How to play music bingo
How does music bingo work? The host plays short snippets from a shuffled playlist. Players cross off the song when it’s on their card. The first player to complete the agreed pattern, such as a line, shouts BINGO. The host checks the card against the songs already played.
How to play, step by step
- 1
Open the playlist
Scan the QR code in the host guide or use the link, so you have exactly the playlist on the cards.
- 2
Turn on shuffle
Put the playlist on shuffle in the Spotify app, so nobody knows what’s next.
- 3
Play a snippet
Play a recognizable part, usually 20 to 30 seconds, then skip to the next song.
- 4
Cross it off
Players look for the song or artist on their card and cross it off.
- 5
Shout BINGO!
The first to complete the winning pattern shouts “BINGO!”.
- 6
Check it
The host compares the card with the songs already played. Correct? Winner!
You handle playback, shuffle and skipping in Spotify yourself. bingomaken makes the cards and doesn’t play music.
Winning patterns
Agree in advance what counts as bingo. The pattern is printed at the bottom of every card. Want a longer game? Play several rounds: first one line, then a full card.
Host checklist
Tick off what’s ready. We remember it on this device.
0 of 7 ready| Grid | Songs |
|---|---|
| 4 × 4 | 16 minimum · 32 recommended |
| 5 × 5 with free square | 24 minimum · 48 recommended |
| 6 × 6 | 36 minimum · 72 recommended |
| 7 × 7 with free square | 48 minimum · 96 recommended |
Sample host script
“Welcome to music bingo! Everyone has a card and a pen? Great.”
“I’ll play a bit of a song each time. Is it on your card? Cross it off.”
“Today we’re playing for one full line: across, down or diagonal.”
“Got a full line? Shout as loud as you can: BINGO!”
Host tips
How long should a song play?
20–30 seconds is usually enough. For a tricky crowd or playlist, a little longer is fine.
How long is a round?
With a 5×5 card and one line, a round often takes 15 to 25 songs. A full card takes much longer.
Several winners at once?
Agree beforehand whether you share the prize, or let them guess a new song.
Company event?
Make sure you’re allowed to play the music at your venue. You arrange that with your venue or music licensing body.