Katy Perry’s QR Code Tattoo at the MTV VMAs 2024

Katy Perry made a splash at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 11, and surprisingly, it had nothing to do with her Who Decides War shredded-style bralette, her wet hairstyle, her performance of her greatest hits, or the fact that she received the Video Vanguard Award. Instead, our eyes were glued to — and we couldn’t stop thinking about — another tiny detail: her lower back tattoo.

While it seemed to be only a temporary addition to Perry’s ink collection, the design was decidedly meta, featuring a QR code etched in blank ink that left many people wondering what it goes to. (The placement also seemed like an intentional reclamation of the “tramp stamp” trend.) After a little digging, we discovered that the QR code leads to a pre-save website for Perry’s upcoming album, 143.

While QR code tattoos aren’t especially common these days, the design has been around for some time. However, if you’re thinking about getting one for yourself, you should take into account a few things. First and foremost, placement makes a big impact; QR codes should be placed on a body part with a flat surface in order to make sure they can scan properly. You should also consider going to a professional artist who is good with precise tattoos, as well as making sure to keep your ink out of the sun. Also, it’s important to note that if the ink distorts over time, the QR code can become difficult to scan, or not scan at all.

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.