YouTube QR Code Generator

Link printed material to a video. Scan and watch a tutorial, product demo, recipe, lesson or your channel. You can even make the video start at the exact moment you choose.

Fill in the form to create your QR code.

Made in your browser — nothing you type is uploaded.

How to make a YouTube QR code

Open the video, Short, playlist or channel on YouTube and copy the link (Share → Copy link), or type your channel handle, such as @yourchannel.
Optionally enter a start time like 2:15 to jump straight to the important part. This is great for long tutorials.
Download the code and test it: the video should open in the YouTube app on phones.

Smart link handling

Long YouTube links make dense QR codes that are harder to scan. This tool automatically shortens video and Shorts links to the compact youtu.be form and removes tracking parameters, so your code has fewer modules and scans faster from further away, even when printed small.

Creative ways to use a YouTube QR code

Product packaging and manuals: “Scan to watch the setup video”. Fewer support calls and returns.
Recipes and cookbooks: link each recipe to its cooking video.
Classrooms and textbooks: teachers add codes to worksheets that open an explanation video. See our guide on QR codes in education.
Real estate: a property tour video on the “For sale” board.
Musicians and creators: on posters, merch and CD sleeves to grow subscribers.
Weddings and events: share the highlight video or live stream with guests.

Video, playlist or channel: which should you link?

Link a single video when the scan has one clear purpose, such as an instruction or a demo. Link a playlist for a course or series, because new videos you add appear automatically. Link your channel on business cards and general marketing to grow subscribers. Tip: link a playlist and you can change what people see later without reprinting the code.

Printing tips

Add a play-button icon or the words “Watch the video” next to the code so people know what to expect.
Print at least 2 cm (0.8 inch) for packaging and larger for posters.
Make sure the video is public or unlisted. Private videos show an error to everyone except you.

Frequently asked questions

Does the QR code open the YouTube app?

Yes. On phones with the YouTube app the video opens in the app; otherwise it plays in the browser.

Can I make the video start at a specific time?

Yes. Enter the start time as minutes:seconds and the code adds it to the link. This works for single videos.

Will an unlisted video work?

Yes. Unlisted videos open for anyone with the link or QR code. Private videos do not.

Can I link to a YouTube Short?

Yes. Paste the Shorts link and it is converted into a short, scannable video link.

Is it free?

Yes, completely free with no watermark, and the code never expires.