Host Setup Guide
Prepare your Windows machine and local music library for a seamless, host-guided party experience.
01 — PREPARE THE HOST STATION
Ensure your Windows Host Station is running the latest build. Verify your local music library is accessible and organized for scanning. Connect the Host Station and all player phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
02 — SCAN YOUR MUSIC LIBRARY
Scan your local music folders to identify all eligible tracks. The system will automatically detect and categorize your collection.
03 — CONNECT YOUTUBE REQUESTS (OPTIONAL)
To let players request songs beyond the Host’s local music library, connect Song for Song to the YouTube Data API v3. This setup is optional and only needs to be completed once for the Host Station.
- Sign in to Google Cloud Console with your Google account.
- Create a new Google Cloud project, or select an existing project you want to use for Song for Song.
- Open APIs & Services > Library.
- Search for: YouTube Data API v3
- Open the YouTube Data API v3 listing and select Enable.
- Go to APIs & Services > Credentials.
- Select Create Credentials > API key.
- Copy the newly created API key.
- For security, apply API restrictions to the key and restrict it to the YouTube Data API v3.
- Open Song for Song Host Station and enter the API key in the YouTube integration/settings area.
- Save the setting and test a YouTube song search or request before guests join.
Google’s official YouTube Data API v3 setup guide
YouTube integration is optional. Song for Song can still run using the Host’s local music library without a YouTube API key. Always maintain API key privacy—never share your key with guests or post it publicly.
04 — CONFIGURE AUDIO
Configure your audio output settings to ensure your local speakers are properly connected and ready for playback.
05 — SET UP FALLBACK MUSIC (OPTIONAL)
Choose optional Fallback Music to keep music playing when no game song is currently playing, including between rounds. This helps maintain continuous music throughout the party, and gives the host adaptive control over the music.
06 — LAUNCH THE LOBBY
Launch the lobby and generate a unique QR code. Share this code with your guests so they can join from their phones on the same local network.
07 — INVITE YOUR GUESTS
Invite your guests to join the party. They will browse your library, submit songs, and vote in real-time to help shape the room.
08 — HOST THE GAME
Host your game! Manage the flow, maintain the energy, and let the music discovery begin with your guests.