Digital vs Traditional Jukeboxes
Traditional jukeboxes with CDs have a nostalgic appeal, but digital jukeboxes have largely taken over — and for good reason.
Digital Jukeboxes
- Millions of songs available
- Auto-updating music library
- Touchscreen interface
- Music videos available
- No physical media to maintain
Traditional Jukeboxes
- Classic aesthetic appeal
- Nostalgic experience
- ✕Limited song selection
- ✕Manual CD changes needed
- ✕Higher maintenance
For most pubs, digital is the way to go. You get new music automatically, customers can find what they want easily, and there's less to go wrong.
Music Licensing
To play music publicly, your venue needs:
- PRS for Music licence — covers the songwriters and composers
- PPL licence — covers the performers and record companies
Most venues already have these for background music and TV. If you do, you're covered for the jukebox too. If not, we can advise on getting set up — the combined licence is straightforward.
Placement and Sound
Where you put the jukebox matters:
- Visible and accessible — people need to see it to use it
- Near socialising areas — not tucked in a corner near the toilets
- Consider the speakers — built-in speakers work for smaller pubs; larger venues may need separate sound
Volume control is important too. A good jukebox system lets you set maximum volume and adjust based on time of day.
Pricing Per Play
Standard pricing is £1 for 3 songs or similar. Some venues do £1 per song in busy areas. Free play during quiet hours can drive footfall.
The key is finding the balance — too expensive and nobody uses it; too cheap and it doesn't earn.
Content Control
Worried about inappropriate songs? Digital jukeboxes let you block specific tracks or artists. You stay in control of what plays in your venue.
Some systems also let you set "background music" mode for quiet periods — automatic play of selected genres when nobody's paying.