How to Use a Rick Roll QR Code in Marketing and More
Have you ever been Rickrolled?
Rickrolling is one the most legendary internet pranks that has trolled billions of people with Rick Astley’s 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up” on YouTube after they scan a Rick Roll QR code.
This is one of the many creative ideas that unlocks the capability of QR codes, and you can easily pull off a clever trick like this using an advanced QR code generator.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how to rickroll someone with QR codes and how brands use this internet gag not just to prank people, but to pull off some seriously smart marketing moves.
Table of Contents
What is the Rick Roll QR code?
Rickrolling QR codes are codes that lead people to funny gags, memes, and out of this world content that draw attention, laughs and even rage from people who scan it.
You can create a video QR code for Rick Roll and surprise anyone who scans it using a reliable QR code software.
Rickrolling started in 2007 on the image board 4chan.
The first-ever rickroll involved a link promising to be a trailer for the game “Grand Theft Auto IV,” that instead directed excited gamers to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” music video.
Since then, Rickrolling has obtained a life of its own.
Many meme lovers are now turning a simple Never Gonna Give You Up QR code into a viral prank on posters, flyers, and even digital ads.
So yes, some of those random QR codes you spot around might not lead to a discount or a sign-up form at all.
The Rick Astley QR codes are intentionally placed there with a reverse psychology persuasion note like, “Do not scan!” or controversial messages such as “Richard is a cheater! Here’s the proof” just to, you know, Rickroll people.
QR code Rick Roll ideas you should try in your business
If you have never tried Rickrolling before, here are some ideas you can do for your brand.
T-shirt
For a minimal yet impactful design, why not create a Rick Roll QR code shirt for your store’s employees? You can do this by either printing or embroidering the QR code image on the T-shirt.
Add a CTA saying, “Scan to win.” When your customers scan the QR code, they will be directed towards the Rick Astley video on YouTube, effectively Rickrolling them.
Hoodie
You can create a Rick Roll QR code hoodie and sell it online.
Your customers who adore pranks will happily buy the hoodie. The people who scan the QR code will be directed towards the Rick Astley video.
This is yet another way you can Rick Roll the public.
Printables
If you are a printing company, you can create Rick Roll QR code printables, making it easy for others to Rickroll others.
These printables could include calendars, greeting cards, or any other products of your choice. Whoever scans the QR code will be directed towards the Rick Astley video on YouTube.
Stickers
If you want to Rick Roll the public, you could sell or give free Rick Roll QR code stickers to customers.
When the recipient scans the QR code, they will be directed to a Rick Roll video on YouTube. Since these are stickers, they can use it again by pasting it wherever they want.
Embroidered patches
A lot of people love stitching, tailoring, and other needlework and they can add a bit of fun to their work by adding an embroidered QR code Rick Roll patches.
These embroidered QR code patches could be reused on their needlework.
Whoever scans the QR code will definitely be Rick Rolled.
Cross stitch or crochet patterns
Cross stitch experts and designers always look for ideas for inspiration. You could sell Rick Roll QR code cross stitch patterns and Rick Roll QR code crochet patterns for people to use.
They could include these designs with their patterns. Upon scanning the QR code, the scanner will be directed toward the Never Gonna Give You Up video.
Tattoo designs
Do you own a tattoo studio? Then this idea is for you. When your clients ask for tattoo ideas, you could offer them Rick Roll QR code tattoo designs.
Convert these QR codes into fun body art which, unknown to the people before they scan them, are Rick Rolls.
Merchandise
If your company has merchandise, then this one is for you. Whatever merch you create for your brand, let it be coffee mugs or phone cases, print a QR code for Rick Roll on it.
Let your customers scan the QR code and get redirected towards Rick Astley’s YouTube video.
Gift packaging
Slip a bit of humor the next time you send a gift to your clients and customers by Rickrolling them.
When you are sending out sample kits or promotional boxes, hide a Rickrolling QR code under the lid or on the thank-you card.
This funny QR code meme is an unexpected way to break the ice and make your brand unforgettable.
Email easter egg
You might be sending a daily or weekly newsletter to your subscribers right.
Create a QR code that leads to Rick Roll video and send it along with your email. Let your newsletter be the reason why your subscribers share a laugh.
Social media post
The easiest way to pull a prank these days is via social media posts. While making your next post, tease your followers with “a major announcement” or “exclusive drop” and link it to the iconic video.
Gaming surprise
Are you a developer? Hide a QR code for Rick Rolling in your app or game for curious users to find.
Gamers often expect a reward in the form of a QR code. But upon scanning it, they will land on the Rick Roll video instead.
Fun outdoor marketing stunt
If you are one of the online creators who are looking for harmless tricks to prank the public, create a QR code for video and place it on a car decal, billboard, or event sign. Add a CTA (call-to-action) along with code saying “Scan and win”.
The passerby who scans the QR code who expects to win a prize will be taken to the “Never Gonna Give You Up” video instead. This harmless Rick Roll prank will definitely make them smile.
How to make a QR code for Rick Roll for free
Create a fun, Rickrolling QR code for your brand by following the procedure below:
1. Open a free QR code generator on your computer or smartphone.
2. Choose ‘YouTube’ and enter the Rick Roll link.
3. Select dynamic QR code to generate a Rick Roll QR code with no ads.
4. Customize the QR code with your band logo and design in mind.
5. Download your QR code.
Reminder: Make sure you test your QR code before printing or using it. 
Brands that ‘Rickrolled’ the public using QR codes
Memes have a magic of their own. They grab attention instantly. And isn’t that exactly what every marketing campaign is after?
Plenty of brands have hopped on this trend by creating a QR code to Rick Roll video. Unsurprisingly, they’ve earned massive public attention for it.
Let’s take a look at how they pulled it off.
CSAA
CSAA Insurance Group’s minimalist ads featured nothing but a QR code topped with a playful, wavy red hairline.
Upon scanning the code, the viewers were to a shot-for-shot remake of Rick Astley’s iconic music video.
The modern day Astley was nailing his signature toe taps, finger snaps, retro shades, and trench coat in a set inside a fictional CSAA office buzzing with khaki-clad employees dancing along.
The campaign’s QR code ads ran across TV, online, and outdoor spaces, racking up over 5 million views in just three months. Not bad for a prank that started as an internet meme.
Drone QR code by Jared Guynes
Digital content creator Jared Guynes, the man behind the Epic Nerf Battles events, took the internet’s favorite prank to the skies.
He partnered with Fort Worth-based drone company Sky Elements, and lit up the Dallas night with a massive drone QR code.
Curious onlookers who scanned the glowing code were instantly Rickrolled. They were redirected to Rick Astley’s legendary music video.
“That’s right, Dallas. You just witnessed the first-ever drone Rick Roll in history. I thought you’d get a kick out of it,” Guynes shared in a Facebook post.
Sky Elements later uploaded a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube, showing how hundreds of drones choreographed the floating QR code and the delighted reactions of the crowd below.
Cobblestone QR code in Prague
In front of Prague City Hall, a black-and-white QR code built into the cobblestone pavement once promoted “Praha chytře,” a city guide for locals and visitors.
But sometime around 2019, the link behind that stone-code went silent and when it resurfaced, it redirected curious scanners to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
Toyota
During a high-stakes global reveal of new EV concepts, Toyota pulled off one of the cleanest Rickrolls.
Hidden on their Micro Box concept vehicle was a QR code. When scanned, the users were directed to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”.
The audience was primed for advanced innovation, not a blast from the Internet past. So when the familiar tune started playing, Toyota got them good.
This bold stunt by Toyota combined high tech, surprise, nostalgia, and meme culture in one clever marketing moment.
World War Z
An eagle-eyed World War Z player stumbled upon a brilliantly hidden Easter egg—and got Rickrolled for their curiosity.
The timeless internet prank continues to catch unsuspecting victims by surprise, even years after its debut.
With hundreds of millions already “never giving it up,” it seems not even a new generation of gamers is safe from Rick Astley’s legendary ambush.
Start Rick Rolling using the best QR code generator
The world is bursting with creative minds. In such a crowded space, the only way to make your brand stand out is to think differently.
Do something that makes people stop, smile, and remember your product. Be bold enough to surprise them and smart enough to make it meaningful.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, teaming up with the best free QR code generator can take your creativity to the next level.
What are you waiting for? Create your own Rick Roll QR code today and set new milestones in clever, unforgettable marketing.
FAQ
1. Is Rick Roll banned?
No. Rick Rolling is not banned. While there are some platforms that may temporarily remove individual posts if they violate copyright policies, Rick Rolling isn’t illegal or prohibited.
2. Can a QR code lead to a Rick Roll?
Absolutely. A QR code can link to any online content let it be videos, websites, images, or social media pages. That means anyone can generate a QR code that, when scanned, leads straight to Rick Astley’s video on YouTube.
3. What is the purpose of the Rick Roll meme?
The purpose of the Rick Roll meme is to entertain and surprise. Originally a harmless internet prank, it’s become a cultural symbol of humor, nostalgia, and internet creativity.
