- QR code galleries suit mixed iPhone and Android crowds.
- Shared albums are free and familiar, but some guests need an app or account.
- Hashtags only collect photos people post publicly.
- Many hosts use a QR gallery at the event and a hashtag for social media.
Shared albums (Google Photos, iCloud)
A shared album is free and many people already use one. It works best for small groups who all use the same kind of phone.
- Free
- Familiar to many people
- Photos stay in your own account
- Adding photos may need an app or sign-in
- Mixed iPhone and Android groups can struggle
- Hard to put on a big screen at the event
QR code gallery
Guests scan a code with their phone camera and add photos in the browser. Everything goes into one gallery the host controls.
- No app or account for guests
- Works on iPhone and Android
- Slideshow, guestbook and moderation options
- Paid for bigger events
- Galleries are time-limited, so download yours
Event hashtag
A hashtag on signs encourages guests to post on Instagram or other social apps. It’s great for buzz, but it isn’t really a way to collect photos.
- Free
- Good for public events and brands
- Guests may already post
- Only public posts show up
- Private accounts and stories are missed
- Compressed, low-resolution images
Side by side
| Shared album | QR code gallery | Hashtag | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What guests do | Open a link, maybe sign in | Scan and tap | Post publicly |
| iPhone and Android | Depends on the service | Yes | Yes |
| Photo quality | Depends on settings | Full quality | Compressed |
| Private | Yes | Yes | No |
| Live slideshow | Not built in | Yes | Some third-party tools |
| Cost | Free | Free to paid | Free |
Shared album features vary by service and change over time. Check the latest details for the one you use.
Which should you choose?
- Small family gathering, all on iPhone? A shared iCloud album is often enough.
- Wedding, birthday or mixed crowd? A QR code gallery gets more people sharing.
- Public event or brand activation? Use a hashtag for reach, plus a QR gallery to actually collect the photos.
For a deeper comparison, read Sharefetti compared with the alternatives.
Free to try
Sharefetti is free for up to 10 guests, and paid plans start at $19 CAD / $15 USD per event, with no subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Is a QR code better than a shared album?
For mixed groups, usually yes, because guests don’t need a particular app or account. For small groups on the same platform, a shared album can work well.
Do wedding hashtags still work?
They’re fun for public posts, but they miss private accounts and stories and only collect compressed images. Use one alongside a gallery, not instead of it.
Can Android users add to an iCloud shared album?
Android users can usually view a public iCloud album link but may not be able to add photos. Check Apple’s current settings before relying on it.
Which option keeps photos private?
Shared albums and QR code galleries can both be private. Hashtag posts are public by design.
Written by the Sharefetti team. We build QR code photo sharing for weddings, birthdays and company events, and we test every tip at real events.