Some tattoos make a statement. Others start a trend. But Dew, a 22-year-old Swiss content creator, did both when she got a barcode tattoo that scans a 250 ml can of Red Bull at self-checkout machines.
The video showing Dew scanning her tattooed arm at a register has gone viral. The scanner beeps, the Red Bull shows up on the screen, and Dew cheers loudly, pointing at the successful purchase.
“For everyone wondering if my Red Bull barcode works, yes, it does,” she captioned her TikTok video.
From Broccoli to Red Bull: The Story Behind the Ink
Dew told Jam Press that she had thought about getting a barcode tattoo for a while. Initially, she considered something random and funny—like broccoli. But after “thinking energy,” she picked Red Bull, her favorite drink.
The design isn’t just any barcode. A cartoon worm chomps into it, inspired by a sketch her sister drew. The tattoo cost over $600, and even the artist doubted whether it would scan. But Dew gave it a try the very next day—and it worked.
“I knew it possibly couldn’t work as my artist was very open about it,” she said. “But he also tried his best. When it scanned, I was so excited about it.”
Going Viral with a Barcode Tattoo That Scans
Dew’s tattoo instantly became a hit online. Her TikTok video received over 7.8 million views, and her Instagram reel surpassed 19 million. Reactions flooded in.
- “Iconic,” wrote one viewer.
- Another said, “OMG THIS IS GENIUS!”
- Even Red Bull Germany commented, calling it “Inkcredible.”
Some viewers asked what would happen if the barcode ever changed. Dew’s relaxed reply?
“Not care.”
She also cleared up a misconception: the tattoo doesn’t set the price. “The barcode identifies the product, but the store’s system sets the price,” she explained. “I can’t get a cheaper Red Bull using this.”
Why It Matters
This barcode tattoo that scans isn’t just a gimmick. It shows how personal style, fandom, and technology can blend in surprising ways. Dew’s tattoo isn’t just a tribute to Red Bull—it’s a symbol of creativity, confidence, and individuality.
At a time when content creation thrives on uniqueness, Dew’s choice has made her stand out across platforms—and maybe even started a new trend in functional tattoos.
Whether or not the barcode keeps scanning forever, one thing’s certain: Dew made a lasting impression.
