Karaoke Apps and YouTube: How to Sing Along at Home
A karaoke app or a YouTube karaoke video supplies the backing track and the lyrics; your machine supplies the mics and the sound. Play the song on a phone, tablet, smart TV or a machine with built-in apps, send the sound to the machine over Bluetooth or a cable, and sing along with the lyrics on screen.
How apps and YouTube fit with a karaoke machine
The song source plays the backing track and shows the lyrics: an app, a YouTube video, a CD+G disc or a built-in song. The machine handles the microphones and plays everything through its speaker.
Machines with built-in apps
- Singing Machine ISM9025: Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, SMC Karaoke, YouTube and other apps the maker lists.
- Singing Machine ISM9011: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, the Singing Machine Karaoke app and other apps the maker lists.
- Ikarao Shell S1: YouTube after connecting to Wi-Fi, and KaraFun preloaded with a 6-month membership.
Singing karaoke from YouTube
- Search YouTube for the song name plus "karaoke" to find versions with on-screen lyrics.
- Play it on a phone, tablet, smart TV or a machine with YouTube built in.
- Send the sound to your karaoke machine, so the mics and music play together.
- Turn the mic volume up slowly while someone sings.
Getting the sound to the machine
- Wirelessly: pair the phone or tablet with the machine. Use each maker's own wording; TONOR calls the link on the K6 and K9 "wireless 5.0".
- A cable: run an AUX or line-in cable from the device's headphone-style output.
- From a TV: the TONOR K9 lists coaxial and optical inputs.
Getting the lyrics onto a big screen
Play the karaoke video on a smart TV, or use a machine with HDMI. See connecting a karaoke machine to a TV and our TV and HDMI picks.
Accounts and subscriptions
Many karaoke apps need their own account, and some need a paid plan for the full catalog. Singing Machine says the full catalog in its app needs an in-app subscription, and Ikarao includes a 6-month KaraFun membership with the Shell S1. Check each app's current terms. For living-room machines, see karaoke machines for home parties.
FAQ
How do I do karaoke on YouTube?
Search YouTube for the song name plus "karaoke" to find versions with on-screen lyrics. Play it on a phone, tablet or TV, and send the sound to your karaoke machine over Bluetooth or a cable so the mics and music play together.
Do I need a subscription for karaoke apps?
It depends on the app. Some built-in apps need their own account or paid plan, and Ikarao includes a 6-month KaraFun membership with the Shell S1. Check each app's current terms.
Which karaoke machines have YouTube built in?
Among the machines on this site, Singing Machine lists YouTube on the ISM9025 and ISM9011, and Ikarao lists YouTube over Wi-Fi on the Shell S1.
Can I use a karaoke app with a Bluetooth karaoke speaker?
Yes, if the app runs on your phone or tablet. Pair the device with the speaker, play the song and read the lyrics on the device's screen.