QR Code Usage Statistics in 2024: Global Trends

QR codes have become an integral part of the modern world, significantly simplifying the process of obtaining information and making transactions. The global report on QR code trends and statistics for 2024, showing their evolution into full-fledged electronic business cards, demonstrates impressive results of this technology's usage across various countries and industries.

USA: Leader in Scanning Activity

The USA continues to lead in QR code usage. From 2022 to 2023, the US share of the global scan volume grew from 42.2% to 43.9%, an increase of 10.72%. According to Statista, in 2023, 91 million smartphone users in the US scanned QR codes, and this number is expected to increase by another 16 million by 2025.

The main types of QR codes used in the USA include URL, File, and vCard. These solutions are actively utilized by businesses to enhance customer service quality and increase productivity.

India: Second Most Significant Country by Scan Volume

India ranks second in the world by the number of QR code scans, accounting for 9.3% of the global volume. This is 32.9% less than the US, but India showed a growth of 3.30% compared to the previous year, totaling 1,101,723 scans.

The widespread use of QR codes in India is driven by government initiatives such as BharatQR and Paytm. These solutions provide seamless transactions between banks and payment apps, contributing to the active use of QR codes in daily life.

France: Third in the World for QR Code Scans

France ranks third with 4.0% of global scans, an increase of 51.14% compared to the previous year. QR codes in France are widely used in tourism, government services, transportation, marketing, and advertising.

The technology is actively used for ticket sales and transportation, for example, by the National Railway Company of France (SNCF) and Paris Public Transport (RATP), providing access to stations and real-time information.

Industry Trend Analysis for QR Code Usage

QR codes have found their application in many industries, and their usage continues to grow.

Retail

Retail sees the highest activity in QR code scanning. In the US, 42% of shoppers scan QR codes in stores, and 54% of young shoppers use them regularly, highlighting the technology's appeal to a younger audience.

Restaurants

Restaurants and food service establishments also actively use QR codes. In 2023, QR code usage in fast food establishments reached 41%, increasing engagement and order volume.

Logistic

Logistics and supply chains rank third in QR code usage activity. According to the Global Zebra Index 2023, 83% of respondents worldwide consider QR codes essential for their operations, enhancing inventory management accuracy and efficiency.

Travel and Tourism

The travel and tourism industry has seen a significant increase in QR code usage. In Belgium, the number of QR code scans providing tram schedules, audio guides, and 3D models increased by 210%.

Marketing and Advertising

In marketing and advertising, QR code scanning activity increased by 323% from 2021 to 2023. In 2022, more than 5.3 billion QR code coupons were redeemed worldwide, underscoring their importance for businesses.

Everyday Scenarios for QR Code Technology Usage

Major global brands are actively incorporating QR codes into their campaigns:

Starbucks implemented QR codes for contactless orders and payments, increasing the number of transactions. PepsiCo used augmented reality QR codes during the 10th anniversary of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, boosting engagement by 20%. Amazon uses QR codes to provide product information, increasing page views by 15%. McDonald’s uses QR codes for table service customization and loyalty programs, raising customer satisfaction by 10%.

In conclusion, the statistics and trends for QR code usage in 2024 demonstrate that this technology continues to gain popularity and is becoming an increasingly integral part of our daily lives.