5 Ways to Add Video to Print: QR Codes, NFC, Video Brochures, Apps and Image Recognition
We compare the ways to add video to catalogs, brochures, posters and packaging: QR codes, NFC tags, video brochures with screens, app-based solutions and in-browser image recognition, with a table of cost, ease of use and measurement.
There is more than one way to connect a printed catalog, brochure or package with video. Each method differs in cost, in the effort it asks of the reader and in what it lets you measure. This article compares the five most common methods by the same criteria, and says plainly when each one makes sense.
Transparency note: ImageWake offers one of the methods below, in-browser image recognition. We have tried to describe the other methods fairly, with their pros and cons.
Quick comparison
| Method | Extra cost per print | What the reader does | App needed? | Design impact | Measurement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QR code → video page | None | Scan a separate QR per video | No | A square code on every page | Scan count |
| NFC tag | Cost per tag | Tap the phone on the tag | No (NFC must be on) | Invisible, needs a marker | Tap count |
| Video brochure with a screen | High (screen, battery) | Open the cover | No | Thick, custom production | None |
| App-based image recognition | None | Download an app, then point at the image | Yes | None | Depends on the app |
| In-browser image recognition | None | Scan one QR once, then point at images | No | One QR is enough | Scans, watch rate, city, device |
1. QR code to a video page
The best-known method: a QR code is printed on the page and opens a video or web page when scanned. It costs nothing extra and everyone knows what to do.
- Pros: Free, fast, works on every phone. The most practical option for a single video.
- Cons: Every video needs its own QR code, so a multi-product catalog fills up with square codes and readers must scan again for each product. We explain why scan rates stay low in this article.
- Best for: Single-video posters, invitations and business cards.
2. NFC tag
A small chip placed inside or on the print opens a link when a phone touches it.
- Pros: Invisible and doesn't affect the design; tapping is quicker than scanning.
- Cons: Adds a tag cost to every print and lengthens production. NFC must be enabled on the phone, and many users don't know where to tap, so a marker still has to be printed.
- Best for: Small runs of high-value product packaging and product labels.
3. Video brochure with a screen
A small screen and battery are built into the cover; the video plays when the brochure is opened.
- Pros: No phone needed and a very strong first impression.
- Cons: High cost per piece, needs charging, changing the video requires handling the device, and viewing can't be measured. Not suited to mass distribution.
- Best for: Special promotional packs sent to a handful of key clients.
4. App-based image recognition
The reader first downloads an app; with the app open, pointing the phone at the printed image plays the video.
- Pros: No QR code needed on the page; some apps offer advanced effects.
- Cons: The download step loses most readers. App stores, updates and device compatibility add their own overhead.
- Best for: Cases where readers already use the brand's app.
5. In-browser image recognition
The reader scans a single QR code on the cover, allows camera access on the page that opens and points the phone at any photo in the catalog. The phone recognises the image and the linked video plays right in the browser. ImageWake works this way.
- Pros: No app; one QR code makes the whole catalog playable. Page designs stay the same. The video can be changed without reprinting, and scans, watch rate, city and device are measured.
- Cons: One QR scan is needed on first entry. Very plain or near-identical images are hard to recognise, so images need detail (preparation checklist). An internet connection is required.
- Best for: Multi-product catalogs, brochure series, trade fair materials, packaging ranges and textbooks.
Which one should you choose?
- A single video on a small budget: a QR code is enough.
- Small runs of high-value products: consider NFC or a video brochure.
- Many products, mass distribution and a need to measure: in-browser image recognition is the most balanced option; it keeps the ease of QR without filling pages with codes.
The methods can be combined: for example, a QR code on a business card and image recognition in the catalog. For a detailed comparison of the two approaches see QR code vs image recognition, and for costs see the pricing page.