Best Digital Signage Software for 2025

Disseminating important information on a mass scale to busy faculty and students on campus can be a challenge. This is why many universities and schools resort to using digital signage to make announcements, promote events, and make campus navigation easier. After all, 64% of users believe that the main benefit of digital signage is heightened engagement (Digital Signage Today, 2023).

If you’re planning to install digital signage on your campus, it’s a good idea to start by looking at digital signage software. This software is designed to help display eye-catching content across multiple screens, from smartphones and tablets to TV screens and other digital displays. For easier use, many of these platforms also offer the intuitive interfaces found in project management tools.

As such, our team of researchers has assessed the applications available on the market and identified the top digital signage software, including each system’s key features and price points. The team also provided key statistics and market trends to show how significant the platform is in today’s business and marketing landscape.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to interact from a distance for fear of contracting the disease. In stores, digital payments became commonplace, with 48% of consumers refusing to buy from a store that requires physical contact with personnel. This accelerated the development of solutions and the acceptance of previously not-too-popular digital applications to ensure the continuity of institutions such as schools.

One of the solutions that considerably grew in relevance is digital signage software, which continues to be popular even though the threat of COVID has been greatly reduced. According to Industry Research (2023), the global market size of digital signage software was valued at $7.094 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $13.44 billion by 2028 at an annual growth rate of 11.24%. The remarkable growth underscores the effectiveness of digital signage and how digital signage software enhances its capabilities across various industries.

According to 22Miles (2023), the verticals that leverage digital signage software for smart TV and mobile devices the most are corporate applications (21%), retail (17%), schools (14%), restaurants (12%), healthcare facilities (11%), and other industries (26%). The widespread use of the technology can be credited to its ability to stimulate the interests of onlookers, which can soon lead to conversions.

With increased engagement comes sales growth, and in the case of digital signage, 80% of brands using the technology reported an increase of up to 33% in sales. In addition, some digital signage software free themselves from convention by expanding their capabilities. The added solutions may include marketing and sales functions and inventory management system solutions. This has led 60% of enterprises that have yet to adopt digital signage and its accompanying software solution in their stores to plan to invest in the technology in the next couple of years.

According to 6sense (2023), 57.42% of digital signage users are from the US, 13.42% are from the UK, and 6.64% are from Canada. However, Asian countries are expected to eventually catch up, given the size of the Asian market, especially in retail.

The sustained growth in the digital signage software market following the COVID-19 pandemic has led developers to accelerate the development of functionalities, applications, and potential use cases. Our research team scoured the US and global markets for some of the latest trends surrounding the technology.

•  Adoption of Artificial Intelligence. The features of digital signage software Mac and Windows platforms are compatible with been rapidly evolving to account for various customer experiences, and soon, like with other types of applications, these will adopt AI. Sophisticated AI engines capable of machine learning can spot trends within customer information and build personalized experiences for different types of customers. Using these for digital signage software will help marketing teams roll out strategies that fit various segments.
• Interactive Digital Signage. With an increasing number of businesses using top digital signage software, advanced systems can up the ante by developing interactive features for the signs, like games or fun activities, which boost engagement and stimulate further interest in a brand. The spectacle of people trying the interactive experiences can also snag the attention of passersby. This is critical since brands only have eight seconds to capture a customer’s attention.
• IoT Integration. Digital signs and digital signage software open source platforms have evolved to encompass various mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. So, it makes sense for developers to eventually find solutions to deploy signs and brand experiences to IoT devices like smartwatches and other wearables. After all, the number of connected IoT devices grew by 18% in 2022 and is projected to increase by 16% by the end of 2023 (Sinha, 2023).
• Social Media and HR Integration. Digital sign software systems have expanded their capabilities over the past few years, and the possible new functionalities of new platforms or software updates could involve social media to boost connectivity and gain more market insights. Some existing systems already have asset management features, so future developments are likely to expand to leveraging key HR software features to also help streamline staff management. This enables systems to monitor both a company’s inventory and the people handling the units sold.

Given the latest digital signage software trends, the platform will become even more popular in the long run as it expands its capabilities, intersecting or complementing functionalities with other widely used apps like the best business software for educational institutions and corporate entities. Moreover, personalizing digital experiences for different types of customers with the help of AI not only increases sales. It can also secure more conversions for various product lines, reducing or even eliminating wastage in the process.

Digital signage can play a pivotal role in sustaining business operations by enabling real-time information updates and bolstering data security. Integrating these systems with comprehensive contingency measures helps organizations mitigate disruptions. For instance, robust digital signage solutions can be configured to automatically update critical alerts and operational messages during system downtimes. Moreover, combining digital signage with reliable data backup software ensures that configuration settings and content libraries are preserved, minimizing the impact of unforeseen technical failures. This approach not only fortifies disaster recovery strategies but also reinforces overall system reliability and operational resilience.

Integrating Digital Signage with Other Operational Tools

One of the most impactful ways organizations can leverage digital signage is by integrating it with other critical operational tools, such as project management software and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This seamless connection not only enhances user experience but also optimizes workflows by centralizing data management and providing actionable insights.

For example, pairing digital signage with project management solutions can streamline task allocation and team coordination. In educational institutions, this integration can be used to display dynamic schedules or task progress updates across campus displays, ensuring that all team members stay informed in real-time. When choosing tools for such integrations, professionals may want to explore the capabilities of the best project management software for individuals, which offers user-friendly features to help teams maintain efficiency.

Additionally, CRM tools can work in tandem with digital signage to create more personalized customer interactions. By analyzing customer data from the CRM, digital signage can be programmed to showcase tailored messages, exclusive offers, or product recommendations. This kind of targeted communication not only improves engagement but also fosters customer loyalty.

Ultimately, these integrations elevate the functionality of digital signage beyond traditional use cases, transforming it into a robust component of an organization's technology ecosystem. By connecting with other software tools, digital signage becomes more versatile, driving innovation and improving overall operational performance.

What are the sustainability benefits of using digital signage in modern organizations?

Using digital signage is not only beneficial for communication and engagement but also supports environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. Here’s how digital signage contributes to sustainability:

• Reduction in Paper Use: Digital signage eliminates the need for printed posters, flyers, and other paper-based communications, helping organizations reduce paper consumption and lower their environmental footprint.
• Energy Efficiency: Many modern digital signage screens and devices are designed to be energy-efficient, using technologies such as LED and automated brightness controls that consume less power than traditional lighting or older displays.
• Recyclable Hardware: Many digital signage providers now offer equipment made with recyclable or sustainable materials. Additionally, some offer programs to repurpose or recycle old digital signage equipment, minimizing waste.
• Real-Time Updates: With digital signage, organizations can update content instantly, avoiding the need for reprinting materials when information changes. This real-time capability is crucial for reducing waste associated with constantly updating paper materials.
• Remote Management Reduces Travel: Digital signage software with remote management features allows administrators to control displays from a single location, reducing the need for travel between locations to update displays, thereby cutting down on travel-related carbon emissions.
• Enhanced Durability and Longevity: Digital signage displays, especially those with built-in protective features, are highly durable and have longer life spans than traditional posters or print materials. This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, supporting a more sustainable communication approach.
• Supports Corporate Sustainability Goals: Digital signage enables organizations to promote their sustainability initiatives effectively. Displays can showcase corporate responsibility programs, environmental achievements, and green practices, fostering a culture of sustainability within and beyond the organization.
• Lower Operational Costs: By reducing paper and printing costs and streamlining content distribution, digital signage can significantly lower operational expenses associated with traditional communication methods, aligning financial savings with environmental benefits.

What is the best digital signage software?

Placing first on our list of top digital signage software means that a product has the functionalities to raise brand awareness and sales, the connectivity to support various digital screens, the ability to streamline workflows, and the interface to accommodate all types of users. In this case, Yodeck fits the bill with its diverse features and drag-and-drop interface. However, this does not mean the product is the best option for all retail situations. After all, every product has its own set of core competencies and caters to particular groups of users.

While the top products on our list are generally safe choices, our research team advises organizations to take advantage of free trials and free plans to know what each platform can do and which works best with their operational style. Educational institutions can go with products that complement or integrate with the best CMS software that schools can use. However, if one can’t decide after testing different platforms, they can go with any of our top picks.

Key Insights

• High Engagement: Digital signage significantly enhances engagement, with 64% of users citing it as the main benefit. This is crucial for effective communication on campus.
• Market Growth: The global digital signage market is projected to grow from $7.094 billion in 2022 to $13.44 billion by 2028, at an annual growth rate of 11.24%.
• Widespread Use: Digital signage is widely adopted across various sectors, with corporate applications, retail, and educational institutions being the primary users.
• Technological Advancements: The integration of AI and IoT, along with the development of interactive digital signage, is driving innovation in the industry.
• Increased Sales: 80% of brands using digital signage reported a sales increase of up to 33%, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving revenue.
• Versatile Solutions: The best digital signage software provides robust features such as remote management, content scheduling, and customizable templates, catering to diverse needs from corporate communication to customer engagement.

FAQ

What is digital signage software?

Digital signage software is a platform designed to manage and display content across multiple screens, including smartphones, tablets, and TV screens. It helps in creating, organizing, and distributing digital content effectively.

Why is digital signage important for educational institutions?

Digital signage is important for educational institutions because it helps disseminate information efficiently, promotes events, facilitates campus navigation, and enhances engagement among faculty and students.

What are the key features to look for in digital signage software?

Key features to look for include remote management, content scheduling, customizable templates, multi-screen support, interactive capabilities, and integration with other systems.

How does AI enhance digital signage software?

AI enhances digital signage software by automating content tagging, personalization, and recommendation algorithms. It helps in creating tailored experiences for different audiences and improves the efficiency of content management.

Can digital signage software integrate with other systems?

Yes, digital signage software can integrate with other systems such as CMS, CRM, POS, and IoT devices. This integration streamlines workflows and enhances the functionality of digital signage.

What are some current trends in digital signage software?

Current trends include the adoption of AI and machine learning, interactive digital signage, IoT integration, and social media and HR integration. These trends are driving innovation and expanding the capabilities of digital signage.

What are the benefits of using digital signage in retail?

Benefits in retail include increased engagement, higher sales, improved customer experience, and effective promotion of products and events. Digital signage also helps in real-time content updates and targeted advertising.

How does digital signage software support remote management?

Digital signage software supports remote management by allowing users to control content display, schedule updates, and manage screens from a remote location. This is particularly useful for managing multiple screens across different locations.

What are some of the best digital signage software options available?

Some of the best options include Yodeck, Novisign, Optisigns, Atmosphere TV, Raydiant, OnSign TV, Rise Vision Digital Signage, ScreenCloud Digital Signage, TelemetryTV, and viewneo. Each offers unique features catering to different needs.

How can educational institutions leverage digital signage software?

Educational institutions can leverage digital signage software for making announcements, promoting events, providing navigation assistance, displaying schedules, and enhancing overall communication on campus. It helps in creating a more connected and informed campus environment.

References:

• 22Miles (2023, September 19). Digital signage software market to exceed $7B over next decade. 22Miles
• Digital Signage Today (2023, January 1). 100 Proven ROI-Driven Digital Signage Statistics 2022. Digital Signage Today
• Industry Research (2023, August 31). 2023 Global Digital Signage Software Market Size and Leading Players: 2030 Outlook. Industry Research
• Mukherjee, D. (2022, August 18). The Ultimate Guide to Digital Signage for Retailers. Shopify
• Sinha, S. (2023, May 24). State of IoT 2023: Number of connected IoT devices growing 16% to 16.7 billion globally. IoT Analytics