QR Codes

Benecaster generates QR codes that let subscribers add their private feed to a podcast app by scanning with their phone camera — no URL to copy, no typing. You can also generate QR codes that point to your show’s public signup page for use on printed materials and event slides.

Two Types of QR Code

Feed QR codes encode a subscriber’s personal private feed URL. Each subscriber gets a unique QR code. Scanning it in a podcast app adds their private feed automatically — the same result as manually copying and pasting the feed URL, done in a single camera tap.

This type requires an active Benecaster license and only renders for logged-in subscribers.

Signup QR codes encode your show’s public signup page URL — the page where new listeners can subscribe. Anyone can scan it: existing subscribers, prospective subscribers, event attendees, people picking up your merch. No login required; free on all Benecaster installs, including the WordPress.org free install.

Where QR Codes Appear

The subscriber account page displays each subscriber’s personal feed QR code automatically — there is nothing to configure. It appears alongside the feed URL and the download buttons. Subscribers can scan it directly with their phone camera to add the feed to a podcast app, or tap the download buttons to save the QR code image.

Anywhere on your WordPress site, using the [benecaster_qr_code] shortcode. See Shortcodes Reference for full attribute documentation.

Downloading QR Codes

Each QR code displays two download buttons: SVG and PNG. Both are available by default.

SVG is a vector file — it scales to any size without pixelating. Benecaster exports at 50 mm × 50 mm with the correct quiet zone for reliable scanning at print sizes. Use SVG for:

Podcast merchandise (stickers, tote bags, t-shirts)
Printed handouts, booklets, and event programmes
Any context where you don’t control the final print size

PNG is a raster file at 1000 px. At 300 DPI, that’s roughly 8.4 cm × 8.4 cm — sharp for most digital and smaller print uses. Use PNG for:

Show notes and PDF documents
Slide decks and presentation materials
Email newsletters and social media graphics

The size attribute on the [benecaster_qr_code] shortcode controls only the inline display size — it has no effect on the downloaded files. Download dimensions are always the same regardless of how large or small the QR code appears on screen.

By default, both SVG and PNG download buttons appear. Use the format attribute to show only one:

[benecaster_qr_code show_id="3" format="svg"]    <!-- SVG download only — for print guides -->
[benecaster_qr_code show_id="3" format="png"]    <!-- PNG download only — for web pages -->
[benecaster_qr_code show_id="3" format="both"]   <!-- default — both buttons shown -->

Practical Uses

Live events. Put a signup QR code on your stage slides or event handouts. Attendees scan to subscribe on the spot — no URL to remember, no hunt for the show later.

Podcast merch. Print a subscriber’s personal feed QR code on bonus materials shipped with merchandise. When they get a new device or want to add the feed to a different app, they scan instead of digging up the URL.

Show notes. Embed a signup QR code in show notes for episodes you share publicly. Listeners reading on mobile can scan to subscribe without copying anything.

Welcome emails. Include a subscriber’s personal QR code in their welcome email using the Email Editor add-on. Scanning it adds the feed in one step, right from the inbox.

New device onboarding. Returning subscribers who get a new phone often struggle to remember how to re-add their private feed. A QR code on their account page solves this — scan, done.