Build guide
How to build a home jukebox with a touchscreen
Building your own home jukebox is cheaper and more personal than buying a commercial machine: a touchscreen, a computer you probably already own, and jukebox software that plays your own music. Here is the whole build in four steps, plus the tips that make it feel like the real thing.
What you need: a touchscreen monitor, any computer (mini PC, laptop or desktop), speakers or a soundbar, and jukebox software. Budget builds start around the price of a used monitor and an old laptop. Everything below works with Windows 10/11 or a current Linux distro.
Pick the hardware
A touchscreen monitor (15 to 24 inches works great) plus any computer that can drive it: a mini PC, a spare laptop, or an old desktop. Speakers or a soundbar complete the setup. If you want the classic look, mount the screen in a small cabinet or frame later, it is cosmetic.
Install the jukebox software
Download jukebox software and install it on the jukebox PC. TouchGroove runs on Windows and Linux with a touch-first interface, a 7-day fully unlocked trial and a one-time licence. See the jukebox software guide if you want to compare options first.
Point it at your music
Two easy paths: point the app at a folder of music files on the machine (or a network share), or connect a music server you already run, such as Navidrome. TouchGroove can do both at once and merges them into one library.
Make it feel like a jukebox
Enable the kiosk touches: start in fullscreen, turn on the ambient visualizer for idle time, switch on Auto DJ so the music never stops, and show the QR code so guests can queue songs from their phones.
Pro tips
Touch calibration
Most touchscreens work out of the box. If taps feel off, calibrate the touch driver in the OS before blaming the app.
Volume headroom
Set the jukebox at a comfortable level and leave a cap, guests on the phone remote can adjust volume within limits you control.
Stable network
A wired connection to your router is best if the jukebox streams from a music server. Guest phones need the same WiFi as the jukebox.
Back up your music
The jukebox only plays what you have. Keep the collection on a backup drive or NAS so a dead disk never ends the party.
Ready to start the build?
TouchGroove was built for exactly this project. It runs on the hardware above, plays a folder of music or your own server, and every feature is unlocked for 7 days so you can build the whole jukebox before paying anything.
Not sure which software fits? Read the jukebox software buyer's guide, which compares the options for a home bar and what to look for.
Build guide FAQ
Do I need a music server?
No. The simplest build points the software at a folder of music on the jukebox itself. A server like Navidrome only helps if you want the same library on multiple devices.
How do guests play songs?
With TouchGroove, the jukebox shows a QR code and guests open it on their phones. They can search the library and queue songs without installing anything or joining a guest account.