YouTube QR Code Generator

Point people straight to a video, a playlist or your channel. Ideal for product demos, recipes, tutorials, classrooms and event screens.

  • No sign-up
  • Never expires
  • No watermark
  • 100% private

Choose a type and add your content

Paste a full link to a post, reel or video, or just your @username.

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Generated in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.

Print size guide

Most codes scan well when printed at least 2 cm wide. Size calculator

Your codes on this device

Codes you download, copy or share are kept here, only in this browser, so you can reopen and edit them later.

    Backup

    Save your recent codes, saved styles and current design to a file, then restore them in another browser or after clearing site data.

    Make it yours (optional)

    Quick styles

    My styles saved in this browser

    Dot style
    • Private by designEverything runs in your browser. Your data is never uploaded.
    • Works offlineOnce loaded, the tool works without an internet connection.
    • Print-ready outputSharp files for screen, print and packaging.

    How to create a YouTube QR code

    1. Copy the video or channel linkOn YouTube tap Share → Copy link. For your channel you can also just type your @handle.
    2. Paste it into the fieldShort youtu.be links make smaller, easier-to-scan codes.
    3. Design itPick a dark red or black for the dots and add a "WATCH THE VIDEO" frame (already selected).
    4. Download and testScan it with a phone. It should open the YouTube app at the right video.
    • A video: https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID (shortest and best)
    • A specific moment: add ?t=90 to start at 1:30, perfect for jumping to the right step of a tutorial
    • A playlist: e.g. a course, a recipe series or product manuals
    • A Short
    • Your channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yourhandle; enter just the handle and we build the link

    On phones with the YouTube app, the code opens the app directly. Without the app, it plays in the browser.

    Great uses for YouTube QR codes

    WhereLink to
    Product packaging & manualsSetup or assembly video
    Recipe cards & cookbooksThe cooking video, starting at the right step
    Classroom worksheetsA lesson or explainer playlist
    Real-estate signsThe property walk-through
    Trade-show standsYour product demo
    Band posters & merchThe music video or channel
    Gravestones & memorial cardsA tribute video (unlisted)

    Unlisted vs. private videos

    If you only want people with the QR code to see a video, upload it as Unlisted: anyone with the link can watch it, but it won't appear in search. Private videos only play for invited Google accounts, so they won't work for most people scanning your code.

    Tips

    • Use the short youtu.be link. Fewer characters means a cleaner code that scans from further away.
    • Remove extra parameters like &si=… or &feature=share; they aren't needed.
    • Add a clear call to action: "WATCH HOW TO ASSEMBLE" beats a plain code.
    • For a channel, mention the benefit: "SUBSCRIBE FOR WEEKLY RECIPES".

    Measuring results

    A static QR code doesn't count scans, but YouTube Studio can show you where viewers came from. Open Analytics → Advanced mode → Traffic source: visits from a QR code usually appear as Direct or unknown or External. For a clearer picture, put the code on one placement only, or create a separate unlisted copy of the video per campaign. If you send people to your website first (for example a product page with the video embedded), you can add UTM parameters to the link and track every placement in your own analytics.

    Troubleshooting

    "Video unavailable." The video is private, deleted or blocked in the viewer's country. Make it public or unlisted, and check its region settings in YouTube Studio.

    The video starts from the beginning instead of the right moment. Use a youtu.be link with ?t= and the number of seconds (?t=125 for 2:05). Longer formats such as &t=2m5s work in most cases too.

    Age-restricted videos ask viewers to sign in, which loses many people. Avoid them for public posters.

    Best practices for tutorials and manuals

    • One code per step for long instructions. Put a small code next to each step, each starting the video at the right time.
    • Use chapters. Add timestamps to the video description so viewers can jump around.
    • Keep it short. For packaging and manuals, a 1–3 minute video gets watched to the end.
    • Add captions. Many people watch without sound in public places.

    Make a playlist code

    For a course, a series or product support, link to a playlist instead of a single video. You can add, remove and reorder videos later without changing the printed code. That is the easiest free way to keep a QR code up to date.

    Classroom use

    Teachers often put a code on worksheets that links to an explainer video. Use the "Unlisted" setting for your own recordings and check that your school network doesn't block YouTube. The bulk generator can create one code per lesson from a list of links, ready to print on Avery labels.

    Frequently asked questions

    Will the code open the YouTube app?

    Yes, on phones with the app installed. Otherwise the video opens in the browser.

    Can the video start at a specific time?

    Yes. Add ?t=SECONDS to a youtu.be link (for example ?t=90 for 1:30) or use Share → Start at in YouTube.

    Can I use an unlisted video?

    Yes. Unlisted videos play for anyone with the link, so they work perfectly with QR codes.

    What happens if I delete the video?

    The code will open a "video unavailable" page. If you might replace the video, link to a playlist or to a page on your website instead.

    Can I add the YouTube logo?

    You can upload any logo. If you use YouTube's logo, follow YouTube's brand guidelines.

    Does the YouTube QR code expire?

    No. It's a static link stored in the code, so it works as long as the video is online.

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    Last updated October 27, 2026 by the PloraKit team. Found a problem? Tell us.

    Coming soon: Pro — dynamic QR codes Waitlist

    Edit where a code points after you print it, and see scan analytics (time, city, device). Your free static codes here stay free and keep working forever — Pro is an optional extra.

    We will send one email when Pro launches and nothing else. Contact: plorakit@gmail.com