Facebook just killed Messenger Scan Codes. Here’s how you can keep using QR codes to drive consumers to your inbox

Sneh Ratna
Last Updated: January 22, 2020

2016: Facebook Introduces Messenger Scan Codes

Inspired by Snapchat’s snap codes, Facebook introduced Messenger codes in 2016. The Messenger codes helped users to instantly connect with other users on Messenger and start conversations without the hassle of connecting with them on Facebook first.

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Facebook killed Messenger Scan Codes. Use QR codes instead!

2016: Facebook introduces Messenger Scan Codes
2019: Facebook decides to kill Messenger Codes
Best free alternatives to Facebook Messenger Scans: QR Codes
How the Facebook Messenger Codes work
How brands use Messenger Codes
Why QR Codes are the best alternatives to Messenger Codes

2019: Facebook decides to kill Messenger Codes

Starting on August 15, 2019, Facebook will no longer support Messenger Codes. Since they have not mentioned a specific reason, it could be attributed to a variety of reasons:

Low consumer awareness: Most Facebook users did not even know that Messenger Scan Codes exist. It is only when you click on the profile in Messenger when you realize the feature exists.
QR Code scanning a native feature in most phones: Both iPhones and Android phones are capable of scanning QR codes natively through the camera. To scan a messenger code, a user has to first open the Messenger app and then scan it.
Time-consuming feature: Scanning a QR code takes less than a second, but scanning a Messenger Scan Code would take at least 4 taps.
Whatsapp, Messenger, and Instagram are being integrated: Facebook has plans to integrate all its messaging platforms so it makes sense for them to get rid of a proprietary feature like the Messenger Scan code.

Best free alternative to Facebook Messenger Scan Codes: QR Codes

Instead of using Messenger Scan Codes, you can use QR codes with m.me links.

Here’s how to generate your free Facebook Messenger Scan code –

1. Open the Beaconstac’s QR Code Generator

2. On the URL tab, enter your page name or profile name like so

https://m.me/(yourpagename)

Create your Facebook QR code by selecting URL — Select URL QR Code

For instance, if you wanted to create a Messenger Scan Code for Beaconstac’s Facebook page, this would be the link:

https://m.me/beaconstac

You can follow the same rule for your personal page as well. Simply replace the last part of the URL with the name in your Profile’s URL. For example, if your profile URL is https://www.facebook.com/zuck , copy everything that comes after the https://www/facebook.com/. In this case, that is Zuck. Your Messenger link will look like this:

https://m.me/zuck

3. Paste your m.me link in the URL field

4. Customize it with a color of your choice or in line with your branding and add a logo.

Customize your Messenger Scan Code with the right color and logo

5. Click on ‘Generate QR Code’ to test it.

Generate your Facebook Messenger QR Code

6. Download it and start using QR Codes.

Download your Facebook Messenger QR Code

How the Facebook Messenger code works:

1. Go to the messenger app on your phone

2. Click on your profile picture

3. Select the ‘My Code’ option to share your Messenger code with other users.

4. To connect with another user, select ‘Scan Code’ option and scan their Messenger code.

How brands use Messenger Code:

The feature proved to be exceptionally useful for brands looking for a simple way to enable customers to connect with them. The messenger codes can be printed on different marketing collaterals you are already using such as magazine ads, flyers, posters, and brochures. You can also embed these Messenger codes on your website to let customers quickly connect with you through Messenger.

Why QR codes are the best alternative to Facebook Messenger Scan Codes

The most feasible alternative to Messenger codes for brands to use would be QR codes. QR codes have come a long way since their invention. From black and white square-shaped codes, we have now moved towards colorful and customized QR codes where brand logos embedded in them. Creating QR codes is now completely hassle-free with free QR code generators available online. All you have to do is create a customized dynamic QR code for your brand and print them on your marketing materials, just the way you would do it with a Messenger code. You can also generate QR code on Facebook for specific actions.

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