Best QR Code Campaigns of the Year: Lessons from Global Brands

From billboard takeovers to shoppable TV moments, QR codes have proven they’re not a fading tech fad—they’re a serious player in modern marketing. In this roundup, we’ll explore the best QR code campaigns of the year, break down what made them go viral, and extract actionable insights you can apply to your own brand. This evergreen content doubles as both marketing inspiration and a case study-packed guide.

The Rise of QR Code Campaigns: Why Now?

In 2025, QR code marketing isn’t just back—it’s evolved. Brands worldwide are using QR campaigns to bridge digital and physical worlds, gather first-party data, and deliver seamless user experiences. The increased use of mobile payments, app integrations, and generative design has positioned QR codes at the center of next-generation campaigns.

Internal link: Why QR Codes Work for Modern Marketing

1. Coinbase’s Super Bowl Ad: Simplicity Goes Viral

Campaign Highlight: A bouncing QR code on a black screen.

Impact: Over 20 million visits in under a minute.

Lesson: Minimalism and mystery generate curiosity. Coinbase leveraged FOMO and gamified engagement with a time-limited crypto giveaway behind the scan.

Takeaway: Don’t overcomplicate. Sometimes, a single QR code and clever timing are all you need.

2. Starbucks Japan’s AR Campaign

Campaign Highlight: AR experiences triggered by scanning product packaging.

Impact: 68% engagement rate, 30% increase in repeat purchases.

Lesson: Contextual QR usage enhances the experience. Starbucks localised their QR codes to unlock limited-edition filters and geo-targeted rewards.

Takeaway: Blend QR codes with immersive tech like AR to increase time-on-brand.

Internal link: How to Design Interactive QR Codes

3. Heinz: “Ketchup Fraud” in Brazil

Campaign Highlight: A clever anti-counterfeit campaign using QR codes on labels.

Impact: Scans led to instant verification and storytelling content.

Lesson: Use QR codes as a trust anchor. Heinz educated consumers on authenticity while reinforcing its premium brand image.

Takeaway: Security + storytelling = brand loyalty.

4. Amazon Prime’s Shoppable TV Moments

Campaign Highlight: QR codes embedded in scenes during Amazon Originals.

Impact: 3x more likely to convert viewers into shoppers.

Lesson: Real-time shoppability drives action. Amazon turned entertainment into e-commerce with non-intrusive QR placement.

Takeaway: Integrate QR codes natively into your content, not just as overlays.

5. Burberry’s Streetwear Drop with Snapchat

Campaign Highlight: Location-based QR codes unlock exclusive AR try-ons.

Impact: Sold out in under 24 hours.

Lesson: Scarcity and surprise work wonders. Burberry gamified the fashion hunt and rewarded engagement with early access.

Takeaway: Exclusive rewards behind QR scans increase urgency and brand engagement.

Internal link: Using QR Codes for Fashion and Retail

6. PepsiCo’s Recycle & Reward Campaign

Campaign Highlight: QR codes on vending machines encouraging recycling.

Impact: 5 million scans, 2 million behavioural data points collected.

Lesson: QR campaigns can drive impact and insight. PepsiCo used them as tools for social good and customer profiling.

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the data side of QR codes.

7. McDonald’s Singapore: Scan-to-Win on Packaging

Campaign Highlight: Customers scan the fries box to play instant-win games.

Impact: 20% increase in mobile app downloads during the campaign.

Lesson: Connect QR with rewards. Everyone loves a chance to win, especially with everyday products.

Takeaway: Gamification converts passive consumers into active participants.

8. Adidas x Confirmed App Integration

Campaign Highlight: Product launch QR codes tied to the Confirmed app.

Impact: 80% app traffic surge during campaign week.

Lesson: Loyalty lives in the app ecosystem. Adidas embedded QR scans as a step in the product access funnel.

Takeaway: Use QR codes as an app bridge, not just a web redirection.

Internal link: QR Codes for App Growth & Loyalty

9. BBC Earth’s Immersive Wildlife Ads

Campaign Highlight: Bus stop QR codes launched full-screen 3d animal encounters.

Impact: 600% longer engagement compared to standard OOH ads.

Lesson: Real-world placements + digital immersion can spark emotion. BBC turned the public space into experiential storytelling.

Takeaway: Bring physical spaces to life using QR-triggered media.

10. Coca-Cola’s Personalised Bottle Messages

Campaign Highlight: Scan and leave a message on a virtual bottle.

Impact: 3 million personalised messages sent globally.

Lesson: Personalisation scales through QR. Coke used it to deepen its emotional connection with its product.

Takeaway: Let your customers co-create the experience.

Common Threads: What These QR Code Campaigns Have in Common

• Mobile-first execution
• Integrated experiences, not just redirections
• Data collection meets user value
• Emotional, gamified, or immersive design
• Cross-platform storytelling (TV, print, packaging, AR)

Internal link: The Psychology of QR Code Engagement

How to Create Your Top-Tier QR Code Campaign

✅ Choose a clear goal: downloads, data, sales, engagement
✅ Design for scanability and context
✅ Use dynamic QR codes for updates and analytics
✅ Tie in storytelling, rewards, or interactivity
✅ Track KPIS like scan rates, time on page, and conversions
✅ Link campaigns with first-party data capture

Internal link: Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: What to Choose

Inspiration Meets Action

The campaigns above show that QR codes can drive millions of interactions, deepen loyalty, and spark viral moments when done right. From fashion to food to fintech, every industry has the chance to craft something unforgettable.