Soundnet/TouchTunes has proudly been a part of EAG for over 25 years, showcasing its commitment to both the industry and the show. Drawing on over three decades experience TouchTunes Sales Manager Karen Sarosi, reflects on the role of the showcase event and how jukebox music programming has evolved to be far more nuanced, catering to niche tastes and emerging trends.

What are the key products and services that you will be showing at EAG?

At EAG, we’re excited to showcase our flagship jukebox, Angelina, alongside exclusive new deals for 2025. This iconic jukebox continues to set the standard for quality and innovation. We’re also unveiling exciting app developments set to roll out this year, driven by the rapid growth in app-generated revenue—a testament to the evolving ways players engage with our products.

Additionally, we’re proud to present the Bullshooter by Arachnid, our latest electronic plug-and-play darts machine. With its versatile gameplay options—allowing players to compete solo, face off against each other, or participate in network tournaments a bit like the old Megatouch —it promises an engaging and accessible experience for darts enthusiasts of all levels.

 

 

Overall, how many of your products will be making their debut?

The Bullshooter darts machine made its debut at ACOS, but EAG 2025 will mark its first appearance for the UK market.

This exciting product has already been successfully rolled out for testing with selective partners, and the initial results have been incredibly promising. With several machines currently in circulation “on test,” we’re eagerly anticipating more data ahead of the exhibition, which will further highlight the product's potential and performance.

 

What does success look like for you – what are your objectives and what do you want to achieve from exhibiting?

Success for us at EAG is all about building and strengthening relationships with our valued customers. We always look forward to engaging in friendly, insightful conversations that deepen our understanding of their business goals and future plans.

EAG also provides the perfect platform to introduce our latest innovations. This year, we aim to generate excitement around our jukebox deals, with special deals available at the show.

Additionally, we’re eager to showcase the Bullshooter Darts Machine by Arachnid, leveraging fresh revenue data from our test models. Our key objective is to gauge the appetite for this simple plug-and-play electronic darts solution in the UK market, ensuring it aligns with our customers’ needs and expectations.

 

 

EAG 2025 will be the biggest edition since the show opened at ExCeL London – how important is it to have a major show dedicated to out of home entertainment based in the UK?

EAG is a cornerstone event for TouchTunes and the UK industry as a whole. Taking place early in January, it offers a prime opportunity for exhibitors to connect personally with their customers and discuss key business opportunities for the year ahead.

With ICE moving to Barcelona this year, EAG in London is poised to attract strong attendance from UK visitors, suppliers, and industry peers. It remains an essential event in the industry’s trading calendar and will undoubtedly continue to grow in importance as the go-to platform for innovation, collaboration, and networking in the UK market.

 

What are the dominant trends in the pay-to-play music sector and how are they impacting the business?

Jukebox users today expect their specific tastes to be catered to, driven by the dominance of streaming platforms such as Spotify. These platforms have shifted the way people consume music, offering personalized playlists and tailored suggestions that create a curated and highly individual listening experience—quite different from the more generalized consumption of the past via radio or CDs. As a result, jukebox music programming has evolved to be far more nuanced, catering to niche tastes and emerging trends. Whether it’s the growing popularity of country music or highly specific regional genres, jukeboxes now need to deliver a diversity of music that was very different say 15-years ago. This broader, more tailored approach ensures that jukeboxes remain relevant, engaging, and competitive in a world where personalization is key.

 

How important are apps in encouraging play and do you have any data to illustrate/demonstrate?

Apps play a pivotal role in driving jukebox engagement and revenue for TouchTunes. We’ve observed a notable increase in spending among existing users, particularly after introducing payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Additionally, we’re seeing significant growth in new users adopting the app. Currently, over 30% of TouchTunes UK revenue is generated through the app, and this figure continues to grow weekly. These insights highlight the importance of continually enhancing the app experience with fresh developments to meet user expectations and maintain this upward trend.

 

Do you think there’s sufficient recognition of the role that music plays in retaining pub customers and stimulating bar sales?

There has been a misconception that jukeboxes are a dying trend and not economically viable when compared to digital gaming. However, with the popularity of the TouchTunes App and growth in revenue, it is clear that jukes with just a coin mech have been missing the chance to generate revenue for years, and it is now with the app, that players are returning to the juke.  At TouchTunes, we are continually working to raise awareness of the vital role jukeboxes play in the pub and bar environment. By promoting our products alongside current point-of-sale systems, we aim to ensure operators fully recognize the value jukeboxes bring in terms of customer retention and stimulating bar sales.

 

Do you offer contactless pay and if so what impact does it have on income?

TouchTunes jukeboxes do support contactless payments, with card reader options available for customers who prefer that method. We partnered with ASK Global a couple of years ago to ensure we offer the most reliable payment solution for our jukes. However, the TouchTunes mobile app has emerged as the most popular contactless payment method. The app is free to subscribe to, incredibly user-friendly, and widely embraced by both regular and new users. Consumers simply download the app, then pay for credits using credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. These credits can be used across any venue with a TouchTunes jukebox, providing users with a seamless, flexible experience. The convenience of this system has proven to be highly effective in driving engagement and income, making it a key component of our service offering.

 

To what extent do you provide licensees with a curated playlist or is that something jukebox technology does intuitively?

At TouchTunes, our music team is dedicated to continuously evolving our music library to keep things fresh and engaging. Our jukeboxes offer an extensive selection of over 1 million tracks, spanning a wide range of genres to cater to diverse tastes.

In addition to this vast library, our team actively curates special playlists to align with key events throughout the year. These playlists are designed to enhance the atmosphere /add a festive touch, with examples including Christmas tracks, Valentine’s Day selections, St. Patrick’s Day hits, festival headliners, and even World Cup anthems. The most recent curated playlists released before the end of 2024 featured iconic Britpop tracks and popular Asian music ensuring that the jukebox experience remains dynamic, relevant, and engaging for all users.

 

Are digital jukeboxes the perfect complement to digital gaming machines?

Jukeboxes are the perfect complement to any venue, not just digital gaming machines. They help create an inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to stay longer, enhancing the overall vibe and increasing dwell time. This extended engagement benefits not only the jukebox but also digital gaming machines, pool tables, and the wet trade, driving increased revenue across the board. When all these elements work together, it’s a win-win for the venue!