7 Best Digital Signage Content Managers [+10 Important Tips]

A digital signage content manager is essential for turning any smart TV into an effective digital sign.

Whether you want to load up your digital sign with restaurant menus, school announcements, or workplace safety protocol, you'll need a CMS to make it happen.

Digital signage content managers can range from a low one-time cost to hundreds of dollars per month for enterprise software licenses.

In this guide, we dive into the top platforms no matter your budget.

We also offer some smart tips to help you make the most of your signs, create great content, and save time managing everything.

What's in this guide:

• What is a digital signage content manager

• 7 best digital signage content managers

• 5 pro tips for digital signage content managers

• How to choose the right digital signage CMS

What is a digital signage content manager?

A digital signage content management system, or digital signage SMS, is a type of software that makes it easy to manage the content you want to display on your smart TVs and other large screens.

Most digital signage software platforms have a content manager built in. You can add different content like videos and slideshows, integrate with social media platforms to automatically pull in social content, and create digital signage schedules to play the right content at the right times.

7 best digital signage content managers

Here's a list of the best digital signage content management systems for any budget or use case.

1. Juuno

Juuno is a beautifully simple, browser-based digital signage content manager designed with small businesses in mind. It lets you create engaging playlists and automated schedules to display a mix of content types—from social media feeds and staff highlights to menus and product promos—on any smart TV or browser-enabled device. With an intuitive, playlist-style interface, Juuno feels familiar and easy to use, even for non-technical users. It’s ideal for restaurants, offices, salons, and retail spaces that want to manage digital signage without complex enterprise features or the hassle of external media players. Plus, Juuno offers powerful tools like Canva integration, team collaboration, and workspace customization for agencies or multi-location operations.

Best for: Small businesses and growing teams

Features:

• Works on any smart TV or device with a web browser

• No special hardware required

• Canva integration for thousands of design templates

• Digital signage content management

• Content playlists and scheduling

• Unlimited teammates

• Dedicated workspaces for agencies or franchises

• Social media and live feed integrations

• White label capability

Pricing:

Juuno’s Business plan costs just $5 per screen per month, offering unlimited users, playlists, content scheduling, and white-label support. A Growth plan at $9 per screen per month is coming soon with advanced features like API access and remote device management. Enterprise plans with custom pricing will include SLAs, dedicated support, and large-scale deployment options.

2. Scala

Scala provides a comprehensive suite of digital signage solutions tailored to enterprise environments, particularly in the retail sector. It supports diverse use cases such as assisted kiosk selling, in-store shelf signage, digital menu boards, and full-scale video walls. Scala's platform is built for scalability and includes content management tools, real-time updates, and integrations with smart pickup and checkout systems. It also offers its own line of media player hardware for offline functionality, making it suitable for environments with intermittent internet access. With a strong focus on customization and reliability, Scala is well-suited for retailers seeking robust, centralized control over digital displays across multiple locations.

Best for: Retail

Features:

• Compatible with smart TVs, digital billboards, and large-format signage

• Enterprise-grade digital signage content management system

• Assisted kiosk selling capabilities

• Digital menu board support

• Smart shelf signage and pickup integration

• Proprietary media player hardware for offline use

Pricing:

As an enterprise-only solution, Scala does not offer self-service plans. Prospective customers must contact their sales team for a custom quote based on project scope and requirements.

3. Rise Vision

Rise Vision is a digital signage solution purpose-built for the education sector, making it a top choice for K–12 schools and universities. It offers over 500 templates tailored for educational content, including teaching tools and school-wide announcements. With user-friendly design tools, offline play, and Google and Microsoft integrations, Rise Vision is ideal for classrooms, offices, and common areas, supporting unlimited users and simple content management across multiple displays.

Best for: Schools and universities

Features:

• Compatible with any smart TV or device

• Ideal for classroom, hallway, or office signage

• 500+ professionally designed templates

• Financial literacy and school-specific content

• Full content editor and playlist scheduler

• Content integrations with Google Slides, YouTube, and Outlook Calendar

• Offline play and unlimited content storage

• Emergency alert and classroom-specific features (Advanced/Enterprise plans)

Pricing:

Rise Vision offers flexible pricing tailored to educational institutions. The Basic plan costs $119 per display per year and includes essential features like templates, scheduling, offline play, and content integrations. The Advanced plan, at $138 per display per year, adds emergency alert support, display control, and school-wide branding. For districts needing scale, the Enterprise plan offers unlimited displays at $1,399 per school annually or $164 per display, with advanced features and personalized onboarding.

4. Look

This user-friendly digital signage platform offers essential features like customizable layouts, scene transitions, and offline playback. With a built-in graphics editor and ready-made templates, it’s a solid option for small businesses managing a few displays—and scalable enough for companies running multiple locations. Look is flexible, reliable, and doesn’t require additional hardware beyond a smart TV.

Best for: Small businesses

Features:

• Built-in graphics editor

• Customizable sign sections

• Digital signage content management system

• Scene transitions

• Works on any smart TV

• Offline play available

• Content templates

Pricing:

Look is priced at $13.50 per screen per month, with discounts available for bulk usage. For organizations managing a large number of screens, pricing becomes more competitive as volume increases, making it a viable option for scaling digital signage across multiple locations.

5. YoDeck

YoDeck is a feature-rich digital signage platform built to support restaurants, franchises, and other multi-location businesses. It offers everything from interactive kiosk functionality and layout zones to advanced scheduling and integration with business intelligence tools like Tableau. With a free player included in annual plans and a flexible pricing structure, YoDeck is designed to make managing content across screens simple and scalable.

Best for: Restaurants

Features:

• Content templates and playlists

• Newsfeeds and weather widgets

• Tableau and Power BI integration

• Interactive kiosk functionality

• Layout editor with multi-zone support

• Enterprise-grade security with SSO and player lockdown

• Free Yodeck player included with annual plans

Pricing:

YoDeck offers three paid plans. The Basic plan is $8 per screen per month and includes media support, scheduling, and over 500 content templates. The Premium plan is $11 per screen per month, adding dashboard apps, tag-based playlists, and advanced interactivity. For larger organizations, the Enterprise plan at $15 per screen per month includes role-based access, SSO, audit logs, and other security features. All annual plans include a free Yodeck player. A free single-screen account is also available for testing.

6. OptiSigns

OptiSigns is a digital signage platform designed for enterprises that need powerful features, scalability, and flexibility. It supports advanced use cases like AI-driven audience targeting, secure content display, and deep integrations with business systems. With mobile screen management and a robust content designer, it's equally effective for high-traffic kiosks, retail displays, or corporate communications. Built-in collaboration and approval workflows make it a smart fit for teams managing content across multiple departments or locations.

Best for: Enterprises

Features:

• AI facial detection to optimize content by audience

• Interactive kiosk experiences and lift-and-learn triggers

• Hardware-supported offline play

• Content designer and ready-to-use templates

• Slack, Teams, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 integrations

• Dynamic data mapping and proof of play reporting

• Remote troubleshooting and SAML-based SSO

• Mobile app for screen management

Pricing:

OptiSigns offers tiered pricing. The Standard plan is $10 per screen per month and includes playlists, scheduling, templates, and unlimited storage. The Pro Plus plan at $15 per screen per month adds business app integrations, content approval workflows, and analytics. The Engage plan at $30 per screen per month includes interactive features and event-based analytics. For large deployments, the Enterprise plan starts at $45 per screen per month (minimum 25 screens) and includes onboarding, custom integrations, and dedicated support.

7. ScreenCloud

ScreenCloud is a robust digital signage platform designed for enterprise environments that require security, scale, and precision in user management. With features like audit logs, custom user permissions, remote device management, and SSO, it gives teams full control over content deployment and oversight. Integrations with Microsoft, Tableau, and other business apps make it an ideal fit for organizations managing complex internal and external communications across dozens—or hundreds—of screens.

Best for: Enterprises

Features:

• Tableau, Microsoft Teams, and Power BI integrations

• Social media and dashboard display

• Remote device management

• Digital signage CMS with content editor and templates

• Single sign-on (SSO) and custom user roles

• User audit logs and proof of play reporting

• Emergency alerts and QR interaction metrics

• Onboarding, training, and enterprise-grade support

Pricing:

ScreenCloud offers three main plans. The Core plan starts at $20 per screen per month and includes unlimited users, 80+ apps, and standard CMS functionality. The Pro plan starts at $30 per screen per month, adding remote device management, secure dashboard integrations, and more advanced features. For large-scale deployments, the Enterprise plan includes SSO, audit logs, onboarding support, and hardware, with custom pricing available for organizations managing 25 or more screens.

10 pro tips when using digital signage content managers

Ready to take your digital signage to the next level?

Use these tips to save time, create better content, and keep your audience engaged.

1. Use content automation

It's a good idea to use content automation so you don't have to manually change the screen content throughout the day or week. You can create content schedules so updates occur manually.

For example, a restaurant might use content automation to swap out the dinner menu and lunch menu in the evening. Or, an office might have a different category of content that plays every couple of hours—changing from employee spotlights to announcements and motivational quotes.

2. Strategize your schedules and playlists

Make sure to really consider the best format for your content schedules. It's better to create one playlist for each content purpose. For example, you might have one digital signage playlist for customer testimonials and another for upcoming events. Then, you can easily add these playlists to your schedule as desired. But, if you put too many different types of content in one playlist, your schedule won't be as flexible or easy to manage, and you'll have to remove or delete outdated content more often.

3. Try content integrations

You can also automatically pull content from your digital signage content manager's different integrations and widgets. This will save you a ton of time when it comes to coming up with great content to display.

Here are some examples:

• Social media platforms for pulling in your own posts as well as user-generated content

• RSS feeds with your most recent blog articles

• News, weather, and other widgets

• Graphic design platforms like Canva for making use of high-quality content templates

4. Create content for multiple audiences

You might want to consider appealing to different audiences with your digital sign.

For example, if you're planning to showcase your cafe menu to customers during business hours, you might also consider the usefulness of displaying employee-focused messaging before your cafe opens. You might remind them of important opening procedures, recipes, safety information, new specials to promote, etc.

Because you have content automation on your side, you can easily set up your schedule and not have to worry about customers seeing workplace announcements.

If you want to make sure that your content creators are using their human creativity (not AI) to create engaging content for your audiences, just run the text through an AI detector.

5. Always keep your content fresh

Whatever kind of content you display, make sure to switch things up. You might add specials to your menu, new quotes or employee spotlights, fresh customer testimonials, or up-to-date social media content. Make sure that there's something new to look at, at least every week. Otherwise, your audience will grow tired of your digital signs, lose interest, and stop paying attention.

6. Use screen zones to layer content

Not everything needs to be full screen. Use split zones to layer multiple types of content—like a menu and a scrolling news ticker, or a dashboard with a weather widget. Tools like OptiSigns and Rise Vision support screen zoning, which allows you to squeeze more value into a single display without making it look cluttered.

7. Set up user roles and approval workflows

If your signage is managed by multiple team members, permissions matter. Platforms like ScreenCloud and OptiSigns offer custom user roles and approval workflows. This keeps your brand safe from accidental changes, off-brand visuals, or rogue messaging. It’s also a must-have if you’re managing screens across multiple departments or locations.

8. Tap into dashboards and business data

Your digital signage can do more than just look pretty. Pull in dashboards from tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Salesforce to keep your team aligned on KPIs. This is especially useful for internal screens in sales teams, logistics, or marketing. YoDeck and ScreenCloud both support these types of dashboard integrations out of the box.

9. Test interactive content (if it makes sense)

If your screens are in high-touch environments, like lobbies or product displays, test interactive signage. YoDeck and OptiSigns both offer interactive kiosk modes with features like touch navigation, QR code actions, and even audience engagement tracking. Just make sure it adds value. A gimmick with no clear use case won’t land.

10. Review analytics and proof of play

Want to know what actually gets seen and engaged with? Use analytics and proof-of-play logs. These are available in many digital signage tools. You’ll get insight into what content performed well and when, which helps you optimize your playlists instead of just guessing. Because digital signage should be strategic, not set-it-and-forget-it.

How to choose the right digital signage CMS

Budget is typically the most important consideration. If you're looking for a simple solution that turns any smart TV into a digital sign, find a platform like Juuno that charges a one-time fee.

As long as you have those critical features in a platform that fits your budget, you can't go too far wrong.

💸 Budget is typically the most important consideration

If you're looking for a simple solution that turns any smart TV into a digital sign, find a platform like Juuno that charges a low, affordable fee per screen per month.

🧠 Understand the trade-offs of browser-based vs. enterprise-grade

Affordable digital signage is usually browser-based, meaning it operates in your smart TV's web browser. If you need offline play, opt for an enterprise-grade solution like Scala.

🎨 Look for built-in content creation tools

You might also want to make sure that your platform offers features for content creation, like pre-built templates, an easy-to-use design editor, or an integration with a graphic design program like Canva.

🕒 Check for digital signage content automation

Check that the platform you choose offers digital signage content automation, so that the screens will automatically show the right content according to your schedules.

🔐 Consider user permissions and approval workflows

If your signage will be managed by more than one person, look for a CMS with multi-user support, custom permissions, and content approval workflows (especially helpful in multi-location or enterprise environments).

📊 Evaluate reporting and analytics capabilities

Platforms like OptiSigns and ScreenCloud offer proof-of-play logs and engagement insights, which are key if you want to measure the ROI of your signage strategy.

🔌 Think about integrations

Whether it’s Slack, Teams, Google Workspace, Power BI, or a POS system, look for digital signage software that connects with the tools you already use.

🖥️ Make sure it supports your screen hardware

Some platforms are designed for smart TVs with a browser, while others require proprietary media players. Know what’s included and whether it adds to your cost.

📦 Review included hardware or bundles

Some solutions, like YoDeck, offer free hardware players when you subscribe annually. This can simplify setup and reduce up-front expenses.

🧾 Check for hidden or scaling costs

Pay attention to pricing tiers. A platform may seem affordable at first glance but could become expensive as you scale. Make sure to read the fine print on user limits, storage, or premium features.

✅ Bottom line: As long as you have those critical features in a platform that fits your budget, you can't go too far wrong.
Check out Juuno's affordable monthly deals.

Frequently asked questions

What is a digital signage content manager?

A digital signage content manager is the software that controls what shows up on your digital screens. It lets you create, organize, and schedule content like menus, announcements, and ads. Think of it as your command center where you can upload media, pull in widgets, design layouts, and set it all to play automatically, so your screens stay fresh and relevant.

Why do businesses need a digital signage content manager?

Without a CMS, you’re stuck with manual uploads, clunky USBs, or outdated slideshows. A digital signage content manager makes your displays dynamic and scalable. It lets you manage multiple screens from one place, automate schedules, show up-to-date info, and run campaigns that actually engage people, whether you’re in retail, healthcare, education, or hospitality.

What are some basic best practices when managing content for digital signage?

Keep content fresh and easy to read. Use playlists and schedules to automate updates. Create different playlists for different goals, like promotions, announcements, or testimonials. Don’t overcrowd screens; white space is your friend. Tap into templates, integrations, and proof-of-play logs if your software offers them. Most importantly, rotate content weekly to avoid audience fatigue. Relevance always wins.

Set up content for your digital signs with Juuno. Try our content management system today.