Comparison
Both let a phone play video from a printed picture. Artivive is an augmented-reality platform for art and images you already have. Popcode is an all-in-one service: you design the photo book, link the videos, and we print and ship it.
For someone who wants a printed photo book or gift where the photos play videos.
| Popcode | Artivive | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Photo books, calendars and prints that play video, designed and ordered in one place | An augmented-reality platform for adding video and animation to artwork and images |
| Prints the book for you | Yes: photo books, calendars, board books, ornaments, mugs and wall art, shipped to your door | No: you bring your own printed piece, such as a book from another company |
| How viewers watch | Open a short popcode.app address in the phone’s browser, then point the camera at the photo | The free Artivive app, or in the browser (WebAR) on paid Pro Plus plans and above, opened by scanning a QR code |
| QR code on the page | None. The photo is the trigger; the address is printed once in the book | Not needed with the app; WebAR viewing starts from a QR code |
| Best for | Family photo books and gifts that play | Artists and creative AR projects with animation and effects |
Artivive details are from artivive.com (its viewing guide and pricing page) as of October 2026. Plans change, so check their site for the latest.
For printed photo products, yes. Artivive is an augmented-reality platform for adding animation and video to artwork and images you already have. Popcode also makes the printed piece: you design a photo book, calendar or print, link a video to each photo, and Popcode prints and ships it.
With Popcode, no: viewers open a short popcode.app address in the phone's web browser. Artivive offers both its free app and, on its paid Pro Plus plan and above, browser-based viewing (WebAR) opened by scanning a QR code.
Yes, that is a common do-it-yourself route: order the book from a photo-book company, then set up each photo in Artivive. It works, but it means two services, and the book doesn't carry any instructions unless you add them.
Artivive is built for artists and creative AR work, with tools for animation and layered effects. Popcode plays a video or voice recording straight from the photo or painting. For galleries and museums that want a simple audio tour, see popcode.app/exhibitions.
Design it, link the videos and order the print, all on popcode.app.