Introduction

Over the past decade, QR codes have gone from curious tech novelty to a staple of daily life. From restaurant menus to event tickets and payment gateways, they were everywhere. Yet, in 2025, brands and marketers are asking the hard question: Trend analysis: “Are QR Codes Dead?” Are consumers still scanning them, or has the charm worn off? With mobile habits evolving, NFC technology spreading, and digital wallets becoming ubiquitous, understanding QR code usage statistics and consumer behavior is critical for Indian brands.

In this article, we explore QR code marketing trends, adoption rates in 2025, and real-world applications. Along the way, you’ll see how platforms like Hobo.Video, India’s top influencer marketing company, leverage UGC videos and AI influencer marketing to integrate QR codes effectively, boosting campaign performance while creating authentic brand engagement.

1. What Are QR Codes?

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that instantly link users to digital content when scanned via smartphone cameras. They are the bridge between offline experiences, think print ads or product packaging and online digital engagement.

More than mere links, QR codes track engagement, measure conversions, and collect actionable consumer insights. In India, QR codes surged post-2020, largely due to platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay, which made them a core part of everyday transactions. But the question remains: do these codes still capture consumer attention, or has their effectiveness plateaued?

2. QR Code Adoption in 2025

Despite talk of obsolescence, QR codes remain surprisingly resilient. According to Statista, over 500 million Indians still engage with QR codes monthly. Urban centers and Tier-2 cities lead this adoption, reflecting the growing penetration of smartphones and digital payments beyond metro hubs. A key factor behind such widespread use by businesses is that they are free and easy to generate. Using aQR code generator,anyone can make a QR code quick and easily.

Key factors sustaining adoption:

• Digital Payments: QR codes are central to UPI and wallet transactions.
• Contactless Engagement: Post-pandemic habits continue to favor QR scanning in restaurants, transport, and retail.
• Marketing Campaigns: Brands link offline promotions to online content via QR codes, often amplified with influencer campaigns.

Still, newer technologies like NFC and app-driven interactions are vying for attention, meaning QR codes must evolve to remain relevant.

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3. Are QR Codes Still Relevant?

Marketers often debate whether QR codes maintain value. The answer is nuanced.

• High relevance in context: QR codes excel in event check-ins, FMCG packaging, and bridging offline-to-online engagement.
• Limitations among younger audiences: Millennials and Gen Z often prefer seamless app-based or NFC experiences.
• Enhanced by integrated campaigns: When combined with influencer marketing, AI, and UGC content, QR codes achieve higher engagement and measurable ROI.

For Indian brands, QR codes are far from obsolete, they’re tools that require strategic placement and context-driven execution.

4. QR Code Usage Statistics

Data-driven insights reveal that QR codes still drive engagement when used intelligently:

• Over 500 million monthly scans occur across India (Statista 2025).
• Adoption in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities has jumped 30% since 2022.
• Retail conversion averages 2–3%, with FMCG and food sectors performing best.
• Age demographics: 18–35-year-olds dominate scans; adoption tapers with older age groups.

These stats highlight a critical opportunity: combining QR codes with influencer marketing and AI-powered UGC campaigns can significantly amplify engagement.

5. QR Codes vs NFC Technology

Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand how each technology fits into modern consumer habits. QR codes remain accessible and cost-effective, while NFC offers speed and seamless interaction. Choosing the right tool depends on campaign goals, audience tech-savviness, and context. The debate between QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is common. Brands must weigh the pros and cons carefully:

QR Codes:

• Cost-effective and simple to implement.
• Compatible with almost any smartphone.
• Offers measurable analytics for marketers.

NFC Technology:

• Seamless, tap-based interactions.
• Requires NFC-enabled devices.
• Higher setup costs.

Hybrid strategies using QR codes for accessibility and NFC for premium touchpoints—often deliver the most practical ROI.

6. QR Code Marketing Examples

Smart brands use QR codes not only for utility but also for engagement. These codes act as bridges between offline touchpoints and digital content, making campaigns interactive and measurable.

6.1 FMCG Campaigns

QR codes have transformed FMCG marketing by connecting packaging with digital experiences. Amul and Parle embed QR codes on products, linking to recipes, contests, and influencer-led UGC content. These campaigns are highly shareable, driving organic reach and engagement.

6.2 Retail and Restaurants

In retail and F&B sectors, QR codes enhance convenience and customer interaction. Zomato and McDonald’s employ them for contactless menus and loyalty rewards. When paired with influencer promotions, engagement and repeat usage spike significantly.

6.3 E-commerce and Payments

Paytm and PhonePe integrate QR codes into offline stores and digital campaigns, increasing repeat scans and strengthening retention. QR codes act as a seamless bridge between offline stores and online campaigns. Paytm and PhonePe integrate them to simplify payments, increase repeat scans, and strengthen retention through personalized campaigns.

6.4 Event Marketing

Concerts, trade shows, and expos leverage QR codes for ticketing, personalized experiences, and social sharing. Coupling this with top influencers in India drives authenticity and wider visibility. Events leverage QR codes for effortless ticketing, check-ins, and personalized experiences. Concerts, trade shows, and expos benefit from pairing QR campaigns with top influencers in India to boost authenticity and reach wider audiences.

7. Consumer Behavior and QR Codes

Understanding user behavior is key to QR code success. Scans happen only when users see clear value, trust the source, and feel motivated to engage. Brands need to align campaigns with real-life needs and expectations:

• Instant gratification: Discounts, offers, or content must load quickly.
• Trust signals: Verified brands and secure platforms encourage scanning.
• Social proof: QR campaigns endorsed by influencers garner more engagement.

Platforms like Hobo.Video optimize these insights, running AI-powered influencer campaigns in India that integrate QR codes seamlessly with UGC videos, driving measurable outcomes.

8. Challenges with QR Codes

Understanding how consumers interact with QR codes is essential for effective campaigns. Users engage only when scanning delivers clear value, trust, and relevance. Insights into behavior help brands design campaigns that resonate and drive measurable results. Even with advantages, QR codes face hurdles:

• Over-saturation: Too many QR codes dilute user attention.
• User friction: Poorly placed codes or slow-loading landing pages frustrate users.
• Privacy concerns: Campaigns must comply with regulations and respect user data.
• Competition from apps and NFC: Younger users often prefer app-native or tap-based solutions.

Strategic placement, influencer endorsement, and AI-driven personalization help brands overcome these obstacles.

9. Future of QR Codes

The evolution of QR codes is ongoing. Emerging technologies, AI integration, and regional targeting are shaping how brands will use them in 2025 and beyond. Forward-looking strategies focus on engagement, personalization, and immersive experiences:

• Dynamic QR codes allow real-time content updates without reprinting.
• AI & UGC integration: Influencers can link content directly to QR scans for authentic engagement.
• Augmented reality experiences: Scanning a code can unlock immersive digital content.
• Regional targeting: Tailoring content for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities enhances relevance and adoption.

Ultimately, QR codes are far from dead, they are adapting to smarter, personalized marketing strategies.

Conclusion & Key Learnings

• QR codes remain relevant when paired with influencer campaigns and AI-powered UGC.
• Understanding consumer behavior is critical to success.
• Hybrid QR + NFC strategies deliver maximum ROI.
• Data-driven optimization enhances campaign performance.
• Regional targeting amplifies engagement in India’s diverse markets.

Platforms like Hobo.Video enable brands to scale QR code campaigns effectively using AI influencer marketing and UGC videos.

About Hobo.Video

Hobo.Video is India’s leading AI-powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it delivers end-to-end campaign management for brand growth.

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.

Brands, founders, and creators can register with Hobo.Video today to scale campaigns using QR codes, AI influencer marketing, and UGC videos.

Want creators who drive real, unconventional brand growth?Register now and launch your campaign.

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