You can capture more authentic content from real customers by using QR Codes. Placing these codes on business cards, signage, packaging, or merchandise giveaways gives people a fast, direct way to submit photos, videos, or testimonials from their phones. Whether you’re running a UGC campaign on TV platforms or placing QR Codes in-store, they provide a streamlined, real-time method to collect user-generated content and increase customer engagement. With the right call to action (CTA), you can incentivize more UGC creators to share their experiences and grow a collection of high-quality, branded content.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
Why use QR Codes for collecting UGC
If you’re looking to collect user-generated content quickly and at scale, QR Codes are your secret weapon. They remove friction from the content creation process by giving potential customers and repeat users an easy way to engage, with no clunky forms and no confusing links. Users just scan and share.
Whether you’re running ecommerce campaigns, giveaways, or in-store activations, QR Codes turn real-world moments into authentic online content in seconds. UGC can be incredibly valuable, with some studies showing that users spend 88% more time on websites that deliver this type of social proof. Engagement has been shown to increase by 28% when companies add UGC to regular branded content.
Here’s why QR Codes work so well for UGC campaigns:
- Easy participation via linked landing pages
Instantly send people to branded landing pages where they can upload UGC videos, testimonials, or product reviews. - In-person, real-time engagement
Place QR Codes on packaging, displays, or receipts to prompt instant sharing at the point of experience. - More collected UGC content
Lower barriers can mean more submissions, especially when paired with the right branded hashtags or influencer marketing strategies. - Track high-level engagement via analytics
Use scan data to measure customer engagement, optimize marketing campaigns, and improve conversion rates.
Want to strengthen your brand presence while collecting more UGC? Bitly QR Codes for small businesses and major enterprises can be fully customized to match your look and drive even more awareness.
How to set up collecting UGC with QR Codes
Collecting user-generated content through QR Codes is easier than you think. With just a few tools and the right strategy, you can turn any touchpoint into a content collection hub. Here’s how to set up your UGC campaign using Bitly’s platform.
Create a mobile-friendly landing page
To maximize customer engagement, your landing page must be mobile-first. Most users will scan your QR Code from a phone, so the experience should be fast, intuitive, and tailored to capturing real experiences. With Bitly Pages, you can quickly create branded, mobile-friendly landing pages. These pages can link directly to your web submission portals that collect UGC, including:
- Photos from real customers showing your product in action.
- UGC videos highlighting product use or behind-the-scenes moments.
- Testimonials and product reviews.
- Email marketing leads or follow-up contact info.
Direct users to deliver exactly what you want. All they have to do is scan, select, and upload. That’s how event companies use QR Codes to collect as much UGC as possible.
Generate a QR Code with Bitly
Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to make a QR Code using Bitly. Generating a QR Code takes just seconds, no design or technical expertise needed. You can fully customize the look with your brand colors, logo, and a clear call to action that encourages users to participate. Whether you’re directing customers to a form to upload photos, submit videos, or share product reviews, we can show you how to make a QR Code that fits your needs.
You can even explicitly solicit the type of content you’re collecting by tailoring CTAs like “Share your story,” “Upload your photo,” or “Leave a review.” It’s a functional, streamlined solution built for fast setup, real-time sharing, and scalable UGC campaigns that drive more authentic content from real customers.
Print and share the QR Code
Once your QR Code is ready, it’s time to distribute it. Here are just a few high-impact places:
- In-store signage and product packaging.
- Business cards, flyers, and brochures.
- Event booths and pop-ups.
- Social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
- Post-purchase inserts or receipts.
Wherever your audience interacts with your brand, you can use QR Codes to invite them to share their authentic content.
Track participation with Bitly Analytics
Understanding what’s working is key. Bitly Analytics lets you track:
- Total scans and scan locations (city/country).
- Devices and platforms used.
- Peak engagement days.
While Bitly tracks the engagement around your QR Code, you can pair this data with information from review platforms or social tools to evaluate the full impact of your UGC strategy, from conversion rates to the volume of useful content collected.
Tips for making collecting UGC content successful with your QR Codes
Once your QR Code is live, the next step is ensuring your UGC campaign actually inspires action. From the landing page experience to your CTA language, small tweaks can make a big impact on how much user-generated content you collect and how authentic it is.
Here are a few smart ways to boost participation:
- Make submitting content easy
Keep your form or upload process short and mobile-friendly. The easier it is, the more likely real customers will follow through. - Give specific instructions on what type of content to submit
Be clear about whether you want a testimonial, in-use video, product review, or photo. Branded hashtags can help guide submissions, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. - Get the customer’s consent to share their UGC
Always include a simple checkbox or appropriate permission language so you can legally use and repost authentic content across your channels. - Offer a small reward for participating
Incentivize action with a discount code, exclusive content, or entry into a giveaway. This approach adds value and builds trust. - Use branded QR Codes
Customizing your QR Code with your brand colors and logo helps it stand out and increases brand awareness. Bitly makes this easy with fully functional, on-brand generation. We also offer custom domains and short URLs to keep your whole brand image on point. - Test QR Code placement for visibility
Experiment with locations like on packaging, at store entrances, or in user manuals to discover where your audience is most likely to scan. - Follow up after submission
Send a thank-you email or invite users to view the full UGC campaign. This responsiveness keeps them engaged and more likely to share again. - Highlight submitted content publicly
Share top submissions on your site or social feed. This visibility creates social proof, encourages others to contribute, and showcases real customer experiences.
Collecting UGC has rapidly emerged as a winning strategy for building sales across many different markets. By following the tips listed above and automating the process with Bitly, you can roll out this solution for your business and help shape a more engaging narrative for your current and potential customers.
Simplify collecting UGC content with Bitly Codes
Collecting user-generated content can be seamless, scalable, and even fun. With the right tools in place, you can turn everyday customer interactions into a steady stream of authentic content that builds trust and drives engagement. From ugc videos and testimonials to product reviews and real experiences, every piece of content shared helps reinforce your brand’s credibility.
By using QR Codes and optimizing your UGC campaign with Bitly, you can streamline participation, simplify submission, and track performance, all while making it easy for real customers to engage with your brand in real-time. Whether you’re aiming to boost customer engagement, gather product reviews, or build social proof, Bitly makes it easy to collect UGC wherever your audience is.
Ready to turn real experiences into content that converts? Join Bitly today and start creating QR Codes to power up your next UGC campaign.
