Digital Signage is a phrase used for showing digital media such as information and advertisements on digital screens such as Tablets, kiosks, TV, dedicated signage display, and any other. And software that controls, compiles, and manages the digital media content on multiple digital screens or platforms is known as digital signage software.
Digital Signage software allows users to develop and upload their own representation, images, and flash animations to distribute them to the output media and then display them in a time-controlled fashion. Digital Signage network can distribute international content over the entire network and local content to individual locations within a few minutes.
The beginning of digital technology has led to remarkable changes in business operations. There is a vast reduction in the use of paper, and even receipts are being generated digitally! Similarly, digital signage has come up in a big way. Digital signs provide businesses and event planners with a unique medium to display meaningful content and interactively with target audiences.
The use of traditional static signboards is on the decline, and digital signage is the latest buzz. It is an admired choice due to its flexibility and high return on investment.
There are a variety of alternatives when it comes to digital signage tools. However, it can indeed be a challenge to find the perfect fit for a business with diverse needs. So, exactly how does one pick the best free digital signage software?
If you have decided to shift from static to digital, you need to research before getting free digital signage software. TechNinjaPro listed some important features to look for in digital signage software:
Important Features of Digital Signage Software
Content Scheduling
One important factor that differentiates digital from static signage is its ability to automate content display scheduling. The primary objective is to deliver the right message to the right person at the right time. Choices such as pre-determined rules allow users to provide dynamic and unique content and drop expired content automatically so playback stays up to date.
Such rule-based scheduling decreases the workload significantly. Besides, efficient signage software enables multiple scheduling for different screens or groups of screens.
A Commercial-Level Display
It is right that the screen is the center of digital signage software. Commercial-level displays provide the best results as compared to customer-grade screens. It can offer more inputs for external devices, including VGA and HDMI inputs. Besides, commercial-level displays provide improved durability required for screens operable for 10-15 hours per day.
Engaging Content
For efficient results, digital signage solutions should be able to offer engaging content. Digital signage should grab the viewer’s attention whether you need to advertise or interact with them. Visuals are a perfect way to help people retain information. Thus digital signage content can be an ideal tool to educate your customers or shoppers.
Similarly, you can use true digital signage engaging content to entertain your viewers. It makes their wait time feel shorter and helps them pass their time. In addition, an interactive digital signage system will allow you to transmit and receive information. Thus, it helps develop an interactive environment where audiences can input their information or submit requests for the kind of content they need. Creating engaging digital signage content can help keep your audience’s attention long enough to consume your message.
Multiple Client Access
Another crucial feature for any digital signage is having a multiple-user platform with user access control. Having individual access and roles to different portions of the digital signage system allows the administrator to limit digital signage systems. It enables operators to assign responsibilities without losing complete control of digital signage management. For example, the admin can control users from publishing any content without approval or restrict users’ access for specific campaigns and more.
Network Reporting and Monitoring
To assess how the CMS, workflow system and the whole software is performing, you want to monitor the strength of the digital signage network. Reporting and monitoring are the two most essential features of digital signage tools. Basic monitoring involves the ability to inform network operators if the performance falls below the service level agreements. Reporting allows users to evaluate when content is performing best.
A helpful digital signage software provides a comprehensive dashboard that offers insights into overall network health. The network operator can easily detect any problem and have minimum downtime by solving its effectively.
10 Best Free Digital Signage Software
1. DigitalSignage.com
Digitalsignage.com is a free web-based digital signage tool that offers innovative multimedia display features for small and medium enterprises in all industries. It provides complete control over an extensive network of screens and facilitates optimal content management to target focused audiences.
It provides a decent service for free as it makes money from subscribers who choose the premium version. However, the free version offers all the core features such as SignageStudio software and making instant updates everywhere. DigitalSignage.com is worth checking out if you are interested in dipping your toes into the world of digital signage, as you will also have access to hundreds of pre-made templates, which can save a major amount of time and money.
Features:
- Template and Content Design
- Content Scheduling
- Updated Analytics
- Rich Media Library
- Visual Intuitive Interface
2. Concerto
Concerto is a free digital signage software that is perfect for small to medium businesses. It was developed on for university students, and the intuitive software is ideal for small businesses. Concerto is a web-based solution that is highly compact, flexible, and capable of supporting multiple formats. It is still active in the development, with regular upgrades and system updates added to the rich feature list.
To run Concerto, you will need a server and database that can run ROR web applications. If you have not got a server, you can still use Concerto, but the service would not be accessible.
Features:
- Linux based web application
- Multiple screen support
- Content scheduling
- Upload content via a web interface
- Access control
- Content management
- Graphical template
- Supports UTF-8 languages
3. Pisignage
Pisignage is another cloud-based digital signage tool that provides two licenses for free, and for more, the customer has to pay $25 per license per month. It is an open-source solution that lets you customize as per your needs. Pisignage allows businesses to control their network of screens and displays. The best thing about Pisignage is that it enables you to display the content in full high-definition. In addition, it is scalable and lightweight.
However, being a free tool, the users can install it on their own servers. Pisignage is suitable for small companies without spending much on hardware as its player is available for Raspberry Pi, including Chromebox, NUC, or Chromecast. It has been used widely for streaming, digital signage, video distribution, info displays, notice boards, dashboards, etc. Moreover, Pisignage is very intuitive and compact to manage campaigns centrally.
Features:
- Campaign scheduler
- Flexible content sourcing
- Intuitive interface
- Supports streaming content, YouTube, Media RSS, PDF, etc.
- Advanced scheduling
- Works offline
- Inbuilt templates layout
- Flexible content sourcing
- Remote upgrade
4. DisplayMonkey
Display Monkey is a free digital signage software consisting of all the newest features on the internet. It is entirely web-based, which makes it accessible across many platforms. Being one of the latest software on the block, Display Monkey has a simple visual layout and user-friendly interface. It has YouTube integration along with streaming and video services.
Display Monkey’s layout and UI are very customizable and flexible, making it extremely friendly. It schedules and logs content efficiently. Its display can be geotagged and can be arranged hierarchically.
Features:
- Supports YouTube
- Network reporting and monitoring
- Commercial-level display
- Multiple user access
- Open API
- SQL reporting services
5. Screenly
Screenly is one of the most widely used free digital signage software that is simple, efficient, and highly customizable. It has two editions; one is an open-source edition and a free-to-use digital signage tool, whereas the other is Enterprise, which starts with $29 per month. The open-source edition is the same as the paid one, backed by the community and maintained by Screenly but with customer support.
Screenly is highly adaptive and can support several media formats. To install Screenly, you need to have Raspberry Pi dedicated hardware.
Features:
- Supports digital sign support
- Content scheduling
- Automatic software updates
- Two-factor authentication
- Unlimited Screens
- SD card support
- One-stop screen management
6. MangoSigns
MangoSigns is a free digital signage software used by prominent businesses and corporations, including major hotel chains, sports leagues, and international movie studios. It is also scalable to meet the desires of small companies that need to lend an air of professionalism to their digital presentations.
MangoSigns is highly user-friendly and visually appealing with an easy setup system. It is a unique provider of socially connected digital signage for small businesses.
Features:
- Flexible scheduling
- Automatic player updates
- Social media integration
- Pre-made templates
- Multimedia support
7. ScreenHub
ScreenHub is one of the best free digital signage software that is completely compatible with Windows and Linux-based operating systems. It allows users to build and share their content to all connected signboards with the help of the internet. ScreenHub works with both Linux and Windows-based systems. However, many users may find some complications while setting it up.
ScreenHub allows users to create, modify and control the content on signboards anywhere using an internet-powered device. It is the perfect option as a complete content management tool for digital signage and offers excellent customer support.
Features:
- Varied Template Options
- Content Scheduling
- Work Flow Control
- Graphical Frame Designer
- Social Media Integration
8. Xibo
Xibo is a popular digital signage tool that sets itself apart in both cost-efficiency and functionality. It is an open-source project along with paid Cloud pre-hosted solution. Xibo is also a high-performance and low-cost solution that supports multiple platforms for display management such as Ubunto, Windows, Android, WebOS, and SignageTixen SSSP.
It has a smart visual interface, along with many advanced features and widgets that help in effective digital signage.
Features:
- Content scheduling
- Advanced analytics and diagnostics
- Layout designer with powerful widgets
- Flexibility of HTML functionality
- Continuous support
9. RiseVision
RiseVision is an open-source web-based digital signage software that is accessible across multiple platforms and devices. It can be used t create HTML presentations and slideshows. RiseVision allows users to create customized content with impressive videos and images for intended target audiences. It is extensively used in more than 100 countries as a feature-rich free digital signage tool.
RiseVision offers both free and paid versions of its digital signage tool; the free variant offers strong yet user-friendly and easy features but is highly effective in improving digital messaging while presenting it attractively. It is incredibly customizable, and the player supports an array of formats across all the devices.
Features:
- Well-stocked media library for content design
- Automatic player updates
- Cloud-based remote deployment
- Multiple screens and device support
- Automated content scheduling
10. OpenSignage
OpenSignage is a free digital signage tool that allows users to manage screen networks from any place at any time. It offers effective and intuitive digital signage solutions to many sectors and targets specific audiences through smart content displays. It is the best open-source tool to centrally control display networks and show rich media content to the targeted audience.
It offers a user-friendly CMS to create and style content. OpenSignage is free to download for all users and provides an impressive suite of functions that make this an excellent choice for independent operators and big enterprises alike.
Features:
- Compatible with Android, Windows, Linux, and HTML5 devices
- Content scheduling
- Manages content on multiple devices
- Broad media library with widgets and third-party content
- Continuous customer support
Frequesntly Asked Questions
Digital Signage means displaying different contents such as presentations, news, video clips, or essential current data on a digital screen such as a TV screen with the help of digital signage software. It makes it possible to transmit interactive media content on the point of sale, Malls, Stations, restaurants, Airports, or waiting rooms, from which visitors can gain individual knowledge.
Perhaps. Free digital signage software allows you to develop engaging content and manage your digital display from a content management system at no cost. With that said, most free choices have basic functionality, so you will have to pay for a paid plan if you need custom videos, digital menu boards, or weather updates.
With free digital signage software, you can create simple advertising content such as digital signs or displays using text and images.
Conclusion
For any business, incorporating digital signage into daily operations is a potential game-changer. In this world, digital content is far more than simply displaying information electronically. Digital Signage is a transformative approach to inform in a targeted and persuasive manner and a highly adaptable channel through which to network with a captive audience.