2024 Global QR Code Trends and Statistics Report

QR code trends have progressed spanning these years, and we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in new applications that transcended industries and revolutionized operational routines. 

Undergoing a stunning metamorphosis, QR codes emerged from static pixels to dazzling multi-purpose tools. They are now bursting with color, creativity, and interactivity, poised to modernize how we connect with the world. 

Let us gauge how these innovations have skyrocketed beyond their traditional use to their peak efficiency and convenience. 

This comprehensive overview will supply essential information based on QR code generator trends and comparisons across industries and countries. 

Year-on-year catapult in QR code usage all over the world

2021 to 2023 is also when we saw a massive uptick in creating QR codes across sectors like marketing, social media, finance, and healthcare. 

Businesses got on board and progressively incorporated this cutting-edge tool into their marketing strategies, improving customer engagement and enhancing advertising collaterals. 

Moreover, governments and healthcare providers have employed QR codes to verify vaccinations and improve health data management efficiency and security. 

Business Insider says QR code scans will hit 99.5M smartphone users by 2025. This suggests that people are catching the updraft of QR codes today. 

Knowing how QR codes work can also influence the trajectory of the growth of QR code creation at this time. 

It underscores its increasingly vital role in shaping our interconnected digital world, turning it from a simple tool to an essential component in almost every industry.

Popular QR codes: The most in-demand solutions from QR TIGER QR Code Generator

This whopping upsurge only proves the usefulness of QR code insights in offering a convenient way for people and businesses to access information, make transactions, and enhance overall efficiency. 

Grounded in QR TIGER’s reports, here are the ten most widely used QR code solutions:

1. URL – 47.68%
2. File – 23.71%
3. vCard – 13.08%
4. Link in Bio (Social media) – 3.40%
5. MP3 – 3.39%
6. Landing page (HTML) – 2.98%
7. App Store – 1.17%
8. Google form – 1.02%
9. Menu – 0.99%
10. Text – 0.71%

Companies embrace various QR code solutions for multiple benefits, such as increased productivity, improved workflow efficiency, and boosted customer engagement. The top three on our list are testaments to this notion.

The upswing in URL QR codes proves their reliability and ease of use. Their ability to direct users to linked websites makes them the most practical and used QR code solution. 

The file QR code takes the second spot, allowing people to store and share various file types without complex downloads. This convenience fuels widespread implementation across diverse domains.

Following is the vCard QR code solution, facilitating a seamless sharing of contact information. By just scanning the QR code with a smartphone camera or a QR code scanner app, people can access and save contacts easily.

Not only are these QR code solutions convenient, but they are also efficient and eco-friendly solutions to traditional business cards. 

The remaining quantity of 1.86% consists of the following QR code generator solutions:

• Bulk
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Multi URL
• Text

QR code trend among industries: Top 5 sectors using QR code generator solutions

Businesses use these tools to spark engagement and drive results by bringing products to life, unlocking exclusive content, creating seamless operations, and collecting valuable data and feedback.

Take a look at these industries with the highest QR code usage:

Marketing & advertising

Marketing & advertising are the leading QR code users in the industry. A 2022 study by the CMO council found that 70% of marketers use QR codes and augmented reality (AR) in their marketing campaigns. 

This tandem creates an immersive and interactive way of promoting products and services. Take the Avocados from Mexico ad, which aired during the 57th Super Bowl, for example. 

They have implemented ChatGPT AI and QR codes as part of their marketing strategy, taking the viewers to an AI-incorporated website that generates funny and witty captions. This success has ignited buzz and engagement around the brand. 

Retail

Next in line is the retail industry, with an 88% year-over-year increase in use. QR codes have been growingly used in stores to provide additional product information, contactless payments, inventory management, and many more. 

Retailers also employ them to provide access to personalized promotions and exclusive content, offering targeted discounts tailored to customers’ interests. 

Logistics

Occupying the third spot is the manufacturing and logistics industry. Market research firms like Gartner Report estimate this industry’s global market to reach over $30 billion by 2027.

Consider FedEx’s return QR codes as a case in point. They have deployed QR technology to streamline package returns without the hassle of printing return labels. 

Customers only need to bring their smartphones and ready-to-scan QR codes for a seamless dropoff; no need to print labels or forms at home. 

Healthcare

The number four spot in terms of the number of scans in industries is healthcare, where QR code usage surged during the COVID-19 pandemic until now. 

A study shows that 83.7% of women had a positive experience using QR codes to access health information. This has been rapidly growing since being driven by the rise in the adoption of smartphones and the need for contactless solutions. 

Transportation

Closing the top five list is the transportation industry. It is one of the largest users of QR codes, accounting for 15% of the global market in 2022.

Take airline boarding passes, for instance. Most airline companies now add QR codes to tickets for easier flight and passenger information access.

QR codes undoubtedly offer efficiency and cost savings to transportation companies, empowering them to create a convenient experience for their travelers.

QR code statistics: Top 10 countries with the most scans

1. United States – 43.96%
2. India – 9.33%
3. France – 4.0%
4. Spain – 2.91%
5. Canada – 2.65%
6. Brazil – 2.13%
7. Saudi Arabia – 1.92%
8. United Kingdom – 1.69%
9. Colombia – 1.60%
10. Russia – 1.49%

The United States, India, and France are the leading countries with the most significant scanning frequency.

It is important to note that while the US and India hold the top spot in leading scans, global counterparts are quickly closing in. France, the United Kingdom, and Canada show significant growth in QR code scanning volume.

United States soars the highest in scanning activity

The US is at the forefront of global QR code usage, accounting for a staggering 42.2% of global scans from 2022 to 43.9% of 2023 —a striking increase of 10.72%.   

As Statista pronounced, 91 million smartphone users in the US scanned a QR code in 2023 alone. 

The number of US consumers who scan a QR code with their smartphone is also expected to grow to over 100 million by 2025—a great number of QR code market size.

This represents a significant chunk of the US population, highlighting the widespread adoption of QR code technology.

The country predominantly uses URL, File, and vCard QR codes; three solutions that businesses and organizations employ to enhance customer experiences and boost productivity. 

India garners the second-most significant number of scans

India is the second-leading nation in the world of QR code generation, with a total of 9.3% of global QR code scans. That’s a 32.9% difference from US scans.

The current total amounts to a 3.30% raise from the previous year, translating to a massive 1,101,723 scans by Indian users. 

The ubiquitous use of QR codes in India is seen primarily in the Indian government, which took on QR code initiatives like BharatQR and the Paytm QR code payment trend. 

This interoperable payment solution allows for seamless transactions across banks and payment apps. Merchants and consumers widely use it for cashless payments. 

France places third on the global QR code scanning frequency list

With an aggregate of 4.0% of global scans, translating to a surge of 51.14% from last year’s data, it’s clear that QR codes have become an integral part of the digital scene in France. 

The QR code trend in the country primarily occurs in tourism, government services, transportation, marketing, and advertising. 

Driven by a combination of pandemic-related factors, strong digital infrastructure, consumer acceptance, and their versatility across different sectors, QR codes indeed established themselves as part of France’s undertakings. 

These QR codes are commonly used in ticketing and transportation like SNCF (French National Railway Company) and RATP (Paris Public Transportation) to access stations and real-time information. 

Scan frequencies across different industries: A QR code trend analysis

These omnipresent codes have transcended their initial use, making their mark in industries across the board and shaping outcomes with their clever integration strategies. 

Let us consider the following industries with the highest QR code scanning activity:

Retail

Retail has the most QR code scanning activity. Statista reports that 42% of US shoppers have scanned QR codes in retail stores, indicating a solid adoption in this sector. 

Data also shows that 54% of young shoppers use QR codes regularly. Highlighting the technology’s appeal to younger demographics. 

Restaurants

Following closely behind are the restaurants and the food services industry. Studies like the National Restaurant Association mention that QR code statistics 2023 usage has reached 41% in fast food establishments, increasing engagement and order volume. 

Logistics

Bagging the bronze medal is the logistics and supply chain industry. Zebra Technologies’ 2023 Global Zebra Index reports that 83% of global respondents say QR codes are essential for their operations, highlighting their widespread use in the field. 

Studies also show that using QR codes for inventory management reduces 30-50% of picking errors, improving accuracy and efficiency. 

Travel and tourism

Sitting at number four is the travel and tourism industry. A study in Belgium showed a 210% increase in scans for QR codes providing tram schedule information, audio guides, 3D models, and other relevant information.  

Convenience, speed, and access to information are the main drivers of this implementation. 

Marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising are the end markers on this list. This industry’s QR code trend scanning activity has seen a significant increase, with a 323% growth in usage between 2021 and 2023. Over 5.3 billion QR code coupons were also redeemed globally in 2022. 

This shows a progressive climb of technological advancements like QR codes to remain a powerful tool for businesses to connect with consumers and measure campaign effectiveness. 

Everyday scenarios of QR code technology

Starbucks

Starbucks has operated QR codes for contactless ordering and payments. This lets customers streamline orders and payments without touching physical menus or transaction terminals. 

They’ve also implemented QR code-based payments. This contributed significantly to the growth of QR code usage in 2023, with a formidable 50% of Starbucks transactions in the US alone. 

PepsiCo

Pepsi has merged QR codes and augmented reality (AR) in their 10th-year celebration as Super Bowl Halftime Show sponsors. 

They have integrated a scannable QR code in Pepsi cans and have revolutionized the experience of millions of people to see an AR selfie lens that transports them into action as part of the Pepsi Superbowl LVI Halftime Show App. 

Pepsi is just one of the many brands that have used QR codes in the Superbowl ad. Their marketing initiative has resulted in a 20% increase in engagement compared to their traditional ad campaigns so far in 2023. 

Amazon

Amazon uses QR codes for product information and reviews. They have placed QR codes on packaging and displays to give customers quick access to product details, reviews and purchase items directly. 

In 2023, they harnessed a 15% increase in product page views through QR code scans. This only proves QR codes are effective tools to boost customer engagement and drive traffic to your website.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s adopted QR codes to fine-tune their table services and loyalty rewards. This allowed customers to order and pay from the comforts of their tables and access loyalty rewards programs. 

The company saw a 10% increase in customer satisfaction scores through QR code-enabled table service in the previous year. 

What are the benefits of using a QR code?

If you’re looking for a way to make your life easier or your business run smoothly, QR codes are definitely worth considering. Check out the following benefits that make these tools trendy:

Versatility

The versatility of QR codes is a boon for businesses, offering many applications and benefits. 

Different types of QR codes can store a variety of data. This makes them adaptable and valuable for a wide range of purposes, such as sharing your WiFi password, linking QR codes to your website, or sharing multimedia files. 

Scanning takes people to relevant information, boosting engagement and conversion. This results in them being one of the thriving trends in technology.

Convenience 

QR codes are quick and easy to use. They offer a simple and convenient way for businesses to share information and connect with customers. 

It helps brands streamline transactions, track marketing campaigns, offer promotions and discounts, save time in ticketing and registration, and extend an option for contactless payments. 

People only need a smartphone with a QR code reader app (most phones have them built-in now). They only need to scan the code and be instantly directed to the linked information or content. 

Touch-free access

With the inherent contactless nature of QR code technology and its advanced features allowing users to edit a QR code or track its scans, it has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike. 

This offers a win-win situation for both companies and customers by providing a convenient, safe, and interactive way to connect and conduct transactions.

This feature streamlines checkout processes, reduces wait times, enhances customer experience, and creates new marketing and engagement opportunities. 

Cost-effectiveness

QR codes are relatively inexpensive to create and operate, making them an accessible marketing tool for businesses of all sizes.

You can enjoy the complete functionality of this technology, such as inventory management or targeted promotions, without breaking the bank on each marketing objective.  

You can find a QR code generator online that offers an extensive list of solutions with value for money.

QR codes are more than just a trend; they’re catalysts for technological breakthroughs

As QR code trends continue to develop, we can expect to see even more inventive and exciting applications emerge. 

QR code insights reveal a remarkable 323% surge from 2021 to 2023, with a consistent upward trend in the use of this tool persisting during this time. 

The data undeniably speaks for itself. This backs up the potential growth and sustainability of QR codes and how they will continue to impact our lives. 

They continue to streamline processes and elevate user experience, solidifying their standing as a transformative technology and acting in their capacity to foster innovation in the digital age.

Frequently asked question

Where are QR codes most used?

QR codes are most used in the marketing and advertising sphere. They are mainly embossed on product packaging and displays, billboards, posters, and business cards at networking events.