Analysis of QR Code Usage in 2024
The adoption of smartphones plays a crucial role in increasing the prevalence of QR codes. By this year, the global number of smartphone users has reached 7.1 billion, highlighting the demand for mobile technologies, including QR codes. In this context, user-generated dynamic QR codes have registered a total of 6,825,842 scans, representing a 433% increase compared to 2021.
Here are the top ten countries with the highest number of QR code scans in 2024:
- USA – 43.96%
- India – 9.33%
- France – 4%
- Spain – 2.91%
- Canada – 2.65%
- Brazil – 2.13%
- Saudi Arabia – 1.92%
- United Kingdom – 1.69%
- Colombia – 1.60%
- Russia – 1.49%
The annual growth in QR code creation was 47%
Besides the increase in scans, there has been a significant rise in the creation of QR codes, with a yearly growth of 47% worldwide. On average, 8 QR codes are created every minute, demonstrating the high popularity and usage of QR codes.
Most Common Uses of QR Codes
According to the latest report, the ten most popular uses of QR codes include:
- URL – 47.68%
- Files – 23.71%
- Business cards – 13.08%
- Bio links in social networks – 3.40%
- MP3 – 3.39%
- Landing pages (HTML) – 2.98%
- App Store – 1.17%
- Google Forms – 1.02%
- Menu – 0.99%
- Text – 0.71%
Of all the dynamic QR codes created using online generators, 47.68% are URL-QR codes, which is logical considering that the main purpose of QR codes is to redirect to web links.
Multi-URL QR code technology provides a unique opportunity for users to access various links depending on location, number of scans, time, and language. Claeys supports the potential of this technology, citing the collaboration with Gary Vaynerchuk's NFT project, VeeFriends, which required a solution for generating a new link with each QR code scan.
Claeys believes in the growing popularity of multi-URL QR codes along with the expansion of dynamic QR codes' functionality. It's important to recognize that QR codes represent more than just a way to access websites. Here are some key facts and statistics highlighting the growth and diversity of QR code usage:
- 8 QR codes are created every minute, showcasing the broad application of this technology. Brands such as Hershey’s, Pepsi, Burger King, and McDonald’s are actively integrating QR codes into their strategies. There are about 20 specialized solutions for QR codes, allowing companies to use them for a variety of purposes.
- More than 47% of QR code usage is attributed to URL-QR codes, making them the most popular choice. The BlueBite report on QR code scanning revealed various reasons people scan QR codes, including curiosity, obtaining coupons, and wanting to learn more about a product.
- Customized QR codes with a call to action are scanned 80% more often than standard ones. Trust and security play a key role in increasing the use of QR codes. According to research, most Americans regularly use QR codes, and about 80% trust their safety.