Wedding hashtag vs QR code: which collects more of your photos?
Updated by Scan & Snap
A QR code album collects the actual photo files directly from guests' phones and keeps them private. A hashtag only finds photos guests choose to post publicly, on an account that isn't private. For getting the photos, use a QR code. Use a hashtag as well if you and your guests enjoy posting on social media.
Side by side
| Wedding hashtag | QR code album | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Links to posts | The photo files |
| Photo quality | Whatever the platform keeps | Original on paid plans, 2048px on our free plan |
| Privacy | Public posts, by design | Private by link |
| Who can take part | Guests with public social accounts | Anyone with a phone browser |
| Cost | Free | Free for 50 photos on ours, from €29 once after that |
| Bulk download | No | Yes, on paid plans |
What hashtags do well
A hashtag costs nothing, needs no setup, and can be fun to come up with. It also lets guests share their day with their own friends, and you'll get to see some of their stories. If you're all keen on social media, that's a nice side effect. But it won't get you the photos of anyone who doesn't post publicly, and that may include your grandparents.
Where hashtags fall short
- Private accounts don't show up, so you can't see those posts.
- Stories disappear unless you save them straight away.
- There's no easy way to download what you find.
- A hashtag can be used by anyone, so another couple's photos could end up mixed in with yours. Check that yours isn't already used.
Using both
They don't compete, so you can put both on your sign: "Add your photos to our album (scan here), and if you're posting, use #AoifeAndCian." That way, the album gets everything and the hashtag gets the fun. Use our sign wording examples, and if you want a QR code, create one in a minute.