You’ve poured time, money, and energy into building an app you’re proud of. But now that it’s live, the downloads aren’t coming in as fast as you hoped. You’re sharing links, posting on social, maybe even running ads, but it still feels like people aren’t finding it.
The problem usually isn’t your app. It’s how you’re getting it in front of users.
That’s where app download QR Codes can help. They make it easy for anyone to go from curious to downloading your app in seconds. No search bar. No typos. Just a quick scan that takes them straight to your app store page.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a QR Code using Bitly, plus smart ways to use it to increase visibility and drive real results.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article
What are app store QR Codes?
App Store QR Codes are custom QR Codes that link users directly to your app’s download page, whether it’s on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
They work just like any other QR Code, but instead of opening a website, they launch your app download page, helping reduce drop-off and boost installs.
You can add app store QR Codes to almost any surface or channel. Here are a few high-impact placements to consider:
- Product packaging
- In-store signage and displays
- Print marketing materials
- Event banners and posters
- Business cards
- Email campaigns and newsletters
Wherever your audience discovers your brand, an app store QR Code makes it easy for them to take action right away.
Why QR Codes are effective in mobile app marketing
Globally, consumers spent over $171 billion on mobile apps in 2024. With the right mobile app marketing strategy, your business has a real chance to tap into that demand. But the mobile app space is crowded. With 8.93 million mobile apps competing for attention, standing out takes more than just a great product.
QR Codes help cut through the noise. They improve the user experience by removing friction from the app discovery process by letting users skip the search entirely. Instead of typing your app name or sifting through results, people can scan and go straight to your download page on the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
And it’s fully measurable. With Dynamic QR Codes, you can track when, where, and how people are scanning your codes—insights you can use to optimize your strategy and improve results.
How to create QR codes for app downloads
QR Codes hold the potential to transform your app marketing strategy, and they’re also incredibly simple to create.
Here’s how to make a QR Code with the Bitly Connections Platform in just five steps.
1. Sign up or sign in to your Bitly account
First, sign in to your Bitly account. If you don’t have one yet, it only takes a minute to sign up. Click the link above, follow the prompts to enter your email and set a password, and you’ll be ready to go.
2. Open the Bitly QR Code generator
Once you’re logged in, click the QR Code icon located in the top right corner of your dashboard. Then, select Create New to open the QR Code generator and start building your custom code.
3. Add a link for the app download
Now, enter the link to your app’s download page, whether it’s on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just copy the URL and enter it in the field provided. This is the destination users will land on when they scan your code.
4. Customize your QR Code design
Now it’s time to put your graphic design hat on. This step is all about turning your QR Code design into a reflection of your brand. You can tweak the color, adjust the shape, and even add a logo (depending on your Bitly plan). A branded QR Code stands out more and helps build trust at a glance.
5. Generate and download your QR Code
When your design is ready, download your QR Code in the format that works best for your project—PNG, JPG, or SVG. Before launching your campaign, be sure to test the code on a variety of tablets and mobile devices, including iPhone, Android. This ensures it scans properly and leads to the right page.
Examples of ways to use QR Codes for app downloads
Looking for a bit of inspiration on how to market your app store QR Codes and boost app downloads? Here are some examples from pioneering brands.
Spotify: Music discovery and app engagement
Spotify’s QR Code marketing strategy is nothing short of ingenious. It taps into the power of organic, peer-to-peer sharing. Inside the app, it’s quick and easy for artists, curators, and listeners to generate and share Spotify Codes on social media, through messages, or on printed materials like posters or merch.
If the recipient already has the app, the code opens it instantly. If not, they’re taken straight to the app store with a clear path to sign up.
You can use the same strategy to boost your app downloads. For example, offer in-app rewards, credits, or discounts every time someone scans a user’s code and signs up. The goal is to turn your existing user base into a built-in growth engine.
Uber: Simplifying app access in public spaces
Where are people most likely to need an Uber? Airports, hotels, busy city centers. It’s no coincidence that those are the exact places where Uber places its outdoor ads.
To compete with traditional taxis, Uber makes it easy for new customers to get started fast using billboards and posters equipped with QR Codes to send people straight to the app download page.
The takeaway? Think about where and when people are most likely to need your app. If you’ve built a mobile game, for example, you might place print ads on trains or subway stations, giving commuters a quick way to make their ride more entertaining. The goal is to meet your users at the right moment, with the right prompt.
Airbnb: QR Codes in travel and tourism marketing
Speaking of the right prompt, that’s exactly what Airbnb has aced with its app promotion strategy. The company has been known to use QR Codes in travel magazine advertisements, capturing attention at the perfect moment: when readers are already thinking about their next getaway.
When someone scans the ad, the QR Code takes them directly to the Airbnb app, where they can browse listings and book a place to stay in just a few taps.
Instagram: Driving app downloads through interactive campaigns
Instagram is another brand that’s embraced QR Codes as a way to boost content discovery and reach users across platforms. Within the app, users can generate and share QR Codes for their profiles, locations, and Reels, making it easier for others to discover content whether they’re already on Instagram or seeing it for the first time.
There are plenty of ways you can apply this same strategy to your app. For example, you might partner with influencers or affiliates and give them personalized app QR Codes to share with their audiences.
Duolingo: Language learning made accessible
Duolingo’s guerrilla marketing campaign proves that QR Code campaigns can be a perfect launchpad for creativity. In New York City, actors walked around with signs featuring QR Codes and playful messages like “Please adopt me,” grabbing attention and promoting Duolingo’s family plan in a fun, unexpected way.
Scanning the code took people directly to the app download page, where they could learn more and sign up.
The lesson from this campaign is to think big. Whether it’s guerrilla marketing or surprising ad placements, creative QR Code campaigns can capture attention, spark curiosity, and drive app downloads.
Tips for creating effective app store QR Codes
Ready to get started? Here are some must-know tips for making your app store QR Codes as effective as possible.
Design visually appealing QR Codes
Black-and-white QR Codes are everywhere, but they don’t always stand out. So, why not be bold? If you want people to scan your code, it should catch their eye and invite interaction. A well-designed QR Code signals that there’s something worth exploring on the other side.
With Bitly, that’s easy. You can create branded QR Codes by customizing the colors, design, and shape to match your look and feel. You can also download your code in PNG, JPG, or SVG format to fit any use case.
Ensure clarity and scannability
An eye-catching design is great, but your QR Code also needs to deliver reliable functionality across a range of devices and lighting conditions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- High contrast: Use a light background with a dark foreground (or vice versa). Strong contrast helps QR Code scanners recognize the code quickly.
- Size matters: Your QR Code’s size should match the expected scanning distance. A helpful rule of thumb: for every 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) between the scanner and the code, add at least 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inches) to the height and width.
- Logo quality: If you’re adding a logo or image inside the QR Code, make sure it’s high resolution. Blurry or pixelated logos can interfere with scanning and make your code appear unprofessional.
Provide clear calls to action (CTAs)
Your call to action (CTA) is your why. Why should people scan your QR Code? What’s in it for them? In just a few words, you need to grab attention and motivate users to act.
Here are some CTA ideas to help:
- Scan to unlock exclusive content
- Download our app to start your free trial
- Scan now for a special discount
- Get the app and join our loyalty program
- Download the app and get started in seconds
- Scan for an exclusive gift
As you can see, many of these CTAs include an incentive, like a free trial, discount, or gift. While rewards aren’t always required, offering something extra can be a strong motivator. A clear benefit gives users a reason to scan right away.
Link to mobile-friendly landing pages
A mobile-friendly landing page is a must for your app. So, what does that actually look like? Here are the key elements of a well-optimized page:
- A simple, clear layout with minimal text
- Fast loading times
- Easy navigation and a clear CTA button for app download or app store redirection
- High-quality images or videos that highlight your app’s features
- User reviews, ratings, and other forms of social proof to build trust and credibility
Before launching, it’s smart to A/B test different versions of your landing page. This helps you find the layout and messaging that connect best with your audience.
Track and analyze QR Code scans
Once your campaign is live, the work isn’t over. Tracking and analyzing your QR Code scans is essential to understanding what’s working and what needs adjustment.
With Bitly Codes, you get access to a host of real-time analytics, including:
- Where (city and country) and when the QR Code was scanned
- Which devices, browsers, and operating systems were used (iOS and Android)
- Number of scans by day
- Total scans
This data helps you make informed, strategic decisions. For example, you might learn that QR Codes shared by influencers generate more scans than those used in print ads, or vice versa. These insights allow you to refine your approach, improve future campaigns, and get more value from every scan.
Increase the number of app downloads with Bitly Codes
Building a great app is only half the battle. To reach your audience and drive real growth, you need a smart, scalable marketing strategy. QR Codes help bridge the gap between awareness and action, making it easy for people to find and download your app instantly.
With the Bitly Connections platform, you can go beyond basic QR Codes. Create branded, scannable codes that link to mobile-optimized destinations, track performance in real time, and refine your campaigns using data that actually moves the needle. Whether you’re promoting on billboards, packaging, or social media, Bitly gives you the tools to turn scans into installs.
Give users a simple, no-hassle way to download your app. Explore Bitly plans and find the right fit for your team.
