QR Codes and Video
See this odd design above? This is called a Quick Response code, or QR code for short. The code has a white background with black squares placed based on a particular algorithm that ultimately when scanned by a QR scanner, will take the user to a desired destination based on the code creator’s choosing.
This particular one above leads to guest blogger’s site rookievideopro.com! The one below leads to our site spidvid.com! Take a second and scan them both when you get the chance, it’s pretty fun.
QR codes have the ability to store all sorts of information whether it be a website URL, text, a phone number, and even SMS. QR codes have been around since 1994 but have been mostly popular in Japan where they were created, so you likely haven’t heard of them until the last year or two.You might find these codes on the next bottle of medicine you purchase, or even on food packages at retail stores. I happened to pull my desk drawer open the other day and saw that my bottle of Tylenol had one on it. Here is a great explanation of what some of these little black boxes are:
As you can see, quite a bit of information can be saved in just one little area. So how could this be used in video you ask?! While I’m sure you can come up with plenty of creative ideas, here are a few I could think of off the top of my head:
- Being able to give your viewing audience information, or a site URL that they can visit without them having to write anything down.
- Automatically creating a text message for users to opt into your text messaging service to receive new content.
- Content branding.
- Secret messages and promotions.
- Access to unique content.
- Invitations to special events, like a release party.
Now at this point you’re probably wondering where to find an application to scan these codes, and the answer is probably right next to you, in your hand, or in your pocket. If you have a mobile phone, you can get access to a free QR scanner. Most smart phones have apps that can scan QR codes and tell you exactly what information is embedded in them.
Below is a list of 11 iPhone Apps that will scan QR codes:
- SocialWayne QR Code Reader [ itunes link]
- NeoReader [ itunes link]
- Optiscan [ itunes link]
- StickyBits [ itunes link]
- Barcode [ itunes link]
- QuickMark [ itunes link]
- TagReader [ itunes link]
- Redlaser [ itunes link]
- ScanLife [ itunes link]
- Mirascape [ itunes link]
- Best Buy [ itunes link]
Have an Android phone? They’ve got applications for QR scanners as well!
If you want to generate your own QR code(s) then head over to either Kaywa or Qurify and create one in less than a minute! Happy scanning!
If you like this post by guest blogger, Zephan Blaxberg, founder of RookieVideoPro.com please visit our website, the online source for video production tips, tools and gear. Follow Rookie Video Pro on twitter at@rookievideopro for the latest updates and information.
