Guide
How paid song requests work.
A paid song request system turns the chaos of "play my song" into a tracked, refundable, revenue-generating channel. Here's the entire workflow from QR scan to royalty-correct payout, in plain language.
The 6-step workflow
1. Guest scans the QR
Each table, bar back, and entrance has a QR. Guests scan with their phone — no app, no account required.
2. Guest searches a song
Live song search returns matched tracks with artwork. The guest picks the one they want and optionally adds a dedication.
3. Guest pays securely
Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card. Money is captured through secure checkout before the request reaches the queue.
4. Request lands in the DJ queue
The DJ sees the new request instantly in the live dashboard with priority status, dedication, and source QR.
5. DJ plays, skips, or refunds
The DJ keeps full control — reorder, skip, or refund any request. Played songs are logged for revenue reporting.
6. Unplayed songs auto-refund
If a song doesn't play in the open session, it refunds automatically. Guest trust is protected by default.
Who keeps the money?
The venue (and DJ, if they split) keeps the request revenue after payment processing fees. VenueTunes itself charges a flat monthly platform fee per venue rather than a percentage of every song. That keeps the unit economics simple — every additional request is mostly margin.
What about music licensing?
VenueTunes manages the request, payment, queue, display, and refund workflow. It does not stream music and does not grant public-performance licenses. Your venue keeps responsibility for whatever playback system you already use and any applicable PRO licenses for your jurisdiction. See ourmusic licensing guidefor the full breakdown.
What can go wrong?
- A song shouldn't play in your venue. Block explicit tracks or specific songs in venue settings.
- The DJ can't get to it. Auto-refund kicks in at session close. The guest is made whole.
- A guest disputes the charge. The secure checkout provider handles the chargeback flow. Refund history is logged in your dashboard.
- The display TV dies. Requests still flow — the public display is optional cosmetic UI, not a dependency.
See it in your venue tonight
Spin up a free 14-day trial. Print your first QR sheet. Take a request before close.