Can I link to a specific moment in a video?

Yes. Fill in the Start at field with a time in MM:SS format and the code will include a timestamp parameter. Useful for jumping past introductions, pointing to a specific tutorial step, or highlighting a section in a presentation recording.

Does this work with Shorts?

Yes. Paste the Shorts URL and the tool extracts the correct video ID. The code will open the Short in the YouTube app or mobile browser depending on what's installed.

Can I change the video later?

No. Static code — the video ID is fixed. Generate a new one if the video changes.

Will the video open in the YouTube app or browser?

If YouTube is installed, most phones will open the app directly. If not, it opens in the mobile browser. Either way the content plays — the experience is just slightly better in the app.

Why doesn't a video thumbnail appear in the preview?

To keep generation fast and private, we don't fetch data from YouTube's servers during generation. The preview card uses a placeholder. The QR code itself always contains the correct link regardless of what the preview shows.

Do I need a Google account to use this?

No. You just need the URL. No login, no API access, nothing tied to your Google account on our end.

How do I get my channel URL?

Go to your YouTube channel page. The URL in the address bar is what you paste — or you can use your @handle if you have one set. Both formats work.

Best format for printing or showing on screen?

SVG for print — scales without blurring. PNG for digital use in presentations or PDFs. If showing on a TV or screen, make sure the code is large enough to scan from the expected viewing distance — at least 4 cm × 4 cm at arm's length.

Video URL

Works with youtu.be, youtube.com/watch, and Shorts links.

Start at

Optional. Skips straight to this point in the video.

▶YouTubeVideo

▶

Video Title

YouTube QR Code Generator

Send viewers to your channel or straight to a specific video — with an optional start time.

How to create a YouTube QR code

Choose Video or Channel mode using the tabs.
Paste your YouTube URL or channel handle.
Optionally add a start time in MM:SS format.
Download as PNG for print or SVG for design tools.

YouTube QR Code Generator

How to create a YouTube QR code

Frequently Asked Questions