The short answer
Encode the video’s web link in a QR code, add a start time such as ?t=90 if you want it to begin at 90 seconds, and make it dynamic so you can swap the video later. On a screen, show the code for at least five to eight seconds and make it a sizeable part of the frame, roughly a fifth of its height when viewers sit a couple of metres away.
How to make a QR code for a YouTube video
Copy the right link
Use the video’s share link (youtu.be/… or youtube.com/watch?v=…). For a channel, use youtube.com/@yourhandle; for a playlist, copy the link from the playlist page.
Add a start time if useful
Append ?t=90 to start at 90 seconds. For a subscribe prompt, add ?sub_confirmation=1 to a channel link.
Create a dynamic code
Save it as a dynamic URL code so a printed manual or poster can point at a newer video later.
Size it for the medium
On paper, 2.5 cm is enough in the hand. On a TV or projector, size by distance: roughly 10 cm of code per metre of viewing distance on the physical screen.
Show it long enough
In a video or slide, keep the code up for five to eight seconds, away from captions and the edge of the frame, and say out loud what scanning gives.
Size, distance and placement
- Best code type
- Dynamic URL code, so the video can be replaced later
- Video link
- youtu.be/… or youtube.com/watch?v=…; add ?t=90 for a start time
- Channel link
- youtube.com/@handle; add ?sub_confirmation=1 to open the subscribe prompt
- On paper
- Minimum 2 cm; 2.5–3 cm in the hand
- On a screen
- About 10 cm of code per metre of viewing distance on the physical screen; around 20% of frame height for a living room
- On-screen time
- At least 5–8 seconds, outside the caption and safe-area edges
- Contrast on video
- Place the code on a solid light box so footage behind it does not reduce contrast
Static or dynamic for video links?
Dynamic is the safer choice for anything printed: tutorial videos get re-recorded, a product manual should open the latest version, and an event poster can switch from the trailer to the full recording. For a code that is shown inside a video, dynamic also lets you correct a wrong link after the video is already published. A static code is fine when the link is permanent and you do not need scan counts.
Common mistakes
Tip: put a short URL under the code too. Viewers on a TV may not be able to scan, and a visible address gives them another way in.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a QR code that starts a YouTube video at a certain time?
Copy the video link and add ?t= followed by the seconds, for example ?t=90, then create the code from that link.
Can a QR code open the subscribe prompt for my channel?
Yes. Use your channel link with ?sub_confirmation=1 added at the end, and encode that.
How long should a QR code stay on screen?
At least five to eight seconds, so people can lift a phone and scan. Say aloud what they will get.
Can I change the video after printing the code?
With a dynamic code, yes: change the destination and every printed copy opens the new video.