This article explains how to integrate Meta Pixel with Scanova QR Codes to build retargeting audiences from offline QR Code scans. This helps run targeted ad campaigns on Facebook and Instagram and improve conversion rates.
Introduction
The Meta Pixel integration in Scanova allows users to connect offline QR Code campaigns with Meta’s advertising ecosystem, including Facebook and Instagram.
When a QR Code placed on physical media—such as posters, flyers, or product packaging—is scanned, the Meta Pixel executes when the QR Code redirect page loads in the user’s browser. The Meta Pixel executes when the QR Code redirect page loads in the user’s browser.. This interaction is recorded as a website event and added to a Custom Audience in Meta Ads Manager, enabling retargeting through Meta ad campaigns.
A. Prerequisites
Before setting up the Meta Pixel integration, ensure the following:
- Scanova Pro or Enterprise plan with admin privileges
- An active Meta Ads account
- A Meta Pixel already created and connected to your website
- At least one published QR Code in Scanova
B. How to get Pixel ID from Meta Ads account
Follow these steps to find your Meta Pixel ID:
- Log in to Meta Ads and open Ads Manager
- Open Events Manager
- In the left panel, go to Datasets
- Select the Pixel you want to use
- Copy the Pixel ID displayed under the Pixel name
- This is a 15–16 digit number
Alternative method
- Open the selected Dataset
- Copy the Pixel ID shown under Dataset ID
C. Set up Meta Pixel integration
To configure the integration in Scanova:
- Log in to the Scanova dashboard
- Go to Integrations
- Locate Meta Pixel Integration
- Enter the Meta Pixel ID
- Example: 1234567890123456
- Choose where to apply the tracking:
- All QR Codes
- Selected QR Codes (choose from the dropdown list)
- Click Save
The Meta Pixel will now be linked to the selected QR Codes.
D. Verify that data is being received from Scanova
Once the integration is complete and the QR Codes are live, Meta should start receiving event data from scnv.io or your custom domain.
To verify this:
- Open Meta Events Manager
- In the left panel, go to Datasets
- Select the connected Pixel
- In the Event activity panel, select Websites
- Look for scnv.io or your custom domain in the list of websites
E. Create the QR Code audience in Meta Ads
To create a retargeting audience based on QR Code scans:
- Log in to Meta Business Manager and open Ads Manager
- Go to Audiences
- Click Create audience and select Custom audience
- Choose Website as the audience source
- Select the Pixel connected to your QR Code
- Under Events, select People who visited specific webpages
- Set the retention period (for example, 60 days)
- Set the rule to URL contains and enter your QR Code short URL
- Example: https://scnv.io/wxyz
- (Optional) To combine multiple QR Codes, click Include more people and add additional URL rules
- Enter an audience name and click Create audience
F. Use a custom domain for reliable tracking
Scanova recommends using a custom domain for accurate Meta Pixel tracking.
- Cookies are stored at the domain level
- Using the default domain (scnv.io) may cause overlap across campaigns
- A custom domain ensures cleaner audience segmentation and reliable conversion data
For setup instructions, see: Set up custom domain in Scanova
G. Redirection delay for tracking accuracy
For QR Codes in redirection categories such as Website URL, Maps, and App Store, Scanova briefly displays an intermediate page for 2–3 seconds before redirecting to the final destination.
This delay ensures that the Meta Pixel executes correctly and improves the chances of capturing events.
Notes
- The QR Code audience does not populate instantly
- It typically takes 48–72 hours for audience data to appear
- The QR Code must be live and receive unique scans
- Low scan volume may result in small or empty audiences initially
If you still have questions or need help with Meta Pixel integration, contact the Customer Relations Team at support@scanova.io.