QR codes are becoming embedded in the ways customers engage in marketing. Retail, quick-service restaurant (QSR), and hospitality businesses have been the main users of QR codes thus far. Marketers have significant opportunities to leverage QR codes in areas such as shopping centers, billboards, interactive TV, interactive screens, and nonfungible tokens (NFTs).
The number of US smartphone users scanning a QR code will increase from 83.4 million in 2022 to 99.5 million in 2025. Now, most smartphone cameras recognize QR codes, increasing ease of use and, consequently, adoption.
The need for contactless payments and billing drove rapid growth at the start of the pandemic, but annual growth rate is now slowing. However, new uses are emerging, particularly for marketers looking to drive engagement and personalization—and enhance customer experiences—through interactive TV, vehicle screens, public transit, billboards, product packaging, store shelves, buildings, shopping bags, and business cards.
eMarketer