Karaoke machine formats can be really confusing. There are so many different terms, from CD+G to MP3+G, to DVD. But what do they mean? And what’s the difference between CD and CD+G? It can be pretty confusing and if you’re new to karaoke machines, then it’s hard to know what you need and which is best.
So we’ll go through all the main karaoke formats, how they work and the pros and cons of each. We’ll put each format head-to-head so you know which to choose and which is compatible with your karaoke machine. So let’s get started!
CD and CD+G
I’ll assume that you’ve heard of a CD (compact disk) before, but you might not have heard of CD+G. It just stands for CD and graphics. This is a really important difference.
If you just try putting a CD in a karaoke machine. Then two things could happen. 1. You’ll just hear the audio of the song, and you won’t see the lyric video or 2. absolutely nothing will happen because the karaoke machine won’t accept the format.
For a karaoke machine to be able to play both the audio of the instrumental and the image of the lyrics on the display screen, it needs the CD+G format.
Some karaoke machines still use CD+G, however most are moving towards MP3+G. If your karaoke machine has a CD player, then that’s great, you can use your CD+Gs. But if it doesn’t, it might still have an AUX import. In this case, you can simply connect an external CD player and put your CD+Gs in and start playing, in most instances.
If you want to know a bit more about CD+G formats, then head over to our post on everything you need to know about CD+G. It’ll explain a bit more about what they are, how to use them, where to buy them and even how to make them yourself.
- Unlimited song choice
- Works with old karaoke machines
- Requires a CD player
- Can be expensive if you pay per song
DVD
The DVD format is used a lot less for karaoke than your standard CG+G. It allows both the audio of the song and the lyric video to be played on the screen, providing a similar experience to CD+G.
Generally, karaoke machines don’t accept DVDs, although some do. Like the Karaoke USA GF845 (click here to check it out on Amazon).
However, there are some services that offer services where you can create your karaoke DVD song list. For example, sunflykaraoke.com. These can then be used in a standard DVD player so you will be able to play karaoke without even having a machine.
- Unlimited song choice
- Only needs a DVD player and not a karaoke machine
- Needs a DVD player or input
- Can get expensive if you pay per song
MP3 and MP3+G
The difference between MP3 and MP3+G is very similar to the difference between CD and CD+G. To be able to get both the visual and audio of the instrumental, you’ll need the MP3+G format.
The easiest way to use MP3+G formats for your karaoke machine is to use a service that creates MP3+G karaoke tracks for you that you can download, like sunflykaraoke.com. Or you can use a service called karaoke version.
Karaoke Version
Karaoke Version is great source for MP3 backing tracks that will have pretty much any song you could ever want to sing at your karaoke party.
If you’re tech savvy, you can use it to create a video using Lyric Video Creator which allows you to add an MP3 backing track to create a lyric video to sing along to. This option is a little more complicated, but a good one to try if you can’t find a karaoke version of the song elsewhere.
- Unlimited song choice
- Works with different types of machine
- Can get expensive
- Downloaded songs may need to be put on a disk or USB
YouTube
Another example of this MP3+G format, is using YouTube. Over the last few years, loads of karaoke machines are now using YouTube as their primary source of audio instrumental and video. It’s great because it’s very easy to set up, free and there are so many songs available.
If you want to use YouTube as the format for your karaoke songs, then head over to our guide on how to set up karaoke using YouTube.
- Very easy to set up and free
- Works with new machines
- Won't work with old machines
- Hard to find less well-known songs
Karaoke Apps
The final format to talk about, is karaoke apps. This is a form of MP3+G, similar to YouTube and it works in a similar way. You connect your smart device like a smart TV, tablet or mobile to your karaoke machine using bluetooth or an AUX lead. Then you open the karaoke app, pick and song and get started! It’s really simple.
There are plenty of karaoke apps available, so here are some of the best ones.
KaraFun
KaraFun is an online karaoke app that allows you to connect your mixer and screen to play the audio and video of over 33,000 songs. It works on a subscription plan with three options available.
There’s a party pass (2 day) option if you just need it for a single occassion, a monthly subscription for personal use and their most premuim plan is 100% legal for professional use.
The Voice Sing and Connect
The Voice Sing and Connect is a great app that’s based on the popular TV talent show. You can download it for free on both Android and Apple devices. It allows you to sing solo, with friends or even duet with other players all over the globe! There’s a huge library of songs and you can record your favourite tunes with visual and voice effects.
- Great for pros and at home
- Works on and offline
- Subscription cost
- Only works with new machines
Karaoke Formats Compared
So now you know all the main karaoke formats, which should you choose? Mostly, it’ll depend on the compatibility of your karaoke machine.
If you’ve not purchased a karaoke machine yet, then head over to our post of the 12 best karaoke machines.
Here is a quick comparison between the different karaoke formats to decide which one you should go for.
Format | Cost | Song Choice | Need for Internet Connection |
CD+G | Pay per song/ pre-made | Unlimited | No |
DVD | Pay per song/ pre-made | Unlimited | No |
MP3+G | Pay per song | Unlimited | No |
YouTube | Free | Good for popular songs | Yes |
Karaoke Apps | Subscription | Good for popular songs | Yes |
So there you go! Those are the most popular karaoke formats. Thanks for reading!
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