9 QR Code Advertising Examples and What to Learn From Them

A QR code advertisement connects a physical or on-screen moment to a digital action. The interesting part is what follows: a useful resource, an offer, an experience, or a way to participate.

These nine examples are documented campaigns. Dates describe the campaigns, not offers available today. The lessons are our editorial interpretation; they are not measured claims about conversion rates. None is presented as a QRBliss customer campaign.

1. Coinbase: a code as the television creative

Coinbase's 2022 Super Bowl commercial put a moving QR code on screen and led viewers into its promotional experience. Coinbase published a campaign announcement; the ad itself is documented in iSpot's commercial record.

What to learn: a scan can become the central action of an ad when viewers have time and a reason to try it. For a small campaign, start with a stable code, a readable address, and a clearly explained destination rather than copying the mystery. Test the landing page under the traffic you expect.

2. Pepsi: packaging connected to a music offer

The 2023 “Press Play on Summer” campaign put QR codes on participating PepsiCo beverages. The scan connected eligible consumers to an Apple Music trial offer. PepsiCo's announcement described the participating packaging and promotion.

What to learn: the destination gives the scan an explicit benefit. If you use an offer, state eligibility and timing clearly, and decide what the page should show after it ends. Do not leave printed packaging leading to an unexplained error.

3. Doritos: participation that generated another code

Doritos' 2023 Super Bowl activity included a social promotion where participants scanned or tapped an image, generated a unique QR code, and shared it to invite others. That sequence is described in the brand's campaign release.

What to learn: participation can be part of the idea, but every additional step needs an explanation. A referral mechanic requires a separate system for participants and rules. A standard QR generator supplies a code; it does not supply a complete referral campaign.

4. Coca-Cola Move: the product as an entrance to artist content

Coca-Cola's 2023 Rosalía collaboration used codes on cans and bottles to open a Creations Hub containing artist-related content and interactive experiences. The launch announcement describes behind-the-scenes material, a quiz, and other content.

What to learn: connect the destination to what someone is holding. A small maker could offer a short process video or product story. Keep the first page clear enough that the visitor knows what to do without navigating a large content hub.

5. Amazon: a shipping box became an activity

For Halloween 2020, Amazon introduced themed boxes with a drawing activity and a QR route into an augmented-reality experience. Its original explanation described the Amazon AR Player app and the steps for making a drawn pumpkin appear in AR.

What to learn: packaging can support an activity after delivery. A simpler version might open printable instructions or a clue. Make app requirements clear before asking for a scan; the code itself does not create an AR experience.

6. McDonald's: an access card extended a film promotion

The 2026 McDonald's and Netflix “KPop Demon Hunters” promotion included a Derpy access card. Fans could scan its QR and enter a unique code in the McDonald's app to access additional content, according to the company announcement.

What to learn: a physical card can connect a purchase with a digital follow-up. Distinguish the QR, which opens the route, from any unique redemption code. If access is individualized, that needs its own working system and an understandable recovery path.

7. Coke Zero Sugar: a scan attached to product sampling

Coca-Cola's 2024 “Best Coke Ever?” campaign included QR-activated vending machines as part of its sampling activity. The campaign description places them alongside outdoor, social, and in-store elements.

What to learn: put the code next to an immediate action. A shop could link a display to a demonstration booking or sample-request form. Confirm that the actual handoff works; a successfully opened page is not the same as a delivered sample.

8. Coca-Cola's Sydney sign: inviting local memories

In its 2025 Cannes campaign roundup, Coca-Cola described a Sydney activation where a QR invited people to share memories associated with a landmark sign. The stories were brought into online and city displays. Company campaign roundup.

What to learn: a place can provide the reason to participate. A local history group or gallery could invite contributions through a clearly explained form. Tell contributors how their material will be used before asking them to submit it.

9. Coca-Cola's summer campaign: a route from an ad to an entry

The company's 2025 summer campaign described a US scratch-off promotion reached through QR codes in its ads. The campaign announcement connects that entry point to the campaign's summer theme.

What to learn: make the mobile destination continue the message someone just saw. A change in branding, an unrelated offer, or unclear eligibility can make the scan feel like a wrong turn. Treat promotional terms and fulfillment as separate work from producing the QR.

Turn an example into a campaign brief

Use this sequence before designing the advertisement:

For copy you can adapt, use our QR call-to-action examples. For original small-business layouts, see packaging examples and real-estate signs.

Test the handoff before publishing

Scan the final artwork from the intended position, then complete the action on the landing page. Test an ordinary visitor's permissions and device. Keep a readable fallback address where the format allows one.

Record scans as scans. Downloads, entries, bookings, and sales require their own evidence. If you compare campaigns, account for different placements and offers rather than attributing every change to the code design.

Once the destination and message are ready, create the QR code for your campaign.