Top 10 open source digital signage software

We’re long past the stone age where pamphlets, banners, and salesmen were the most effective means of selling your brand’s idea to the world. Digital signage has changed the marketing space, as ads are now increasingly domiciled on monitors, LED boards, and sizable digital signage TVs. As the backbone of digital signage systems, the open-source digital signage software that compiles, manages, and deploys content to the signage screen has also risen in popularity. With the help of this software, you can create a customized image or video marketing presentation and display them on your digital signage screens.

Over time, cloud-based digital signage solutions have proved to be more cost-effective and relatively easier to use, allowing users to create, schedule, and  distribute content to one or more digital signage screens from anywhere in the world. However, most users with the required technical knowledge and deep wallets still prefer the open-source digital signage option. If you fall into this category, here’s our list of the ten open-source digital signage software you should check out.

1. Chromecast Kiosk

The Chromecast Kiosk is a compact affordable open-source media device that converts your TV into a digital signage screen. It supports 4K and HD video resolution.

Github: https://github.com/mrothenbuecher/Chromecast-Kiosk

Chromecast Kiosk Features

• Discovers the Chromecast in your network
• Presets the website which shall be displayed on your Chromecast based on chromecast-dashboard
• Manages multiple Chromecast in one browser
• Multiple language support
• 4K and HD content support

2. Concerto

Concerto is a versatile open-source web-based digital signage solution that can be redistributed or modified in accordance with the license terms. Users can use a browser to upload graphical, video, and text messages. This content can be uploaded by a moderator or retrieved from the internet. Concerto is compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and a variety of other operating systems.

Github: https://github.com/concerto

Concerto Features

• Content management and scheduling 
• Access control
• Multiple file format support
• Multi-screen support
• Graphical templates
• UTF-8 languages support
• Classified content feeds

3. DisplayMonkey

Here’s another web-based digital signage open software solution. It is user-friendly, fast, and efficient. Not to mention that it can also display sales and financial records and other KPIs. Furthermore, DisplayMonkey supports most of the existing video formats and is easily customizable.

Github: https://github.com/fuel9/DisplayMonkey

DisplayMonkey Features

• SQL Reporting Services
• YouTube Support
• Network Monitoring and Reporting
• Open API
• Commercial-grade display
• Multi-user access
• Location support services

4. Flutter Pi

The Flutter Pi is a light-weight open-source Flutter Engine Embedder for Raspberry Pi and other Linux-based platforms.

Github: https://github.com/ardera/flutter-pi

Flutter Pi Features

• Supports Raspberry Pi digital signage and other Linux-based platforms
• Supports 3D hardware acceleration Kernel-modesetting (KMS) and direct rendering infrastructure 
• Great graphics display

5. Henrik Franciscus Leppä (HFL)

The HFL is a cross-platform open-source digital signage software written. The front-end of the program is written in React.js, and the back-end is written in PouchDB. It supports HTML, allowing users to create content with HTML codes.

Github: https://github.com/henrik-leppa/hfl-signage-player

HFL Features

• Autosave edits
• Images and videos, including HTML, can be uploaded
• Cross-platform 

6. Info Beamer

Info Beamer is a low-cost professional cloud-based digital signage platform that can be accessed on the go via its web dashboard or API from any internet-connected device. It is hosted on the Raspberry Pi microcomputer, allowing users to save money and time.

Github: https://github.com/info-beamer

Info Beamer Features

• Easily edit schedules, upload new content, add or modify devices 
• Offers high-security service — devices are always encrypted 
• Real-time control 
• SD Card support

7. piSignage

piSignage is an open-source digital signage solution that allows you to create content to your exact specifications. It’s adaptable and practical, making it one of the most popular options among users. After signing up, you’ll be required to pay a $25 one-time player license fee and a $20 annual subscription fee.

Github: https://github.com/colloqi/piSignage

piSignage Features

• Flexible content sourcing
• Multi-screen support
• Inbuilt layout
• Robust, intuitive interface
• Campaign scheduling
• TV control and screen-capture

8. Screenly OSE

Screenly Open Source Edition (OSE) is an advanced digital signage software solution that is very popular among consumers, owing to its low cost and ease of use. While the free version provides all of the basic digital signage features required to create content and update your digital signage screen, the paid version adds premium features such as professional support, cloud-based screen management, real-time status alerts, cloud storage, automatic software and security updates, and so on.

Github: https://github.com/Screenly/screenly-ose/

Screenly OSE Features

• Supports SD Card
• Simple Intuitive Interface
• Multiple media support
• Content Scheduling
• Extensive media library

9. OpenSignage

OpenSignage is a free multi-platform digital signage software that works with the vast majority of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Android. It has a slew of features and is also incredibly simple to install. Users of OpenSignage can access their digital signage content management system from anywhere in the world by using an internet-connected device. You will also have access to a large media library with thousands of royalty-free stock images, videos, animations, apps, modules, and widgets.

Github: https://github.com/davidschedler/OpenSignage

OpenSignage Features

• Supports Android, Linux, Windows, and HTML5 devices
• Easy to install
• Content scheduling
• Unlimited Display
• Comprehensive media library 
• Optimum support and updates

10. Xibo

Xibo began as a university project back in 2004 but has since evolved to become one of the most viable and easy-to-use open-source digital signage software solutions around. It supports a range of platforms, including Windows, WebOS, Ubuntu, Android, and Cloud. As a low-cost, high-performance option, the Spring Signage (a UK based company) managed software offers some interesting high-end features and functionality. Nevertheless, its engaging layout means users will have no problems navigating their way around it.

Github: https://github.com/xibosignage/xibo-cms/

Xibo Features

• Simplistic Design and Powerful Widgets
• Content Scheduling
• Wide range of players
• Progressive analytics and diagnostics
• Nonstop support and service
• Easily Customizable

Final Words

When choosing an open-source digital signage software, there are a few important criteria to consider, such as costs, ease of use, scheduling, compatibility, reliability, and updates. These would help you decide which digital signage solution to invest in. Whatever your preferences are, you’ll find open-source digital signage software that will serve your needs.