The short answer
Make a dynamic QR code and, on the Pro plan, add a device rule: iPhones open your Apple Music link and everyone else opens Spotify. Before release the same code can point to a pre-save page, and after release you switch it to the album, with no reprint. Print it at least 2.5 cm on sleeves and 10 cm or more on posters.
How to make a QR code for an album or playlist
Collect your links
Copy the share link for the release from each service you use, for example Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, plus a pre-save page if you have one.
Choose how to route
The simple route is a single link page that lists every service. The cleaner route, on the Pro plan, is a smart routing rule that sends iPhones to one service and Android phones to another.
Create the dynamic code
Save the code and name it after the release. Start with the pre-save link and switch to the release link on launch day.
Print with a label
Add the words “Listen now” or the title next to the code. Matte sleeves and posters scan better than glossy foil.
Update after the release
Change the destination to the full album, a video or the tour page. The old posters and sleeves keep working.
Size, distance and placement
- Best code type
- Dynamic URL code, optionally with a device rule (Pro)
- Record sleeve or CD insert
- Minimum 2.5 cm (1 in), viewed at 30–40 cm
- Gig poster
- Viewed from 1–2 m: 10–20 cm wide
- Stage or screen visuals
- Roughly 10 cm of code per metre of viewing distance
- Routing
- iOS to Apple Music, other devices to Spotify, or one link page for all services
- Finish
- Matte stock; avoid foil or high-gloss lamination over the code
- Release day
- Switch the same code from pre-save to the live release link
Static or dynamic for a release?
Dynamic, because a release has stages. Weeks before launch the code should open a pre-save page; on launch day it should open the album; later it can open a live video or the next tour date. A static code would lock the printed pattern to whichever link you chose before printing. Dynamic codes also show scans by country, which helps when planning where to tour.
Common mistakes
Tip: use a separate code for posters, merch and sleeves. If one placement outperforms the rest, you will know where to spend your next print budget.
Frequently asked questions
Can one QR code open Spotify for Android and Apple Music for iPhone?
Yes, on the Pro plan. Add a device rule to a dynamic code so iOS goes to one link and other devices go to another.
What happens to the code after release day?
Edit the destination. The printed code stays the same, so existing posters and sleeves open the live release.
How big should the code be on a record sleeve?
At least 2.5 cm (1 in) wide, on a matte area with a clear border. Posters need more, depending on viewing distance.
Does this work for podcasts too?
Yes. Encode your show page or a link page listing the apps, and make it dynamic so you can feature the latest episode.