• by Melynda Fuller , April 18, 2019

 

Midwest Living is filling its May/June issue with a slew of bonus content accessible through smart code activations in what it’s dubbing its first “live” issue.

Meredith Smart Codes appear across editorial and advertising content in the “Cabin Living”-themed issue. Readers will find a code on the issue’s cover activated by hovering a smartphone overhead, taking them to a behind-the-scenes cover video.

“We're always looking for more ways to engage beyond the pages of the magazine, and as the media landscape changes and our audience evolves," stated Kylee Krizmanic, Midwest Living's newly appointed editorial content director. "By incorporating Smart Codes directly into the issue itself, we're connecting our readers to a multimedia experience across digital and print.” 

The print issue contains stories covering vacation inspiration, cabin gear essentials, style and décor, campfire cooking tips and recipes from top chefs like Minneapolis pastry chef Zoe Francois.

Additional content related to these stories, including tours, videos and interview, is accessed through smart codes on the issue’s digital hub through an “Explore” button.

Midwest Living lets advertisers participate in enhanced content, too. It creating Smart Codes for many of its travel advertisers. Advertisers’ codes link to video content hosted on their own websites.

Travel advertisers for the issue include: Visit Kansas City, Greater Lansing MI CVB, Travel Oklahoma, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Marquette, Destination Missoula Montana, Visit Carbon County Wyoming, Coldwater Country MI, Petoskey Area MI and Holland MI.

The 32-year-old brand is just the latest to use Smart Codes under the Meredith umbrella.

The codes were introduced in 2018 and have been used across various Meredith magazines, such as  Allrecipes, People, Better Homes& Garden and Parents.