2024 is coming to a close, and QR codes have proven to be one of the most versatile tools in marketing. Brands across industries pushed creative boundaries, using QR codes to blend the physical and digital worlds, drive customer engagement, and achieve remarkable results. From boosting sales to fostering brand loyalty, these campaigns highlighted the immense potential of QR codes in modern marketing strategies.
Let’s understand the key takeaways from the top QR code campaigns in 2024 and implement them in your branding strategy for 2025.
The objectives, applications, and results of the top 7 QR code campaigns of 2024.
1. KitKat Candy Crush QR code
KitKat’s collaboration with Candy Crush made product packaging a gateway to interactive entertainment, strengthening brand engagement.
Industry and objective
KitKat aimed to:
- Engage customers through mobile gaming.
- Boost sales with rewarding experiences.
- Build brand loyalty with a global game partnership.
Application
KitKat placed QR codes on packaging, offering:
- Exclusive Candy Crush rewards (boosters, free lives)
- A seamless offline-to-online engagement experience
Results
- Increased sales through incentivized purchases
- Higher engagement from thousands of scans
- A strengthened brand association with entertainment
2. Britannia QR code campaign
Britannia transformed its Winkin’ Cow milkshake bottles into an interactive AR Cricket game using QR codes, creating a fun and immersive brand experience.
Industry and objective
Britannia aimed to:
- Engage cricket-loving consumers in India.
- Boost product sales through gamified marketing.
- Strengthen brand loyalty with an innovative campaign.
Application
Britannia placed QR codes on Winkin’ Cow milkshake bottles, enabling:
- Instant access to an AR Cricket game where the bottle became a virtual bat
- An engaging offline-to-online journey through interactive entertainment
Results
- Increased consumer participation and social media buzz
- Enhanced brand visibility among younger, tech-savvy audiences
- Valuable insights into consumer preferences via QR code scan data
3. McDonald’s QR code campaign
McDonald’s partnered with Frank’s RedHot to create one of the most memorable QR code campaigns that blended exclusivity and interactivity, appealing to a younger, tech-driven audience.
Industry and objective
McDonald’s sought to:
- Engage Gen Z through “drop culture” exclusivity.
- Build hype for the McSpicy Frank’s RedHot Chicken Burger.
- Strengthen its brand’s association with bold flavors.
Application
McDonald’s used QR codes in its OOH campaign to provide:
- Early access to tasting boxes via a secret website
- A seamless experience through billboard and poster QR codes, supported by a FOMO-driven digital campaign
Results
- High engagement as Gen Z embraced the exclusive offer
- Strengthened brand synergy with Frank’s RedHot
- Increased excitement leading up to the burger’s wide-release
💡Explore more: A similar QR campaign of Kartik Meals for McDonald’s India
4. Zepto QR code campaign
New brands came up with some crazy QR code campaigns, and Zepto followed suit. It transformed its delivery bags into nostalgic touchpoints, fostering emotional connections with customers and standing out in the crowded quick-commerce market.
Industry and objective
Zepto aimed to:
- Differentiate itself in a competitive quick-delivery space.
- Strengthen customer relationships with emotional appeal.
- Provide a value-added experience beyond fast service.
Application
Zepto integrated QR codes on delivery bags to offer:
- Personalized nostalgia with content that evoked childhood memories
- Accessibility while ensuring effortless interaction for all users
- Seamless innovation without disrupting the primary service of swift deliveries
Results
- Improved brand loyalty through emotional engagement
- High customer interaction rates as the campaign became a conversation starter
- Positive brand sentiment, reinforcing Zepto’s position as a thoughtful and innovative service
5. AutoZone QR code campaign
AutoZone utilized QR codes strategically to enhance customer experiences, simplify processes, and address challenges with its previous QR service providers.
Industry and objective
AutoZone aimed to:
- Unify branding across its campaigns.
- Enable post-creation QR code editing for flexibility.
- Gain actionable insights into customer interactions.
Application
AutoZone leveraged QR codes in three targeted ways:
- Getting users to Google Reviews pages for easy feedback submission
- Quick access to product guides and specifications
- Simplified app downloads through promotional materials
Results
- Streamlined customer journeys, boosting satisfaction
- Significant increase in app downloads, expanding AutoZone’s user base
- Detailed analytics to refine campaign performance and strategies
6. Unstop QR code campaign
Unstop’s 2024 campaign demonstrated how humor, creativity, and QR codes could resonate with Gen Z, driving record-breaking registrations for their competitions.
Industry and objective
Unstop aimed to:
- Engage Gen Z through authentic and relatable communication.
- Drive registrations for engineering student competitions.
- Use QR codes as an effortless call-to-action tool.
Application
Unstop partnered with Ginger Monkey to deliver a creative, Gen Z-focused campaign featuring:
- Meme-inspired phrases and slang captured the attention of their tech-savvy audience
- Prominent billboards featured QR codes, simplifying registration
- The campaign’s humor aligned with Unstop’s youthful and engaging voice
Results
- Massive engagement of 1,92,38,341 website impressions
- Social media buzz with 11,56,873 impressions across platforms
- Record-breaking sign-ups of over 5,17,000 engineering students registered
7. Travel with Us QR code campaign
Travel with Us revolutionized customer convenience and operational efficiency in 2024 by integrating dynamic QR codes into their travel services.
Industry and objective
Travel with Us set out to:
- Provide real-time updates for itineraries.
- Enhance educational experiences during institutional visits.
- Track tourist engagement for better insights.
- Reduce manual workload and printing costs.
Application
Dynamic QR codes played a pivotal role in:
- Linking to digital itineraries that could be updated instantly, ensuring real-time accuracy
- Offering multimedia content and resources during tours
- Using dashboards to monitor user interactions and refine services
- Minimizing manual updates and cutting printing costs
Results
- 3,455 QR codes deployed across various experiences
- 14.35 million scans showcasing customer participation and satisfaction
- Reduced manual tasks and printing needs, lowering costs
Conclusion
2024 has demonstrated that QR code campaigns are more than a trend—a dynamic and adaptable tool for creating meaningful consumer interactions. The year’s top campaigns highlighted the importance of creativity, personalization, and data-driven insights in driving engagement and achieving business goals.
As you plan your marketing strategies for 2025, consider emerging trends and experiment with innovative applications like QR codes. Such tools can elevate your campaigns by several notches and drive your success in the coming year.
Frequently asked questions
How can I ensure my QR code campaign stands out?
To make your QR code campaign memorable, focus on creativity and relevance. Align the content linked to your QR code with your target audience’s interests and needs. Incorporate an element of surprise, such as gamification, exclusive rewards, or interactive content, to keep users engaged.
How can QR codes help improve customer engagement?
QR codes provide instant access to valuable information, interactive content, and personalized experiences. They create opportunities for meaningful interactions by bridging the gap between offline and online engagement.
What challenges should I prepare for before launching a QR code campaign?
Some common challenges include low user engagement due to generic implementations, technical issues with scanning, and skepticism around privacy. Address these by innovating your approach, thoroughly testing your QR codes, and maintaining transparency.
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