Short Links vs QR Codes: When Should You Use Each?

Short links and QR codes both help people reach a web destination, but they are designed for different situations.

What is a short link?

A short link is a compact web address that redirects to a destination. It is useful when people will copy, type or click the address.

A QR code is a scannable visual pattern that can encode a URL. It is useful on posters, packaging, signs and other physical surfaces.

Use a short link in messages, social posts, email, documents and places where a clickable or typeable address is practical.

Use a QR code when an audience is viewing a physical item with a phone camera available.

Yes. A printed poster can show a QR code and a short readable address together. Both can lead to the same destination.

Keep the destination trustworthy, test the link and QR code before publishing, and give users enough context to understand where the link leads.