Ever heard someone say your only limitation is your creativity? Well, they weren’t lying—the proof is in the pudding.
People have taken creativity to another level with QR Codes. From reaching broad audiences with drone QR Codes to commemorating loved ones with gravestone 2D barcodes, there truly is no limitation when it comes to clever ways to use QR Codes.
Recently, QR Code tattoos have become the talk of the town, with people all over the world going viral for ditching traditional tattoos for these scannable images. QR Code tattoos are a unique intersection of technology and art. So, it’s only deserving for them to get the limelight.
Here, we look at their functionality, how to get one, and what to consider before getting one.
What is a QR Code tattoo?
To understand a QR Code tattoo, you must first understand what a QR Code is. Think of a Quick Response (QR) Code as a bridge—only rather than joining an island and the mainland, it connects the physical world to the digital realm. The two-dimensional (2D) barcode links to various types of content, including videos, contact information, and images.
You can probably already guess what a QR Code tattoo is—it’s a form of body art involving QR Code technology. Unlike traditional tattoos, viewers need to scan your skin to see the hidden work of art.
QR Code tattoos became popular during and after the pandemic. One of the reasons behind this is that the pandemic brought QR Codes back to life, as businesses sought contactless transactions to minimize COVID-19 spread. The growing use of QR Codes in businesses sparked an interest in other QR Code functionalities, hence the viral QR Code tattoo trend.
QR Code tattoos aren’t to be confused with barcode tattoos. QR Code tattoos are more versatile, as they link to anything and everything—the possibilities for self-expression are endless.
Potential (and practical) uses for QR Codes
Americans don’t shy away from body art—roughly one-third of the population has tattoos. How do you stand out from the crowd? The answer lies in QR Codes.
They give you the power to link to whatever you want. And, if you choose a Dynamic QR Code, you can change what you link to whenever you want something different. Whether you want to carry family photos with you everywhere, a song on Spotify, your social media pages, or even a portfolio of your work, you can do so!
Personal or artistic expression
QR Code tattoos are the perfect tools for self-expression and art, as they allow you to share whichever content you have in mind. Whether you’re an artist looking for a seamless way to share your portfolio, an activist interested in getting attention for your cause, or simply someone who wants to share your thoughts with others, QR Code tattoos are the perfect medium.
Digital identity
A QR Code tattoo shows you keep up with the times. So, if you’re looking for a way to stay hip, look no further.
It allows you to present and carry your digital identity wherever you go, be it at a family function or professional networking event. And the best part? You have no limitation on what you can link it to—you can link to a digital portfolio or personal websites to share your work and thoughts.
Linking to websites or social media
If you want to build your social media following and presence, tattoo a Social Media QR Code to give viewers instant access to your platforms. If you’re a blogger, use a URL QR Code linked to your website to increase traffic.
Companies have already registered significant success using QR Codes to amplify their digital presence. One such company is Lay’s, the chip company. It used Facebook QR Codes to boost engagement, a strategy that worked perfectly—by the end of the campaign, over 71,000 people had scanned their Codes. And the company experienced an 8.3% growth in consumer engagement.
Sharing contact information
Looking for a way to share contact information in a unique and modern way? Look no further than QR Code tattoos. Getting a vCard QR Code tattoo lets you share your phone number, email address, and even physical address through a simple scan.
This can come in handy in various situations, including networking events or when you meet the person you see spending your life with (at least for the moment). A QR Code tattoo is an excellent way to stand out.
Business card
If we’re being honest, we’ve all forgotten to carry our business cards at some point and lost out on potential leads. How do you make sure this never happens again? With a scannable tattoo.
It can serve as a permanent business card, allowing you to network even when you don’t have your physical cards. All potential clients, partners, or investors need is a code scanner, which is embedded in practically all smartphones today.
Medical alerts
People living with chronic conditions or severe allergies often live in fear, as it’s not always possible to relay their medical information to medical personnel or contact loved ones. Various QR Code innovations help with medical alerts, including stickers and, now, tattoos. In 2021, Italian student Andrea Colonnetta tattooed his COVID-19 vaccination certificate on his arm, showing QR Code tattoos can be helpful for medical use.
With a QR Code tattoo linked to your medical or emergency contact information, medical professionals can offer better services. If you decide to get this type of QR Code tattoo, add accompanying text to show the QR Code is a medical alert so healthcare professionals know to scan it. The last thing you want is for your doctor to play the guessing game when you have all the information they need easily accessible.
How to create a QR Code for a tattoo
Creating the actual Code is the first step to getting a QR Code tattoo. Read on for tips on how to create a QR Code using Bitly.
Create your QR Code tattoo content
There are two main types of QR Codes: Static and Dynamic. As their names suggest, Static QR Codes contain fixed data, while Dynamic QR Codes contain editable data. If you opt for a Static QR Code tattoo, take the time to choose meaningful and timeless content, as you can’t change it once it’s inked on your skin.
If you’re on the fence and don’t know exactly what to get, we’ve got you covered! We provide free Dynamic QR Codes, allowing you to change or update the linked content so your tattoo never becomes obsolete.
Generate the QR Code
This step is easy if you find a high-quality, reliable service like Bitly. Here’s what to do if you choose Bitly QR Codes:
- Log into your Bitly account.
- Go to Create new.
- Enter the Destination URL and any relevant link details.
- Select Design your code to move onto the customization section
Customize your QR Code
Bitly allows your creativity and self-expression to shine by offering a customization feature for some paid plans. Your QR Code doesn’t have to take the typical black-and-white appearance if you want something more upbeat. Here’s how to customize it with Bitly:
- After creating your QR Code, tap Design your code.
- Choose your preferred colors—you can use Bitly’s color picker or enter a hex, RGB, or HSL color code.
- Add a custom logo—you can use social media icons, select Bitly’s logo, or upload your preferred logo.
- Select Create QR Code and Download the Code.
Note that the customization feature is only available for some plans. So, you may need to upgrade if you’re on the free version—but we promise it’ll be worth it!
Test your QR Code functionality
Whether you want permanent or temporary tattoos, you need to ensure they work. There’s nothing worse than getting inked only to realize your tattoo doesn’t display the information you want. Scan the QR Code to ensure it leads to your desired destination.
Consult with a tattoo artist
Work with a tattoo artist experienced in QR Code designs for the best results. This is especially important if you’re new to QR Code tattoos or want to customize your QR Code. An experienced artist can help you choose colors that complement your skin tone to ensure optimal scannability.
What to consider before getting a QR Code tattoo
QR Code tattoos are the gateways between body art and the endless content in the digital world. But, as with traditional tattoos, getting them wrong will have you rethinking your choices for years to come. And we certainly don’t want that!
Let’s take a look at some of the things you may want to consider before getting your tattoo:
Size and placement
Size can affect QR Code scannability. If you want a small tattoo, don’t go below 2 cm by 2 cm (0.8 inches by 0.8 inches)—the recommended minimum QR Code size.
Regarding placement, the best locations are where there are minimal or no curves. Ideal locations include the nape of the neck, your inner wrist, and your upper chest. If you need help choosing, visit a tattoo studio that offers QR Code tattoos for guidance.
Privacy and safety
You may be concerned about privacy if you want to link your Code to a personal website, family photos, contact information, or any other information you wish to keep confidential. If so, consider your QR Code tattoo placement. Choose somewhere difficult for people to scan without consent, like your upper chest, inner wrist, or thigh.
Tattoo longevity
If well cared for, traditional tattoos can last a lifetime. However, they may fade over the years. This is the same case for QR Code tattoos. When inked by a professional tattoo artist with high-quality ink, your tattoo will remain functional for years. But, it can fade over the years. Further, skin changes, like lower elasticity, can affect its scannability.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t get one. You’re guaranteed many years of scannability. And, with constant technological advancement, it may be possible for new cameras to scan faded codes.
Content relevance
If trends have taught us anything, it’s that what’s popular today may not be considered so tomorrow. As such, choose timeless content from the beginning. This is especially vital if you want a Static QR Code tattoo, as you can’t edit its destination.
Tattoo artist’s expertise
Your QR Code tattoo will only be as good as your chosen artist. Find someone experienced with QR Code tattoos for the best results. An expert tattoo artist knows the most appropriate size, placement, and design. They also know how best to care for tattoos, so they can offer valuable advice.
Merge digital innovation with artistic expression using Bitly QR Codes
QR Code tattoos are the perfect link between art and digital innovation. And more people are taking the leap to use them for digital and personal expression!
Of course, you don’t need a tattoo in order to enjoy the benefits QR Codes can offer. With Bitly, you can create Dynamic QR Codes that direct scanners to any URL you want—and you can edit or change it at any time.
Our Dynamic QR Codes can enhance your marketing campaigns and give you more creative, effective ways to connect with your customers. But they’re not just great from a business standpoint—they also give your customers more convenient access to helpful resources and information from your brand.
Get started with Bitly for free to see how custom QR Codes can open up a world of possibilities for business or personal use!