How Leaders Can Rethink QR Codes For Photo Sharing In Social Media

InnovationHow Leaders Can Rethink QR Codes For Photo Sharing In Social MediaByBenjamin Claeys,Forbes Councils Member.for Forbes Technology CouncilCOUNCIL POSTExpertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. Opinions expressed are those of the author. | Membership (fee-based)Jun 10, 2026, 06:15am EDTBenjamin Claeys is CEO of QR TIGER, MENU TIGER and GiftLips. He also hosts Stay QRious, a podcast about QR code best practices. getty​Social media is a core driver of modern digital business strategy. Businesses rely on it to build visibility, engage customers in real time and influence purchasing decisions.​Data from DataReportal shows that the number of global social media users grew by 294 million since 2025, bringing the total to 5.79 billion. In effect, more than two-thirds of the world’s population now engages on social platforms in some form.​More than the growth, it is how people engage. The majority of these interactions are happening on smartphones. This shift fundamentally changes how social media works. People no longer just consume content. They participate, share, respond and expect interaction. As a result, brand storytelling must adapt to these expectations.​Businesses are increasingly using tools such as QR codes to turn even physical assets into a gateway to rich social media content, communities and brand experiences, delivering a unique brand story to customers without friction. If you're beginning to use QR code initiatives to help you and your audience to share deeper narratives, values and experiences that build trust and emotional connection, here are some of the most effective approaches to consider.​Social Media’s New PhaseOne study shows that social networking sites influence brand discovery and public perception, making them essential for most individuals today.​ Additionally, a survey from YouGov found that consumers aged 18 to 44 prefer social media for discovering products to purchase. They are highly influenced by real c...