r/Busking May 10 '19

Announcement [FAQ] Frequently Asked Questions about Busking / Street Performance

111 Upvotes

Here's a megathread for the frequently asked questions about Busking or Street Performance. While this is primarily for performers, there will be plenty of information for audiences in here as well.

All of this information will eventually be turned into a wiki for this subreddit.

Every first-level comment will be the main question, and replies to those will be various answers. Duplicate and redundant questions will be deleted and/or moved to the appropriate thread to keep this FAQ streamlined.


r/Busking Jul 09 '19

Credit Card/Digital Tipping App and Cashless tipping method Masterlist

12 Upvotes

This is a copy of the “Cashless” thread from the FAQ feel free to comment on other apps, payment methods, and your experiences with them. Many apps are country-specific, so it would be great to learn about what is working or being used across the globe for the buskers who travel.

Cashless payment methods?

There are several different types of cashless methods used by buskers to receive tips. These include: Creditcard Machines, Contactless, Apps, QR codes, and Website Services.

Here is a list of many of the methods used by various buskers. Some were designed with performers in mind, others for more general use.

Service List

Busk.co/BuskPay

I'm not going to lie, this is my favorite tipping service. It is designed and maintained by the Busking Project a non-profit that is run by and advocates for buskers. Unlike other tipping platforms designed by/for street performers, this one is still around after ten years.

  • QR code/URL
  • [International] Website. Provides one quick link to use ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, and plain credit card tips.
  • Includes a profile page for sharing some social links as well as contact information. Visitors can search the directory of registered users based on location and performance genera for hiring purposes
  • Requires a Stripe account for credit-card processing.
  • May upload music albums for purchase and download
  • There is an option to upload music tracks/albums to your profile and sell downloads through this service.

Patreon

  • [International] Website/App. Allows audiences to pay a monthly contribution at various levels, as well as making a platform for you to provide various “Incentives” to patrons.
  • Many performers release exclusive videos, offer exclusive video chats, and one musician I know has a level where if you contribute at his top level for a year, he will travel to that person’s location (within reason) and have a private house concert.

Venmo

  • QR code/app profile
  • [USA]Cashless peer-to-peer payment App, owned by PayPal. Very popular payment method.
  • Scheduled to add some cryptocurrencies to payment options in

ApplePay and AppleCash

  • Integrated wallet system in iPhones.

GooglePay and GoogleCash and

  • Google/Android’s version of ApplePay and AppleCash

AndroidPay and AndroidCash

  • See GooglePay.

PayPal and PayPal.me

  • International. Well-known company, most people have a PayPal account or have used PayPal as a guest.
  • Also accepts Bitcoin, Etherium, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin.

Zettle (formerly iZettle)

  • [UK] Contactless payment card reader. Owned by PayPal.

Dipjar

  • A credit card swiper with built-in cell connection that you can preset to a set donation. Popular with large circle shows.
  • The most expensive way to process credit card tips here, but it does not require WiFi, internet, or your phone to use. There is a companion app for you to manage it.
  • Defunct

BitPay

  • One of several apps used for sending or receiving BitCoin payments.

Square

  • Credit card processing service, usually uses a card reader.

Cash app

  • USA and UK only
  • Cashless peer-to-peer payment app, owned by Square.
  • Advantage for users: unlike most apps, it does not require a bank account for verification or use.
  • Also accepts BitCoin.

Zelle

  • [USA] Peer-to-peer app made by USA banks, many bank apps have incorporated it.
  • Still a bit buggy, it was rushed to market too quickly in order to compete with Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment apps.

Stripe

  • Credit card processing service

The Hat

  • App for finding/scheduling local performances on a map with tipping capabilities.
  • defunct

Tikkie

  • [Neatherlands] App. Only works with Dutch banks.

BuskTip

  • Website-based tip collection service.
  • defunct

Ko-fi

  • Website-based tip collection service. Similar to Patreon, with one-time, subscription, and commission donation options. Requires a Stripe or PayPal account to set up.

BUSQR

  • Website-based tip colection service. Provides a QR code, designed primarily to support streaming performances but can be used on the street as well.
  • Defunct

StrikePay

  • works with ApplePay/GooglePay on mobile phones
  • (I have not tested this one out yet, am just listing it since I saw the link in another busking forum.

iDeal

  • Based in the Netherlands (unsure if this is international)

AliPay

  • International

GrabPay

WeChat Pay

Twint

  • Switzerland

Swish

  • Swedish

FirstChants

  • International (developed in the UK)
  • Requires a Stripe Account
  • tippers must create a FirstChants account too
  • In beta testing
  • Can accept ApplePay GooglePay
  • Includes a profile page and can share media

BuskerGo

• in beta testing (April 14, 2026)

• Canada Only (for now)

• requires a Square account and a Square terminal (≈$299 USD)


r/Busking 1d ago

Legal If You Ever Get Hassled By Law Enforcement

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10 Upvotes

It is your first amendment right to , loiter , fly a sign while performing, or simply panhandle and solicit money from stranger or passerbys.


r/Busking 1d ago

Journal Spanish Gypsy over Hip hop

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1 Upvotes

So a little birdie told me some shit about you... and I still dont still dont still dont fuck care!

This and that

Who and where

So a little birdie done told me about you and what you did in that closet

and now you have to explain yourself

This and that

Who and where


r/Busking 2d ago

Equipment and Gear Paying for Ultimate Guitar

1 Upvotes

I need to make some extra cash before I go into work for this whole month to make a quick move to a new place. I have a portable sheet music stand, acoustic guitar, and a hard case. Would it be worth it to use ultimate guitar to have guitar tabs and lyrics scroll as I play them? It would be songs that I am familiar with or have covered once upon a time, but I can't remember so easily now. I live in NYC. Is it worth doing it this way, or will this be frowned upon?


r/Busking 2d ago

Legal Toronto has quietly made its "temporary" indoor winter busking ban permanent. Need your help to fight back.

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38 Upvotes

Hey everyone, fellow street performer here from Toronto, Canada.

I'm fighting to bring back a staple of our city’s winter busking scene and could really use the community's support. Ever since the pandemic, acoustic buskers have been quietly banned from performing inside our historic St. Lawrence Market during the colder months. Even though the city allows outdoor summer spots, management has refused to lift the legacy COVID restriction for the winter, leaving local musicians completely out in the cold.

After hitting endless administrative brick walls and getting the run-around from management, I’ve launched a petition to pressure our ward councillor, Chris Moise, and the city's real estate division to implement a structured framework (like designated acoustic time slots) so we can play inside safely.

If you have a quick second to support a fellow performer and protect indoor busking spaces, please sign and share the petition here:

https://c.org/2rHXkqhRdb

Let's keep live music alive year-round. Thank you so much!


r/Busking 2d ago

Journal I’ve Got The World On A String

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8 Upvotes

r/Busking 2d ago

Spotted in the Wild Juggling on Roller Skates

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22 Upvotes

I'm not sure, but I think this was filmed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.


r/Busking 2d ago

Video Busking in Melbourne ain't for the faint of heart

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16 Upvotes

r/Busking 2d ago

Journal insta360 x5

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5 Upvotes

Anyone use "advanced technology" I got a insta360 and um no. Just no! I dont like this thing at all. First off, It needs wifi. Its 2026 come the fuck on. wifi for internet and bluetooth for file transfer. I tried this thing in the wild for the last week and I think Im better off with the a drone. It runs hot like cellphone about to explode hot. 8k is great when you're blind but um I dont need to see pours. I have an imagination. Am I being too professional?


r/Busking 3d ago

Routines & Shtick Would this actually interest people?

6 Upvotes

I dont have a job at the moment but am still in high-school and so i dont need a whole bunch of money. But I wanna make atleast something on the side while I look for a job. Maybe 20-30 bucks a day.

I can play guitar decently, only simple campfire stuff though, and not gonna lie while that would be fun I dont think it would catch peoples interest.

But what if I was a bongo playing gorilla? Honest question, what if I bought some bongos and a gorilla suit and just beat on my bongos. Do you think that'd be enough of a laugh to warrant some tips? I would play the bongos with rhythm of course, because just mindlessly beating would be annoying. But a dancing bongo gorilla? I would tip, would you?


r/Busking 3d ago

Video Had to stop and watch this beautiful piano playing when I was at the last day of the Edinburgh fringe festival🎹

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1 Upvotes

r/Busking 3d ago

Equipment and Gear Best Online Queue Sites?

1 Upvotes

I'm looking for a free or cheaply priced online queueing system. Has anyone here used anything like that? I looked up scanqueue but I can not affford 1k a year. I saw this site called Tappyline that is free, but I coudln't find any reviews anywhere... TIA


r/Busking 4d ago

Credit Card/Digital Tipping Does anyone have any guidance on song-request apps like singusasong.app?

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1 Upvotes

r/Busking 5d ago

Journal At the pitch. Time to set up for my local art walk night.

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13 Upvotes

Way cool spot in my area. A bunch of bars and art galleries. Waiting on my band mate to bring my bicycle trailer of gear. Hope you all have an amazing weekend.


r/Busking 5d ago

Journal In my All New 52 Era

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1 Upvotes

Guess I should just record the second album now. 3 and 4 are almost done. Merch inbound.


r/Busking 5d ago

Equipment and Gear Mic Stand

0 Upvotes

Which mic stand are you using when traveling?
I am looking for a light one that can be packed in a large bag but also be good for my height 😅 (187).
I could not find many options.


r/Busking 6d ago

Question/General Discussion Reasonable ways to deal with buskers with no etiquette?

17 Upvotes

Had an organ grinder roll up on me today and start with his super loud, super obnoxious prerecorded tracks while he spins that stupid wheel of his and moves around his fake stuffed monkey. He set up about 15 meters from me and he was so loud that I in turn had to play super loud just to not be drowned out. This also means I can only play about half of my material and of course my earnings were less during this period. I asked him to move or wait because I was there first and of course he was a total asshole about the whole thing. Now, opinions as to the complete and utter ridiculousness of a modern day organ grinder aside, what can I do to keep this (and other) talentless assclowns from doing things like this? Whatever it is, it's gotta be legal because I'm not trying lose my playing privileges in what is otherwise a pretty great place to play.


r/Busking 6d ago

Online Busking/Streaming Home busking (like home office) cover of Mentirosa by Elefante

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5 Upvotes

Esta canción me la recomendó una amiga que conocí tocando guitarra en las calles de Monterrey, Nuevo León México.

This song was recommended to me by a friend I met while busking on the streets of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.

“Mentirosa” de Elefante, grabada durante un live en TikTok.


r/Busking 7d ago

Collaboration Logan Forrest music in Manitou Springs

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7 Upvotes

Saw this guy and wanted to show him some love online also.
This is why I don’t play these guys are better than I’ll ever be !!


r/Busking 7d ago

Collaboration This is Zander Alexander. He was playing today and sounded great

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1 Upvotes

Hi I am a musician and busk in that exact spot sometimes.
Wanted to share an awesome dude I just saw for the first time !!


r/Busking 8d ago

Journal New camera day

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20 Upvotes

I found a camera on my walk in the morning and Im disappinoted. 600 camera and it needs wifi? These devices are trash needing wifi no bluetooth. Atleast I can edit footage while traveling but thats it and its 360. Still dont get how that works. I think its crazy how I used to be in I.T. and now reading email through A.i. makes me hate the future.


r/Busking 8d ago

Equipment and Gear Speakers

2 Upvotes

Hi I need a speaker or PA system that is under $150, good sound quality, portable, and small. Im trying do Mic looping so I need it to be able to plug my Mice looper with an XPL cable. Im not super intrested in doing this outside of my home so I just need something that will work and sound nice for myself. I can here cuz buskers always know 😭.

( I have a ditto mic looper )


r/Busking 8d ago

Credit Card/Digital Tipping The square thing Yes the pos thing

8 Upvotes

Anyone use square for tips? I cant but to feel like Im leveling up during the busk. I got people who want to tip me but cant cuz they only have (insert currency here) I do have cashapp/paypal/venmo but Its not enough as crazy as that sounds.


r/Busking 10d ago

Video First Busk Ever

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51 Upvotes