YouTube has introduced a new feature that makes it easier to share your channel with others by using QR codes. This new sharing option is available directly through the YouTube app on both Android and iOS devices. If you're a content creator, this feature can be a handy tool to promote your channel, especially in physical spaces where people can scan your QR code with their smartphones.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create and use a QR code for your YouTube channel.
Step 1: Access the QR Code Feature
To begin, open the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device. Navigate to the "You" tab, which is usually where you manage your channel and account settings. Once there, scroll through the carousel located beneath your channel handle. You will find an option labeled “Share channel.” This is where you’ll find different ways to share your channel, including the new QR code option.
Step 2: Generate Your QR Code
After selecting “Share channel,” YouTube’s share sheet will pop up, showing several options like "Copy link," "Quick Share," and various apps you can share to. Among these options, you will now see “QR code.” Tap on this option, and YouTube will generate a QR code for your channel.
The QR code will appear on a fullscreen page. The page will display your channel name and handle, with your channel’s logo positioned at the center of the QR code. This is a neat feature, as it gives the QR code a branded look, making it more personalized and professional. Below the QR code, you’ll notice a YouTube logo, which further enhances its authenticity and makes it instantly recognizable.
Step 3: Save or Share Your QR Code
Once your QR code is generated, you have a couple of options. You can take a screenshot of the QR code, or, more conveniently, you can use the “Save to camera roll” option. Saving it to your camera roll makes it easy to access later and allows you to share it wherever and whenever you want.
If you plan to use the QR code in physical spaces, such as on flyers, business cards, or posters, saving it to your camera roll is particularly useful. It ensures that you have a high-quality version of the QR code that can be printed or displayed digitally.
Step 4: Accessing the QR Code from Any Channel
In addition to generating a QR code for your own channel, you can also create a QR code for any other YouTube channel. To do this, go to the channel page of the desired channel. Tap the three-dot menu located in the upper right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select “Share,” and then choose “QR Code.” The QR code for that channel will be generated, and you can save or share it just like you would with your own channel’s QR code.
Why Use YouTube’s QR Code Feature?
Using YouTube’s built-in QR code generator is a great way to share your channel because it offers a first-party solution with YouTube’s branding. This means you don’t have to rely on third-party QR code generators, which may not offer the same level of quality or branding. The QR code feature is a simple yet effective way to reach a wider audience, both online and offline.
Whether you’re promoting your channel at an event, sharing it in a physical space, or just looking for an easy way for people to find you online, YouTube’s QR code feature makes sharing your channel a breeze. Give it a try and see how it can help grow your audience.