Setup guide

How TipJar works

From setup to getting paid. A premium guest flow, plus DJ‑first control.

Setup in minutes No credit card Secure payments

Setup

Setup in 4 steps

Get your TipJar ready for your next event.

STEP 1

Sign up (phone, no credit card)

Create your account with your phone number. No credit card required to start.

Go to tipjar.live and click “Get started”
Enter your phone number
Verify with the one-time code (SMS)
You’re in — you can set up branding and your link right away

Tips:

  • Use a number you’ll have access to on event nights
  • If SMS is spotty at the venue, connect before doors open
STEP 2

Customize Your Branding

Make it yours. Add your logo, choose colors, and set your welcome message.

Upload your logo (PNG or JPG, recommended: 200x200px)
Choose your brand colors (or use our defaults)
Write a custom welcome message for guests
Preview how it looks on mobile devices

Tips:

  • Use high-contrast colors for better readability
  • Keep your welcome message short and friendly
  • Test on a phone to see how guests will experience it
STEP 3

Get Your Unique Link

Your TipJar link is ready immediately. Share it anywhere.

Your link looks like: tipjar.live/your-username
Copy it to share on social media, email, or text
Works on any device - iPhone, Android, tablets
No app download required for guests

Tips:

  • Bookmark your dashboard link for easy access
  • Add your TipJar link to your email signature
  • Include it in your DJ bio on social media
STEP 4

Generate QR Codes

Create QR codes for events. Print them or display on screens.

Click "Generate QR Code" in your dashboard
Download as PNG or SVG (high quality for printing)
Display on your DJ booth TV or tablet
Print for tables, flyers, or business cards

Tips:

  • Test your QR code before the event
  • Make QR codes large enough to scan from 3-5 feet away
  • Have backup printed QR codes in case tech fails
  • Use high-contrast colors (dark QR on light background)

At the event

Using TipJar live

Practical best practices for placement, flow, and queue control.

Live

Display Your QR Code

Make it easy for guests to find and scan.

Place QR code on your DJ booth TV or tablet
Print and place on tables near the dance floor
Share your link on event screens or projectors
Announce it during your set: "Scan the QR code to request songs!"

Best practices:

  • Position QR codes at eye level for easy scanning
  • Use multiple QR codes around the venue
  • Have a backup plan if WiFi is slow
  • Test your link before guests arrive
Live

Monitor Requests in Real-Time

See song requests and tips as they come in.

Open your dashboard on your phone or laptop
See requests appear instantly in your queue
View tip amounts and guest messages
Prioritize requests with higher tips

Best practices:

  • Keep your dashboard open during events
  • Enable browser notifications for new requests
  • Sort by tip amount to prioritize high-paying requests
  • Use the search feature to find specific songs quickly
Live

Manage Your Queue

Organize requests and play what guests want.

Drag and drop to reorder your queue
Mark songs as "played" when you finish them
See which requests have tips attached
Filter by genre, artist, or tip amount

Best practices:

  • Balance tipped requests with crowd favorites
  • Don't ignore non-tipped requests completely
  • Use the queue to plan your set flow
  • Save popular requests for peak dance floor moments

Guest flow

What guests experience

Simple, fast, and secure—no downloads required.

1. Scan & open

Guests scan your QR code or open your link. It runs in their browser—no download.

2. Request songs

They search and send a request. Optional boosts can increase priority.

3. Tip securely

Checkout is handled securely through Stripe-supported payment methods.

Payments

Getting Paid: Simple & Secure

All payments are processed through Stripe.

Multiple Payment Methods

Guests can pay with credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) or Cash App Pay. All processed securely through Stripe.

Secure Processing

All payments are encrypted and processed through Stripe, the same system used by millions of businesses worldwide.

Automatic Daily Payouts

Money goes straight to your bank account automatically every day. Free and automatic - no action needed.

Instant Payouts Available

Need money immediately? Request an instant payout for a 1.5% fee. Perfect for same-day events.

Pricing & Fees

Card checkouts may include a small Service fee paid by fans. TipJar also retains a tier-based share of each request (higher on Free, lower on paid plans). Processing fees apply to card payments—see pricing for current tiers.

  • Free Plan: Lower platform share; service fee applies on card checkouts (no monthly fee)
  • Pro / Embed Pro: Monthly subscription plus a lower platform share; Pro can choose whether fans pay the Service fee
  • Instant Payouts: 1.5% additional fee (optional)

Dashboard

Your Dashboard: Track Everything

Tools to manage requests and track earnings—without clutter.

Earnings Dashboard

Track your total earnings, see daily/weekly/monthly breakdowns, and export data for taxes.

Analytics & Insights

See which songs are most requested, peak tipping times, and event performance metrics.

Request History

View all past song requests, see what worked, and identify trends for future events.

Export Data

Download CSV files of all transactions for accounting, taxes, or personal records.

Best practices

Tips for success

Simple habits that improve adoption and reduce friction.

Maximize Tips

  • Announce your TipJar during your set—mention it 2-3 times per hour
  • Place QR codes at eye level near the dance floor
  • Play requested songs promptly to encourage more tips
  • Thank guests who tip during your announcements

Setup Tips

  • Test your QR code and link before every event
  • Have backup printed QR codes in case of tech issues
  • Customize your branding to match your DJ persona
  • Set up your bank account for payouts before your first event

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you need to know

Ready to get started?

Set up in minutes. No credit card required.

Stripe Fast setup No card required