounts and promotions
Consumers can access discounts or promotional activities by scanning QR Codes, which encourages recurring interaction and loyalty.
g. Safety and health
QR Codes proved to be important in tracking and managing outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encoding test results and biometric data into QR Codes aided in tracking and controlling the virus’s spread.
E. QR Code popularity in Australia
Payments via QR Codes are increasing significantly in Australia, and many new vendors are joining the market.
QR Codes are rapidly taking over the payment industry, from banks and lodging providers to independent firms like Square and PayPal.
Why there’s a QR Code revolution?
It makes sense that QR Codes are starting to appear everywhere in Australia.
They are quick and simple for businesses to implement. Also, they provide clients a straightforward, contact-free payment option.
This tech is a compelling option for businesses looking to optimize payments as it needs little to no hardware.
Standardization of QR Payments: AusPayNet Guidelines
To accommodate the growing popularity of QR Code transactions, AusPayNet has issued a set of rules.
These rules aim to bring clarity and uniformity to the use of QR Codes for transactions and are available for voluntary implementation by financial institutions, retailers, and payment service providers.
This approach is timely, as the COVID-19 pandemic has increased QR payment uptake, making it a preferred choice for many.
The Effects of QR Payments on the World and Locally
Growing at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2030, the global market for QR Code payments is expected to reach $35.07 billion from its 2020 valuation of $8.07 billion. In Australia, the use of QR Codes has increased significantly, mirroring this remarkable expansion.
QR Code Statistics for Australia
Weekly QR Code scans account for 36.40% of Australians. 2021 saw 60,000 searches in Australia for the term “QR Code.”
While 8% of consumers in Europe and 7% of consumers in Brazil scan QR Codes multiple times a week, a startling 50% of users in China do the same.
In Australia’s many industries, QR Codes gained widespread recognition as a useful technological tool by the year 2021.
Except for accessing places during the pandemic, the majority of Australians have come across QR Codes.
Future of QR payments in Australia
Australia’s future for QR payments appears bright, given how quickly QR Codes are being adopted and incorporated into daily life. The prospect of QR payments revolutionizing the transaction environment is increasing as more companies and customers grow accustomed to this technology.
F. Most popular QR Codes around the world
1. Scanbuy: Elevating retail packaging with QR Codes
In compliance with U.S. regulations that need disclosure of GMO ingredients and nutritional information via QRs, businesses are going above with their packaging.
With the help of QR Codes, customers can now easily obtain product details, such as usage guidelines, social compliance programs, allergies, nutritional facts, ingredients, and safe handling procedures.
The Smithers Report projects that by 2025, sales of smart packaging will reach an incredible $8.6 billion.
2. Patagonia: Reducing environmental impact through digital transformation
Patagonia is leading the way in eco-conscious retail by minimizing packaging and printing.
By replacing traditional hang tags with QR Codes for care instructions, product features, local activism initiatives, and material innovations, Patagonia has diverted more than 170,000 pounds of single-use paper from landfills.
Jennifer Patrick, Patagonia’s Global Manager of Packaging and Branding, highlights the additional benefits:
“The cost of assigning hang tag projects, designing, writing, managing, and fixing problems all adds up. Going digital with information not only saves materials but also reduces costs, benefiting both the environment and our bottom line.”
3. Walmart: Simplifying returns with QR Codes
Walmart is using creative QR Code technology to solve the problem of validating returns.
By inputting their phone number at the POS or scanning a QR from physical receipt, customers can store a digital copy of their receipt in the Walmart app.
Shoppers’ convenience can be increased by using this digital ticket to make a shopping list and expedite goods returns.
4. Starbucks: Enhancing checkout experience with QR Codes
QR Codes are transforming the purchasing experience for Starbucks Rewards app customers.
The “Scan & Pay” feature allows coffee lovers to pay from anywhere in the store. Customers can make their Starbucks experience more smooth and fulfilling by choosing their favorite payment method—a debit or credit card, PayPal, etc.—and scanning the QR Code to pay swiftly and earn rewards.
5. Amazon Prime: Boosting reality show sales with QR Codes
“Making the Cut,” an Amazon Prime reality series, skillfully combines entertainment and online shopping.
Every episode concludes with a QR Code that takes viewers to a page where they can buy the featured designs.
For those interested in fashion, this provides details about the designers, the program, and more apparel featured on the show.
6. Chick-fil-A: Driving app downloads with QR Codes
The incorporation of QR Codes into Chick-fil-A- A’s digital signage resulted in a 14% rise in mobile app downloads.
It is simple for customers to download the app by using the camera on their smartphone to scan the QR Code.
The software improves dining experiences by letting customers order online, skip lines, and get rewards after downloading.
7. Neutypechic: Enhancing customer engagement with QR Codes
At Neutypechic, QR Codes are a powerful tool for connecting with customers. Founder David Lee explains, “Our retail mirror store uses QR Codes to drive shoppers directly to our social media inboxes.” This direct engagement facilitates easy interaction with new offerings or discounts.
Additionally, a vCard QR Code allows customers to save contact information directly to their mobile phones, eliminating the need for traditional business cards and improving data relevance, which has significantly boosted sales.
8. Guinness: Creating a buzz with QR Code swag
Guinness has ingeniously utilized QR Codes on its customized cups to become a talking point in bars.
The QR Code, visible only when the cup is filled with Guinness’s dark beer, offers promotional coupons, updates social media statuses, and tweets, and invites friends to join in on the fun.
This innovative use of QR Codes has made Guinness a memorable brand in social settings.
9. Honest Brand reviews: Leveraging QR Codes for product marketing
Honest Brand Reviews incorporates QR Codes into their marketing campaigns to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Kristi Smith, editor-in-chief and operations manager, states, “We use QR Codes to make information accessible to our clients through QR campaigns.”
Customers can scan the code to access detailed information about current and upcoming products, trending discounts, and more. This strategy has boosted website traffic, conversion rates, and quarterly profit margins.
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Summing Up
The swift adoption of QR Codes across diverse sectors attests to their remarkable capacity to augment client interaction, rationalize procedures, and foster eco-friendliness.
With just a quick scan, Chick-fil-A can increase app downloads, while Amazon Prime’s “Making the Cut” may drive fashion purchases straight from your screen. QR Codes are completely changing the way businesses engage with their customers.
These examples show how effective and adaptable QR Codes are in the current digital environment. Retail and customer engagement will grow increasingly digital and connected in the future as companies continue to develop using QR Codes.
The time is right to embrace the transformation brought about by QR Codes. QR Codes provide a straightforward but effective solution that can revolutionize your company, regardless of your goals—boosting sales, improving client engagement, or increasing operational efficiency.
Keep up with the times and take advantage of QR Codes’ power to improve your brand and establish engaging connections with your audience. The simplicity of a QR Code is the key to the retail industry’s future.
