Last year we pitched the idea of using QR codes on album covers to a number of our label partners. Obviously, this is not a new idea, but we continue to think its a good one! Why? Several reasons. QR Codes provide a “virtual connection” between your offline physical CD with a world online content such as video, audio, special landing pages, and much more. Fans can “preview” albums while still in the store, labels and management can run sweepstakes, contests and discount programs that leverage QR codes on CD (we’ll talk about these and other applications in the future).  We like QR codes on CD covers because they are a “low-cost or no-cost” idea. You can generate a QR code for free (custom or branding QR codes that are designed may cost a little more).

The online mobile applications that host and stream your content are also inexpensive (we have several cost-effective mobile platforms designed specifically for hosting these QR code tie-ins, and other more complex QR code-driven applications such as contests and sweepstakes). Stay tuned for other CD cover specific QR code and AR (augmented reality) code-driven applications and examples.

Natalie Grant: Love Revolution Cover

Metablocks Code2Music Mobile Application:

Other CD Cover QR Code Examples:
No one will deny, QR codes are becoming more and more widespread as the new mobile marketing trend! They’re also appealing because of the low cost of implementation. Here are some other examples of artists using QR codes on their CD.