Introduction

In a world where the phrase top 10 technology trends, latest technology trends and top technology trends 2025 dominate conversations, it’s easy to ask: Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know. This question feels simple yet carries deeper nuances, especially in the Indian context. In this article, we will explore the full story: the evolution of QR codes, the current state of QR code marketing, how brands use QR codes effectively, and what the future holds in terms of a robust QR code marketing strategy.

QR codes aren’t dead

At the outset I’ll answer: No — QR codes aren’t dead. They are evolving. And as a marketer or brand building professional, understanding this evolution is essential. So, if you’re wondering Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know, keep reading: I’ll break it down point by point.

1. What exactly is a QR code — and why did it become so popular?

1.1 What is a QR code?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of 2‑D barcode that can store a URL or other information which a smartphone camera can scan.
It became popular because it provided a bridge between offline and online marketing: a poster, a product pack, or an outdoor hoarding could carry a QR code that sent a user to a website, video or offer.
This bridging function is core to what we call QR code marketing.

1.2 Why did QR codes gain traction?

Let’s list a few reasons:

• Rising smartphone penetration made scanning easy.
• Digital payments and mobile‑first behaviours (especially in India) used QR codes heavily. For example, India’s QR code payments market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.87% between FY2026 and FY2033 from USD 0.79 billion in FY2025 to USD 2.23 billion in FY2033.Markets and Data
• They were cost‑effective: print materials carrying QR codes cost little more than a static print run.
• They supported tracking and analytics: you could measure scans, time, location.

1.3 Early examples of QR code marketing

Brands used QR codes on packaging, in print ads, at events, linking to videos, special offers, or even loyalty programmes. The goal: to reduce friction (one scan instead of typing URL) and make the offline‑to‑online jump seamless.
One marketing article listed features of a digital marketing strategy with QR codes: “Instant: Instantly delivers content after scanning”, “Trackable: Scans measurable by marketers”, “Customizable: QR codes with logos/colors”.Testbook

So far so good. But when you ask Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know, we need to examine the decline narrative.

2. Why some marketers ask: “Are QR codes dead?”

2.1 The notion of “dead” comes from overuse and novelty fatigue

Because QR codes became ubiquitous — in print, menus, payments, ads — some consumers developed “QR fatigue”. Also, many campaigns used QR codes poorly: the code led to a generic website, no mobile optimization, poor CTA, or the environment was non‑supportive (bad lighting poster or tiny size).
When outcomes under‑whelm, marketers start to ask: are we just throwing codes everywhere? Are they still working?

Amplify Your Brand,
One Influence at a Time.

Connect with an Expert

2.2 Competing technologies and changing context

In the context of top technology trends 2025 one sees many emerging alternatives: NFC tags, augmented reality experiences, voice interfaces. In some settings, QR codes may feel ‘legacy’.
Also, the novelty factor decreases. What was once a fresh mechanism becomes expected.

2.3 Measurement challenges and misuse

If you deploy QR codes but do not integrate tracking, mobile‑optimized landing pages, the conversion and engagement may remain low. Brands may then conclude: “It didn’t work, so maybe QR code marketing is finished.”
Lack of strategic planning (i.e., treating the code as the campaign rather than part of strategy) leads to wasted spends.

2.4 So, does this mean QR codes are dead?

Not at all. It means they need to evolve. The question “Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know” is timely because the narrative must shift from “just use QR codes” to “use them smartly”. The medium isn’t dead — the way we use it needs rethinking.

3. Evidence that QR codes are very much alive

3.1 Strong growth data globally and in India

• A 2025 global report shows that as of 2023, 44.6% of internet users across ages 16‑64 scan at least one QR code every month.
• The global QR code market size was worth USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 8.7%.
• In India, “over 9 million merchants accept QR code payments” and the infrastructure is expanding rapidly. QR Code Chimp+1
• A Times of India article noted that in India during COVID‑19, adoption accelerated for marketing uses: “There are several success stories of QR codes in the Indian marketing domain.”

3.2 Benefits remain strong for smart implementation

The benefits of QR code marketing (or QR code marketing benefits) remain compelling:

• They reduce friction: a scan takes you directly to the content.
• They provide measurable analytics: you can track usage, time, location, device.
• They support mobile marketing and contactless experiences — particularly relevant in post‑pandemic India.
• They link offline and online worlds, which many brands still struggle with.

3.3 Use‑cases expanding beyond payments

Initially QR codes were heavily used for payments and UPI in India. But now marketing use‑cases are growing: interactive packaging, product registration, event check‑in, feedback loops, rich media. This shows the tool is migrating upward, not dying.

So when you ask Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know, you need to recognise that the answer is “No — they are evolving and still very much relevant”.

4. The evolving role of QR code marketing strategy

Given the above, let’s explore how a smart QR code marketing strategy must look now.

4.1 Step 1: Define clear goal

Every QR code must serve a purpose. Are you using it to:

• Increase app downloads?
• Capture first‑party data?
• Drive a UGC (user‑generated content) campaign?
• Create a seamless checkout?
  Define that goal first. As one article for Indian marketers put it: “What you’re shooting for: increased website visits, sales, app installs, or reviews — this helps narrow down QR content and landing page selection.” Testbook

4.2 Step 2: Choose the right QR type

There are static and dynamic QR codes:

• Static: once generated cannot be edited.
• Dynamic: you can change the landing URL, update content, track scans, even set time‑based rules. Testbook
  For ongoing campaigns or packaging that stays long, dynamic is the better choice.

4.3 Step 3: Integrate with mobile marketing and UGC

Since mobile devices dominate India’s digital behaviour, any QR code marketing must be mobile‑first. Also, you can tie a QR code campaign to UGC Videos, influencer marketing, or interactive engagement: “How brands use QR codes effectively” means embed them into user journeys that invite participation, not just passively deliver content.
For example: scan → record your story → upload → be featured. That gives you multiple benefits: engagement, data capture, brand affinity.

4.4 Step 4: Use measurement and analytics

One of the major benefits of QR codes is tracking. Monitor: number of scans, location, time of day, device type, conversion after scan. Without measurement, you just guess. As one benefits‑list states: “Great tool for advertising researches … trackable analytics.”

4.5 Step 5: Consider offline‑to‑online and back

A top QR code marketing strategy links touchpoints: packaging, print, events, digital, social. The user sees a QR on a flyer, scans it, lands on mobile web or video, then perhaps follows up on social, leads to purchase. At each step the experience must be seamless. Use QR codes to shorten the customer journey. For instance the Times article noted: “Shorter customer journey. Better customer experience” via QR codes.The Times of India

4.6 Step 6: Maintain brand experience, security and context

Don’t just drop a QR code without context. Add a call‑to‑action (“Scan and get 10% off”), ensure the landing page is mobile‑optimized, load time is fast, brand look is consistent. Also consider security: QR codes can be misused or lead to phishing, so trust is key.

4.7 Summary of QR code marketing strategy

In short, a strong strategy will:

1. Define objectives
2. Choose correct type (static vs dynamic)
3. Embed in mobile & engagement flows (UGC, influencer marketing)
4. Measure and optimise
5. Create seamless offline‑to‑online journey
6. Protect brand trust, secure link, mobile UX

5. How brands in India and globally use QR codes effectively

5.1 Global case snippets

Worldwide, brands deploy QR codes on packaging, in-store, events. For example: linking to how‑to‑use video on product packaging, or scan for AR experience. An article noted that in marketing & advertising nearly 40% of QR code scans are linked to campaigns, and scans increased 323% in 2023 within that sector.

5.2 Indian brand stories

In India, a Times of India blog described how brands such as KFC India used QR codes to provide personalised offers and discounts, resulting in a 15% increase in sales. The Times of India Similarly, telecom brands used QR codes on billboards, print ads to increase web traffic (76% more) and revenue (2.3%).

5.3 Packaging and product experience

For example, QR codes on a product’s box can lead to a video on how to use the product, feedback collection, or replacement registration. This magnifies the benefits of QR codes. Scan → engagement → loyalty. According to one blog: “QR codes benefit customers by saving time through quick and effortless access to information … they enable inclusion of rich content such as videos or presentations.”

5.4 Payment & transactional use as brand experience

Although not purely marketing, payment QR codes also become brand touchpoints. In India, the payment penetration means QR codes on receipt, on checkout, can also double as marketing triggers (“Scan here to get cash back next time”). The report on India QR code payments emphasises this merchant‑led expansion.

5.5 Influencer/UGC + QR code synergy

Marketers increasingly tie QR codes into influencer marketing campaigns: for example, an influencer shows a QR code in a video story, the user scans, lands on a UGC submission form, uploads their version of the product usage video, gets featured. This merges How brands use QR codes effectively with the influencer marketing India space and UGC Videos commanded by platforms such as Hobo.Video. That kind of integrated experience lifts the code from “nice extra” to “core campaign asset”.

6. Addressing the key question: Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know

6.1 The short answer: They’re not dead, they’re transforming

When marketers ask “Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know”, they should firstly realise that while the basic QR code format remains the same, the context and expectations around them are shifting. The novelty phase is over. Now we’re in the maturity phase: more QR codes exist, more competition for user attention, so what matters is execution quality.

6.2 Key things marketers need to know

Here are the essential insights:

Insight 1:

QR codes still deliver value — albeit when used strategically
The high usage statistics and growth data show that QR codes remain a valid tool. But value depends on context, design, and integration into marketing flows (offline → online → action).

Insight 2:

It’s no longer “print QR and hope” — you need a holistic strategy
A QR code marketing strategy must see the code as a gateway, not the end point. The landing experience, the mobile optimisation, the follow‑through action all matter.
Simply adding a code to a poster without mobile‑first landing page and measurement often leads to poor outcomes — giving the impression they’re dead.

Insight 3:

Combine with digital behaviours: mobile users, UGC,influencer marketing
In India, mobile usage is massive. And if you combine QR codes with influencer marketing (eg. how to become an influencer, best influencer platform + QR codes in campaign) and UGC content creation, you amplify engagement. Brands must leverageUGC Videos, influencer marketing India and QR codes as interactive touchpoints.

Insight 4:

Keep up with broader trends: offline‑digital convergence, mobile payments, IoT, AR
In the list of top technology trends and latest technology trends, things like augmented reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), interactive packaging are gaining ground. QR codes must play in that ecosystem. For example: scan a QR code → AR experience of your product → post UGC → share on social.
The article on future of QR codes in marketing cited AR integrations and phygital world.

Insight 5:

Focus on authenticity, trustworthiness, mobile experience
With more QR codes around, consumers are wary of broken links, irrelevant landing pages, or even security risks (malicious QR codes exist). Marketers must ensure the QR code environment builds the brand’s authority and trust. For Indian marketers, this means local language options, smooth loading on lower‑end devices, and strong CTA.

Insight 6:

Measurement and optimisation is key
Tracking and iterating matter. Without measurement you won’t know if your code did anything. Reports show one of the advantages of QR codes is analytics capability.

Insight 7:

Don’t view QR as plug‑and‑play; treat it as campaign asset
When you treat a QR code just as “we’ll put it on the flyer”, you risk poor user experience. Instead treat it like any other major asset: think about placement, size, call to action, landing page, mobile UX, integration with other channels (social, influencer, email).
If you ask “Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know”, one answer is: yes — if you treat them poorly. They’ll feel dead. But analysed well, they’re alive and effective.

6.3 The Indian market angle

For Indian brands and marketers, the context adds some additional dimensions:

• Smartphone penetration in rural India and semi‑urban zones is rising, so QR code adoption potential remains high.
• Digital payments and UPI systems have normalized scanning behaviours, making QR codes more acceptable.
• However, devices may be lower‑end, internet speed may be limited, so mobile optimisation and light‑weight landing pages matter.
• Language and regionalisation matter: adding local language instructions around the QR code increases scanning.
• Indian marketers must blend traditional offline media (billboards, packaging) with digital calls‑to‑action that work for QR codes.

By aligning QR code marketing strategy with local conditions and mobile behaviour, Indian brands can extract value that global one‑size‑fits‑all campaigns may miss.

7. Pitfalls to avoid in your QR code campaigns

When deploying QR codes, marketers must be aware of these common mistakes:

1. Landing page is not mobile optimized → painful user experience → drop off.
2. Poor placement of QR code → too small, in low light, angled badly → users don’t scan.
3. No measurement plan → you cannot evaluate ROI or optimize → code appears useless.
4. Generic content behind the QR → if scan just sends to homepage, user feels tricked.
5. Lack of call‑to‑action → “Scan here” isn’t enough; add “Scan to win”, “Scan for discount”, “Scan to watch video”.
6. Treat QR code as a decoration, not a strategic link in journey.
7. Ignore device or connectivity constraints, especially in Indian semi‑urban/rural zones.
8. Ignoring trust/security issues → if a user suspects the code leads to something unsafe, they won’t scan.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures that your QR code marketing benefits are realised, not buried.

8. What the future holds — QR code trends in digital marketing

Let’s look ahead at what we can expect in the next few years in the space of QR codes and what marketers need to know.

8.1 Integration with AR/VR, IoT and rich media

QR codes will increasingly link not just to webpages, but to immersive experiences: AR product demos, virtual showrooms, IoT‑enabled packaging where scanning opens a smart device interface. The article on QR codes said: “The integration of cutting‑edge technologies such as AI, AR, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain into QR codes is a key industry trend.”

8.2 Dynamic QR codes, time‑based offers and personalized experiences

Brands are moving toward dynamic QR codes — where the destination URL or landing experience can change based on time, location, user segment. This supports personalization, which is a major marketing advantage. For example, during festive season you might scan a code and get a seasonal offer; months later the same code leads to a loyalty page. The benefits of dynamic QR codes include flexibility, cost‑efficiency, tracking — as enumerated in the benefits list.

8.3 Offline‑digital convergence (“phygital” experiences)

As physical retail, events, and packaging continue to converge with digital, QR codes will play a crucial role in linking that. The Times article said “A phygital world” and that QR codes will evolve alongside technologies.

8.4 Focus on first‑party data and tracking

With rising concerns around third‑party cookies and privacy, QR codes offer a way to capture first‑party data: scan → user gives an email/mobile number, or permission to link. This will make QR code marketing even more valuable. The Times article said brands need “first‑party data” collection and that QR codes can help.

8.5 Increased regional adoption in emerging markets

In India, Africa, Southeast Asia – the QR code adoption gap is still significant. Growth from Tier 2/3 cities and semi‑urban zones will continue. For Indian marketers, this means staying ahead. The global stats show India’s share of QR code scans at 16.1% and rising.

8.6 Sustainability and packaging use‑case uplift

As brands move toward sustainable packaging, QR codes allow replacing bulky printed manuals, certificates, product registration paper etc. Forbes India wrote the benefits include environmental friendly, economical, user‑friendly.

8.7 The bottom‐line: If you ask Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know — the answer is they are not dead but the environment around them is evolving rapidly. Marketers must upgrade their approach.

9. Practical checklist for Indian marketers – deploying QR codes smartly

Here’s a handy checklist to implement QR code campaigns that deliver results:

• Define objective: e.g., scans → site visits, discount redemption, app download.
• Choose code type: if you need flexibility, go dynamic.
• Design the code: ensure good contrast, minimum size, brand logo, instruction “Scan to…”
• Placement: ensure visibility, good lighting, context for mobile scanning (packaging, POS, outdoor, event).
• Landing page: mobile‑optimized, fast loaded, clear CTA, aligned branding, minimal form friction.
• Measurement: integrate analytics, track scans → conversions, location/time device.
• Follow‑up: after scan, nurture user: email/SMS, remarketing, invite UGC.
• Integrate with influencer/UGC: e.g., ask a famous Instagram influencer to show the code, direct to user‑generated content platform like Hobo.Video, tie to rewards.
• Localise: language, regional offers, connectivity constraints.
• Test & iterate: A/B test code placement, landing page offers, CTA phrasing.
• Secure: ensure link safety, trust badges, clearly explain what will happen after the scan.
• Promote: mention the code in other channels: social media, print ads, digital.
• Sustain: for packaging, consider long‑term QR code strategy so you can update content (dynamic) rather than re‑print.
• Align with broader marketing: QR code isn’t standalone; it must fit into overall digital brand building, influencer marketing, UGC Videos, and your mobile‑first strategy.

By following this checklist, you’re treating QR codes not as decorative but strategic.

10. Conclusion: Where we are, what to learn, and next steps

10.1 Summary of key learnings

• QR codes are not dead — they remain a powerful tool for qr code marketing, mobile marketing, and bridging offline and online worlds.
• That said, asking Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know is valid because the tools and user expectations have evolved.
• A strong qr code marketing strategy now requires mobile‑first design, measurement, dynamic codes, seamless integration with UGC and influencer marketing, and local relevance.
• The benefits of QR codes—reduced friction, cost‑effectiveness, tracking, enhanced engagement—still hold true but only when campaigns are well executed.
• Brands that ignore the need to upgrade their approach may find QR codes under‑performing and conclude they are dead.
• Indian marketers have a unique opportunity given increasing smartphone penetration, digital payments, and regional growth.
• The future of QR codes is tied to qr code trends in digital marketing, mobile payments, immersive media, offline‑digital convergence.
• Ultimately, the question transforms from “Are QR codes dead?” to “How do we use QR codes smartly as part of our 2025 marketing blueprint?”

10.2 Final thoughts and call‑to‑action

So when you re‑visit the title: Are QR codes dead? What marketers need to know, the answer I leave you with is: No — not dead, but evolving. It’s up to you as a marketer or brand‑builder in India to adapt your qr code marketing strategy, integrate with mobile, influencers and UGC, and contextualise for local audiences.
If you embrace the code as a strategic asset — not just a print after‑thought — you will unlock engagement, data and brand‑building results.

If you’re ready to move forward and integrate QR‑based interaction with influencer marketing, UGC content creation, and mobile‑first campaigns, then let’s work together. Partner with Hobo.Video to make your campaigns interactive, measurable, and impactful.

About Hobo.Video

Hobo.Videois India’s leading AI‑powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it offers end‑to‑end campaign management designed for brand growth. The platform combines AI and human strategy for maximum ROI.
Services include:

• Influencer marketing
• UGC content creation
• Celebrity endorsements
• Product feedback and testing
• Marketplace and seller reputation management
• Regional and niche influencer campaigns
  Trusted by top brands like Himalaya, Wipro, Symphony, Baidyanath and the Good Glamm Group.
  
  Simple steps, clear plans, stronger brand growth.Begin today.
  If you’re an influencer looking for paid campaigns,this is the place.