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QR Code Trends for 2025: How Key Industries Are Evolving

QR codes continue to gain popularity and are being implemented across a wide range of industries — from marketing and education to healthcare and finance. Their simplicity, versatility, and convenience make them an ideal solution for businesses seeking digital transformation and enhanced user experiences. Below is an overview of the key industries where QR codes already play a significant role and are expected to expand further in 2025.

Marketing

QR codes have become the driving force behind some of the most high-profile and talked-about marketing campaigns — from Marvel series and football jerseys to drone light shows with over 400 synchronized drones. Well-known marketer Neil Patel highlights QR codes as one of the smartest strategies for connecting offline and online audiences. Their main advantage lies in the ability to track campaign performance in real-time.

  • Online retail is projected to reach $1.1 trillion in 2024 (Juniper Research).

  • QR code coupon redemptions will exceed 5.3 billion.

  • The market value of QR tags will grow by $2.1 billion by 2027.

  • QR label usage will grow at a CAGR of 8.9% over five years.

QR codes allow businesses to add calls-to-action, direct users to specific content, and customize messaging — all within a single scan.

Education

The education sector is actively using QR codes for:

  • attendance tracking,

  • digital material distribution,

  • managing hybrid learning environments.

According to Fierce Education, blended learning will remain part of the educational landscape through 2025, with QR codes continuing to support digital workflows.

Event Industry

According to a 2024 report by Upmetric, 47% of event organizers are using QR codes for:

  • guest registration,

  • contactless ticketing,

  • digital invitations,

  • networking opportunities,

  • event marketing.

This trend is expected to grow even stronger in 2025.

E-Commerce

From 2021 to 2023, the use of QR codes in e-commerce surged by 433%. In 2024, 65% of businesses in the industry actively use QR codes for:

  • instant product information access,

  • simplified checkout processes,

  • exclusive promotions.

Millennials and Gen Z consumers are especially receptive to this technology, valuing its accessibility and interactivity.

Entertainment and Culture

QR codes are increasingly appearing in TV shows, films, museums, and broadcast media. Notable examples include Marvel comics, Love, Death + Robots, Moon Knight, and You (Netflix).

They help:

  • promote products,

  • offer additional content,

  • engage audiences with exclusive material.

Manufacturing and Retail

According to Digimarc, 63% of QR code scans in retail occur outside business hours, helping stores generate sales around the clock. Manufacturers use QR codes for:

  • shipment tracking,

  • inventory management,

  • product authentication.

The market for mobile QR code payments is expected to reach $35.07 billion by 2030, and GS1 standards are set to replace traditional barcodes with QR codes by 2027.

Hospitality

Since the pandemic, 88% of restaurants have expressed a desire to switch to digital menus, and 61% are implementing contactless payment options. QR codes support:

  • real-time menu updates,

  • cost savings on printed menus,

  • service optimization with minimal staff,

  • faster payments and increased table turnover.

Hotels are also adopting QR codes, allowing guests to book rooms, order services, pay online, and leave reviews — all via a single code.

Financial Sector

According to Juniper Research, global QR code payments will surpass $3 trillion by 2025, and the number of users in the U.S. is expected to more than double. Banks and services like PayPal, WeChat, and Alipay are integrating QR code payment features.

QR codes:

  • allow customers to pay bills without queues or cash,

  • connect with ATMs and POS terminals,

  • simplify access to financial services.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

QR codes are being used for:

  • patient identification,

  • medication tracking,

  • providing dosage instructions.

Examples include:

  • PANTHERx Pharmacy delivers instructions and resources via QR codes.

  • CVS and Walgreens introduced QR-based payments through PayPal and Venmo.

  • Several countries continue to use QR COVID certificates.

QR codes have already proven their efficiency and versatility. In 2025, they are expected to become an even more integral part of digital infrastructure across all major sectors — including the fast-growing market for digital business cards.