What is Popcode?
Popcode brings printed photos to life. Using augmented reality, it lets you attach a video to any photo — so when someone points their phone camera at that photo, the video plays right on screen.
Think of it like a QR code, but instead of a boring link, the photo itself becomes the trigger. Wedding albums that play a highlight reel. Family photos that tell the story behind the moment. Art prints that come alive.
No app download required — it works right in the browser.
How do I create a Popcode?
1
Sign up for an account
Create a free account at popcode.app using your email address.
2
Create a Project
A project is a set of photo + video pairs. Give it a name — for example, "Addie's First Year" or "Summer Trip 2025."
3
Upload your photo + video pairs
For each page, upload the photo that will be scanned and the video that should play when someone scans it. You can add as many pairs as you like.
4
Share your link
Once your project is ready, you'll get a short link like popcode.app/abc123. Share it with anyone you want to be able to view your Popcode. You can also just give them the code (e.g. "abc123") and tell them to go to popcode.app and enter it.
5
Print your photos
Print the photos you uploaded and place them wherever you like — in a frame, an album, or on a card. Anyone with your link can scan them.
How do people know to scan my photo?
That's what the Popcode badge is for — a small visual cue that tells people the photo is alive and ready to scan.
You have two options:
1
Download your image
Get a version of your photo with the badge already embedded, ready to send to a printer.
2
Order badge stickers
Peel-and-stick badges you can apply to any photo you've already printed.
Both options are available from your project page once your Popcode is set up.
How do I scan a Popcoded image?
1
Open the link
Open the Popcode link you were given — either by tapping it directly or by going to popcode.app and entering the code.
2
Tap "Tap to Scan"
Allow camera access when prompted, then tap the button to start scanning.
3
Point your camera at a photo
Hold your phone steady and point it at one of the Popcoded photos. Make sure the whole photo is visible in the frame.
4
Watch the video play
The video will start playing automatically. Tap the X to close it and scan another photo.
Having trouble scanning?
Here are a few tips if the video isn't triggering:
1
Make sure the whole photo is visible
Hold your phone so the entire photo fits within the camera frame, with good lighting.
2
Twist or shake your phone slightly
Sometimes a small movement — a gentle twist or shake — is enough to get the scanner to register the photo.
3
Refresh the page
Pull down to refresh or tap the refresh button in your browser, then tap Scan again.
4
Still having trouble?
Email us at info@popcodeapp.com and we'll help you out.
Still have questions? Email us at info@popcodeapp.com and we'll help you out.