Start with the basics
The best karaoke parties have three things: a big screen everyone can read, a queue that never runs dry, and a little structure so the same two people don't sing all night. Encoreverse handles the first two for free: put it on your TV, and guests scan a QR code to add songs from their phones. The ideas below handle the third.
Several games use features built into the room: the 👏 Clap button that fills an applause meter on the TV, the star rating at the end of each song (5 stars sets off fireworks), the optional 🎙️ Score my singing voice score on a phone (beta, analysed on the phone), and the 🏆 scoreboard that tracks songs, claps, average stars and best voice score for the night.
Theme night ideas
- Decades night. Assign a decade per round: 80s, then 90s, then 2000s. The room has ready-made 80s Night and 90s Throwbacks playlists to get you started.
- Movie and Disney night. Everyone sings a soundtrack song, costumes optional. Try the Disney & Movies playlist.
- Around the world. Each person picks a song in a language other than English. K-pop, C-pop, Spanish, French, anything goes. See KTV at home for search tips.
- Rock anthems vs. ballads. Split the night into a loud half and a slow-dance half.
- Birthday spotlight. The guest of honour picks the opening and closing songs; everyone else picks a song they think the birthday person would love.
- Kids' party. The Kids Favorites playlist plus a dance-off between songs.
Karaoke games that actually work
- Applause battle. Two singers or teams take turns. Everyone hammers 👏 Clap on their phones during each song, and the higher applause meter wins the round. Check the scoreboard at the end for total claps.
- Star chase. Keep a running tally of each singer's star ratings. Highest average after three songs wins. The 🏆 scoreboard shows average stars, so you don't need a notepad.
- Voice score challenge. Singers who want to can tap 🎙️ Score my singing on their own phone when their song starts. It's in beta, so treat it as a laugh rather than a judge, and use headphones for a fairer score.
- Duet roulette. Write names on slips of paper and draw two at a time. They have to pick a duet together; the Duets playlist helps.
- Random three. Someone taps 🎲 Add random 3 in the playlists. Whoever drew the short straw sings the first one, sight unseen.
- Finish the line. Mute the TV for a few seconds mid-chorus and see if the singer keeps going in time.
- Song swap. Everyone queues a song for the person on their left. Use ⏫ Next to keep things in order.
- Lip-sync interlude. Switch a song to 🎵 Original (when found) and stage a dramatic lip-sync instead.
Getting shy guests to sing
- Open with group songs the whole room knows, so nobody is alone on the mic.
- Offer duets first. Singing with a friend is far less scary.
- Let people queue from their phone without announcing it. A name popping up on "Up next" feels less pressured than being picked.
- Keep applause loud for everyone. Emoji and messages on the TV (❤️ 👏 🔥 😂 🎉) are a quick way for the room to cheer.
- Have a list of easy songs ready. Our best karaoke songs for parties includes a beginner-friendly section.
Hosting tips
- Test the TV, sound and one song an hour before guests arrive.
- Free rooms take up to 2 guest phones, so for a big crowd pass the joined phones around so everyone can add songs, or the host can upgrade on the account page for unlimited guests.
- Agree on house rules: everyone in the room can Skip, move songs to the top and switch Karaoke/Original, so play nice.
- Have friends far away? Read online karaoke with friends for joining by room code and screen-sharing the stage on a call.
Frequently asked questions
What are good karaoke party games?
Applause battles with the clap meter, star-rating challenges, duet roulette, song swaps and decade rounds all work well and need no extra equipment.
Does Encoreverse keep score?
Yes, in a few fun ways: guests clap during songs to fill an applause meter, each song gets a star rating, and the scoreboard shows songs, claps, average stars and best voice score for the night.
How does the voice score work?
A singer can tap Score my singing on their phone when their song starts. Pitch is analysed on the phone and only the final score is sent to the TV. It is in beta, so treat it as fun.
What are good karaoke party themes?
Decades nights, Disney and movie soundtracks, rock anthems versus ballads, songs in other languages, and birthday spotlights are popular and easy to run with ready-made playlists.
How do I get shy guests to sing?
Start with group songs and duets, let people queue quietly from their phones, cheer every singer, and keep a list of easy songs ready.
Ready to sing?
Create a free room on your TV. Guests scan the QR code and queue songs from their phones. No app, no sign-up.