How to automate your karaoke nights with a self-service karaoke system

Karaoke nights can be one of the most profitable and entertaining ways to bring people into your bar or restaurant. A great karaoke jockey (KJ) can energize a crowd, manage the queue, and keep things running smoothly. For special events, private parties, and one-off celebrations, a professional KJ is often worth every penny. But what if you're a bar or restaurant looking to offer karaoke on a weekly or even nightly basis? The costs can add up quickly

On average, karaoke hosts charge between $150 and $300 per night depending on the location, event size, and equipment required. For venues running karaoke multiple nights a week, that means thousands of euros or dollars per month in hosting costs — not including equipment maintenance, licensing, or staffing.

Even with a talented host, there’s also the human factor: scheduling conflicts, last-minute cancellations, inconsistent hosting styles, or simply the fact that your KJ needs a night off.

That’s why many bars and restaurants are turning to self-service and automated karaoke solutions — systems that allow you to offer karaoke any night of the week, without needing a live host.

The limits of the traditional KJ model

Professional karaoke hosts don't come cheap, and for good reason. On average, karaoke jockeys cost about $450 for 3 hours, though prices can vary significantly by location and experience level. Professional KJs typically charge $100-$200 per hour, with rates influenced by factors like equipment quality, regional market conditions, and the KJ's reputation.

For a venue hosting karaoke once a week, these numbers might be manageable. But let's do some quick math: if you're paying a KJ $150 per night for a four-hour show twice a week, that's $300 weekly, or approximately $1,200 per month. Over the course of a year, you're looking at $14,400 in KJ fees alone — and that's assuming consistent scheduling with no premium pricing for holidays or special events.

For bars and restaurants operating on tight margins, these recurring costs can quickly become prohibitive, especially when you're trying to grow your karaoke program from an occasional event to a regular attraction. Add in the challenges of scheduling conflicts, last-minute cancellations, or simply finding a reliable karaoke host who meshes well with your venue's vibe, and the case for exploring alternatives becomes even more compelling.

This is where automated karaoke solutions enter the picture: not as a replacement for the magic that a great KJ can bring to special occasions, but as a practical, scalable option for venues that want to make karaoke a consistent part of their entertainment lineup.

Why automated karaoke makes sense for your venue

Self-service and automated karaoke solutions are transforming how venues host karaoke, offering a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative that keeps the fun going without requiring a dedicated host behind the scenes.

Modern karaoke technology has evolved far beyond basic song lists and clunky remotes. With self-service systems like Singa Pro, venues can now run karaoke entirely on autopilot — while still delivering a fun, seamless experience to guests.

Here are some of the biggest advantages of a no-KJ karaoke setup:

• Lower costs. One-time setup and an affordable monthly subscription instead of recurring host fees.
• Flexible scheduling. Run karaoke nights anytime — even last minute or daily.
• Happier staff. Bartenders and servers can focus on guests instead of managing karaoke logistics.
• Better guest control. Singers can browse, queue, and perform songs on their own.
• Scalability. Add karaoke to more rooms or events without hiring extra staff.

It’s the perfect bar karaoke host replacement for venues that want to offer consistent entertainment without constant staffing demands.

Case study: How Kraken Bar runs karaoke without a host

When Kraken Bar in Helsinki first introduced karaoke in 2023, it started small — just a private corner where small groups could sing karaoke on weekends. But it didn’t take long before the concept exploded in popularity.

Guests loved the freedom of singing whenever they wanted, without waiting for a KJ to announce their turn or manage song requests. What began as an experiment soon became one of the venue’s biggest draws.

Here’s how Kraken set up their self-service karaoke system using Singa Pro in Kiosk Mode:

• A dedicated karaoke area was set up with a microphone, sound system, and an iPad running Singa Pro in Kiosk Mode.
• Guests walk up, select their favorite songs directly from the iPad, and add them to the singing queue.
• The system displays lyrics on multiple screens across the venue, so everyone can sing along.
• A scrolling banner at the bottom of the screen shows who’s up next and approximate wait times — just like a professional host would.
• Guests can also request songs from their own phones using the free Singa consumer app, connecting seamlessly to the venue’s karaoke queue. This flexibility means guests can plan their karaoke moment without hovering around the stage, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

The result?

Kraken’s karaoke nights became one of the busiest events of the week. The staff could focus fully on serving drinks and maintaining a great vibe, while customers enjoyed complete control over their singing experience. There's no need to coordinate with a KJ, troubleshoot technical issues mid-song, or field requests about when someone's turn will come up.

The system runs smoothly on its own, turning karaoke from a managed event requiring constant attention into a self-sustaining attraction that enhances the venue's atmosphere while requiring minimal staff intervention.

Introducing Singa Pro's Kiosk Mode: your automated karaoke solution

So how can your venue replicate Kraken's success? The answer lies in Singa Business Pro, specifically its Kiosk Mode feature, which is purpose-built for self-service karaoke environments.

What is Singa Pro's Kiosk Mode?

Singa Pro is the professional karaoke platform designed for bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues. In Kiosk Mode, Singa Pro turns any iPad into a self-service karaoke hub.

Singa Pro's Kiosk Mode transforms the karaoke experience into something that's automated, intuitive, and designed specifically for guests to use independently. Instead of requiring someone behind the scenes to manage song queues, adjust settings, or troubleshoot issues, Kiosk Mode presents a simplified, user-friendly interface that anyone can navigate.

Key features for self-service success include:

• 🎶 Extensive licensed song library. Singa Pro comes with a massive, constantly updated library of over 100,000 fully licensed tracks, from the latest chart-toppers to timeless classics.
• 📱Mobile song request. Guests can use the Singa consumer app to browse songs and submit requests directly from their smartphones. This means they can explore the catalog at their own pace, add multiple songs throughout the night, and even check their place in the queue — all without leaving their seats.
• 👥 Queue management. The system displays upcoming singers and estimated wait times on screen, keeping everyone informed and reducing frustration. Guests can see when their turn is approaching, giving them time to mentally prepare (or grab another drink for courage).
• 💜 Custom branding. Use downtime between songs to display promotional content, advertise food and drink specials, or highlight upcoming events. Your karaoke screens become valuable marketing real estate.
• 🎤 Flexible setups. Whether you want one large screen that creates a stage-like focal point or multiple screens throughout your venue that encourage sing-alongs, Singa Pro adapts to your space and vision.
• 🪩 Built-in background music: Between karaoke sessions, Singa Pro can provide background music through Singa Radio or integrate with popular music streaming services, ensuring your venue always has the right atmosphere.
• 🔒 Lockable interface. Critical settings remain locked down, preventing guests from accidentally altering your audio setup, changing venue configurations, or accessing features meant only for staff. Maintain control over your karaoke system’s operation while providing guests a hassle-free experience.
• 💡 Customer support for your staff. Access Singa's comprehensive Help Center for guidance on hardware installation, app settings, and system management. When you need personalized help, Customer Support Specialists are available via chat to troubleshoot any issues.

This makes Singa Pro not just a KJ replacement, but an upgrade — offering the consistency, convenience, and scalability that manual hosting can’t match.

How to set up a self-service karaoke system

Implementing a no-KJ karaoke setup is simpler than most bar owners think. Here’s a quick overview:

1.  Choose your karaoke station spot

• Pick a central area or dedicated room with good acoustics and visibility.
• Ensure space for a small stage or microphone area.

2.  Install screens and sound

• Connect TV screens for lyrics display.
• Use your venue’s existing sound system or add a powered speaker setup.

3.  Add your control device

• Use an iPad or tablet with Singa Pro installed.
• Activate Kiosk Mode so guests can browse and control their experience.

4.  Connect guest access

• Encourage visitors to use the Singa app to request songs directly from their phones.
• Display a QR code linking to your venue’s karaoke queue.

5.  Promote your karaoke experience

• Announce self-service karaoke nights on social media or signage.
• Offer themed nights or special karaoke drink deals.

Venues using Kiosk Mode often report higher engagement and longer customer dwell times, since guests enjoy being in control of their own experience in a private setting.

💡 Need help setting up your karaoke space? We’ve got you covered — here’s how.

Essential equipment list

Setting up self-service karaoke doesn't require a massive investment in equipment. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• iPad and stand. Your control center for the karaoke system. The iPad runs Singa Pro and serves as the interface where guests select songs. Invest in a secure stand or mount to keep it in place and at a comfortable height for users.
• Quality microphones. Don't skimp here — good microphones make everyone sound better and show guests you're serious about the karaoke experience. Consider purchasing multiple microphones to accommodate duets and group performances.
• Mixer. Essential for connecting your microphones to your speaker system and fine-tuning audio levels, bass, treble, and echo. A good mixer gives you control over sound quality.
• Loudspeakers. Karaoke can get rowdy in the best way, so you'll need speakers that can handle volume without distortion. Size them appropriately for your space.
• Screens. One or more displays for showing lyrics. Consider your venue layout — a single screen creates a performance-focused atmosphere, while multiple screens throughout your space encourage participation from all corners.
• Internet connection. Essential for accessing Singa Pro's song catalog and receiving mobile song requests. Make sure you have reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi.

Setting up your space

The physical layout matters. You might opt for a dedicated karaoke corner, a main stage setup that creates a performance atmosphere, or even offer it as an add-on for private events. Some venues with larger spaces consider multiple self-service stations to accommodate more simultaneous singers.

At Singa, we recently completed our own showroom setup — check out this article where we laid it all out, covering the cost and specifics of tech equipment, renovations, and furniture.

Getting started with Singa Pro

Setting up Singa Pro in Kiosk Mode is straightforward — just enable the Kiosk Mode in your system settings.

When you’ve just signed up, the system walks you through initial configuration, where you'll:

1. Set your venue online so guests using the Singa app can discover you're offering karaoke
2. Configure auto-acceptance settings for song requests (or choose to manually approve)
3. Decide whether to display upcoming singers and wait times on screen
4. Set up your background music preferences
5. Create and schedule any digital signage content

From there, simply switch Kiosk Mode on, and you're ready to welcome your first self-service singers. The interface handles the rest, guiding guests through song selection and queue management without any intervention needed from you.

When to keep your KJ — and when to automate

Not every karaoke night needs to be staff-free. A professional host still adds tremendous value for special events, competitions, or theme nights where interaction and crowd management are essential.

However, for recurring weekly karaoke, or if you want karaoke available every night without adding labor costs, an automated karaoke solution like Singa Pro offers the best of both worlds — entertainment consistency and staff efficiency.

In other words:

• Keep your KJ for big events.
• Use automation for regular nights and open sessions.

That’s exactly how venues like Kraken have balanced cost savings with quality guest experiences.

Sustainable karaoke for your business

Replacing your KJ with an automated karaoke solution is about finding a sustainable model that lets you offer this beloved entertainment option more frequently, more affordably, and with less operational complexity.

In an industry where staffing challenges and rising costs are constant concerns, technology like Singa Pro is redefining what’s possible.

With its self-service karaoke system, any bar or restaurant can offer on-demand entertainment that feels interactive, modern, and effortless — for both guests and staff.

Replacing your KJ doesn’t mean replacing the fun. It means making karaoke more accessible, affordable, and consistent, every night of the week.

Ready to see how it works?

👉 Explore Singa Pro for venues and transform your karaoke nights into a fully automated, easily scalable experience.