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YouTube QR code generator

Type your channel's handle, or paste the link to any video, Short or playlist. Scanning the code opens it in the YouTube app if it is installed, or in the browser if not.

YouTube QR code generator

What should the code open?
Social details
Colors, size and logo

Higher levels survive damage and logos but make the code denser.

Your image stays on your device. Adding a logo switches error correction to High.

Example QR code

Example. Fill in the form to make yours.

Static code. Free forever. It never expires.

How to make a YouTube QR code

  1. Copy the link from YouTube

    On a video, tap Share and Copy link. For your channel, type your handle, like @yourchannel.

  2. Paste it into the generator

    YouTube is already selected. Paste the link or handle into the second field.

  3. Scan, then download

    Check the code opens the right video or channel, then download SVG for print or PNG for screens.

The generator accepts a handle or any YouTube link. Pick the one that matches what you want people to see:

  • Your channel: type your handle, like @yourchannel. It opens your channel page with your latest videos.
  • One video: tap Share on the video and copy the link. A youtu.be link is shorter than the full address, which makes a simpler code.
  • A Short: share links for Shorts work the same way and open in the Shorts player.
  • A playlist: open the playlist, tap Share and copy the link. Good for course material and tutorial series.
  • A live stream: use the link to the stream’s page, or your channel’s live link if you stream regularly.
  • Start at a moment: add ?t=90 to a youtu.be link to start 90 seconds in. If the link already has a ?, use &t=90 instead.
  • Ask people to subscribe: add ?sub_confirmation=1 to your channel link.
  • Keep it stable: your channel ID link survives a handle change. A handle link is easier to read but breaks if you rename.

Each of these makes a regular YouTube link, so the code is still a static code that never expires.

Where YouTube codes work well

  • Merch and packaging. A code on a T-shirt tag, sticker or product box that opens your channel.
  • Live events and talks. Put a code on your last slide that opens the recording or your channel.
  • Classrooms and training. Handouts with a code next to each exercise, opening the matching video at the right minute.
  • Product manuals. A code on the box that opens the setup video saves pages of instructions.
  • Posters and flyers for gigs, shows and launches, opening the trailer.

For other platforms, the Instagram QR code page covers profiles, posts and reels, and there are pages for TikTok and LinkedIn codes too. The same generator also handles Facebook and X.

Make it look like your channel

Open “Colors, size and logo” to use your channel colour or add your logo in the centre. Keep the code dark on a light background so every phone can read it. The logo guide explains how big a logo can safely be.

Before you print

Scan the code with an iPhone and an Android phone, with and without the YouTube app installed if you can. Check it opens the right video, at the right time, and that the video is public or unlisted, not private. Print at least 2 cm (0.8 in) wide for close range and much bigger for posters. If it will not scan, see why won’t my QR code scan?

Questions people ask

How do I make a QR code for my YouTube channel?

Choose YouTube and type your handle, with or without the @. The code opens youtube.com/@yourhandle, which goes to your channel's home page.

Can the code start a video at a specific time?

Yes. Add a time to the link: for example, youtu.be/VIDEO_ID?t=90 starts 90 seconds in. On YouTube you can also tick Start at under Share before copying the link.

Does YouTube have its own QR code?

YouTube can show a QR code for your channel in the app, but you cannot style it, choose a file type or make one for a single video. A code from here works for any YouTube link and downloads as SVG, PNG or JPG.

Will the code break if I change my handle?

A code made from your handle will stop finding your channel if you change the handle. For long-lasting print, use your channel ID link instead, which looks like youtube.com/channel/UC followed by letters and numbers. You can find it in YouTube's advanced settings.

Why did my YouTube QR code stop working?

The video was deleted or made private, the handle changed, or the code came from a service that switched it off. Codes from here hold the YouTube link itself, so they keep working as long as the video or channel exists.

Can I make a code that asks people to subscribe?

Yes. Add ?sub_confirmation=1 to the end of your channel link. When people open it, YouTube shows a prompt to subscribe.