Tools for Adding Video to Print: 9 Criteria for Choosing One

Many platforms can add a video that plays when a printed image is scanned with a phone, from international platforms such as Artivive, Zappar and Blippar to local solutions. Some are designed for broad interactive experiences, others for artworks or particular industries. To choose the right one, we suggest looking at the criteria below rather than brand names.

1. Does the viewer have to download an app?

This is the most important criterion. Every app-download step makes a significant share of viewers give up. Some platforms offer both an app and a browser option; check which plan and content type each option applies to.

2. Does one QR code work for many images?

A catalog has dozens of product photos. Printing a separate QR code for each one spoils the design. Ideally, the viewer enters with a single QR code and then points the phone at any photo they like.

3. Can it tell similar images apart?

Products in the same range, or the same product in different colours, look very similar. Ask whether the tool can distinguish similar images and whether it warns you before printing. With ImageWake you can run this check without signing up using the free image test.

4. Can the video be changed later?

You print a catalog once, but campaigns and products change. Being able to swap the video in the dashboard while the image stays the same removes the cost of reprinting.

5. Does it provide analytics?

Which image was scanned how often, how much of the video was watched, which cities and devices viewers came from: this is how you measure the impact of print. Check which plan includes analytics.

6. What is the pricing based on?

Platforms price by different units: per image, per scan, per project or by monthly subscription. Do the maths for your own use (number of images, expected scans) and check current prices on each platform's website.

7. Video hosting and speed

Where are videos hosted, and are they compressed to open quickly on phones? In crowded places like trade fairs, a video that loads slowly loses the viewer.

8. Support language, invoicing and data

Look at the support languages, payment currency and invoicing that suit your company. Also review how visitor data is processed and the platform's privacy documents.

9. Letting customers reach you

If viewers can message you on WhatsApp or call you when the video ends, print becomes a direct sales channel.

Comparison table

You can use this table to evaluate candidate tools. The ImageWake column is filled in as an example.

See the pricing page for plans and limits, and the video catalog guide for how it works.