SelfieMic Karaoke Review
SelfieMic Karaoke Review
SelfieMic Karaoke Review turns up the volume on festive fun as one of the boldest and most creative entries from the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2016 list. Created by Moose Toys, the SelfieMic merges two things kids absolutely adore—karaoke and selfies. This ingenious gadget combines a microphone, a selfie stick, and a smartphone app to transform living rooms into pop star stages. Whether you’re a budding Taylor Swift or a wannabe YouTube sensation, the SelfieMic puts kids (and families!) center stage with a fun, interactive experience that defined Christmas mornings back in 2016.
Still prepping for Christmas 2025? Don’t miss our updated list of best Christmas toys 2025 and explore where to buy the best toys online before the rush hits.
What’s in the Box?
- SelfieMic Unit: A selfie stick with an attached working microphone—designed to hold a smartphone while users record themselves singing.
- App Access Code: Includes a code to download and activate the companion app featuring thousands of karaoke backing tracks and special video effects.
- Earbuds: A set of wired earbuds (with mic splitter) for live monitoring and audio playback.
- Quick Start Guide: Setup instructions, app pairing steps, and helpful troubleshooting tips.
- Retail Packaging: Pop-star themed box with glittery branding—perfect for eye-catching Christmas wrapping.
How It Works
The SelfieMic is a hybrid toy designed for the digital generation. Simply clip your smartphone into the cradle on the adjustable selfie stick, plug in the microphone and earbuds, and launch the companion app (originally StarMaker). The app features thousands of karaoke backing tracks, allowing kids to choose a song, sing along with lyrics, and record a selfie video of their performance.
The microphone doesn’t just work as a prop—it functions as a real recording mic, enhancing the audio of the performance. Once the recording is finished, kids can add filters, effects, and even share their performance (depending on parental controls). It’s an all-in-one studio experience, cleverly disguised as a karaoke toy.
No batteries are required—the SelfieMic is powered by the smartphone it connects to. Compatible with most iOS and Android devices, the app was free to download, with the included code unlocking a generous supply of free song credits.
Background & Cultural Impact
The SelfieMic launched in 2016 at the height of the selfie craze and just as musical.ly (now TikTok) was taking off. Moose Toys brilliantly tapped into the rise of mobile video, user-generated content, and kid-friendly karaoke to create a toy that felt cutting-edge and totally relevant.
It was quickly added to the Toy Retailers Association’s Dream Dozen and went on to sell out in stores across the UK. Its appeal spanned multiple age groups—preteens loved the pop star fantasy, while even adults couldn’t resist belting out a chorus or two during Christmas dinner.
Though no longer widely sold in 2025, the SelfieMic paved the way for today’s wave of interactive and social-based toys that merge digital creativity with physical play.
Play Benefits and Skill Development
Don’t let the glitter and pop fool you—SelfieMic is packed with educational and developmental value too:
- Confidence Building: Performing on camera helps kids express themselves and build self-esteem in a fun, supportive environment.
- Creative Play: Kids create their own music videos, exploring storytelling, fashion, character building, and performance.
- Fine Motor Skills: Operating the stick, adjusting phone angles, and navigating the app enhances hand-eye coordination.
- Digital Literacy: The toy introduces kids to basic concepts of recording, editing, and digital content creation.
- Social Skills: Sharing performances with friends and family builds communication and bonding.
- Audio Awareness: Kids learn how vocals sound through a mic and how audio changes with distance and projection.
It’s also a great gateway to media-based hobbies—from filmmaking to vlogging—and encourages positive screen time through guided creativity.
Festive Ways to Use the SelfieMic
- Santa Idol: Host a Christmas karaoke night where each performer sings as a festive character—elves, reindeer, even Mrs Claus.
- Family Talent Show: Film a multi-round talent show using the SelfieMic and award gingerbread trophies to the winners.
- Elf Lip-Sync Battle: Pair up for silly lip-sync showdowns with glittery outfits and holiday props.
- Music Video Christmas Card: Record a family holiday greeting in song form and send it to friends and relatives.
- New Year Countdown Show: Let kids MC their own New Year’s Eve performance and countdown using the mic and app’s timer feature.
SelfieMic transformed living rooms into live stages—and gave festive memories a chance to go viral.
What Parents & Kids Are Saying
“It was the biggest hit of Christmas! My daughter made 10 videos in one day.”
“We all ended up using it—including the grandparents. Total crowd-pleaser.”
“No batteries required was a relief! Just plug into the phone and go.”
“The app has lots of songs, though some newer tracks required payment.”
“It worked great with my iPhone, but not with my old Android. Worth checking compatibility.”
“The mic is surprisingly clear! The videos were actually good enough to save.”
Parents praised the balance of tech and creativity, and kids loved the power to perform. Some families noted compatibility quirks, but overall reactions were glowing—especially for a toy under £25.
About Moose Toys
Moose Toys is known for launching surprise hits like Shopkins, Bluey, and Little Live Pets. With the SelfieMic, they embraced a more tech-forward approach, blending gadget play with musical fun. Their commitment to interactive, screen-integrated toys helped define the toy trends of the mid-2010s.
Moose Toys continues to lead the way in combining collectability, creativity, and innovation into toys that truly resonate with modern kids.
Why It Rocked the 2016 Christmas Charts
The SelfieMic stood out not just because it was fun—it was different. While many toys that year focused on building or battling, the SelfieMic celebrated creativity, self-expression, and performance. At just £19.99–£24.99, it was also an affordable option for families looking to deliver “wow factor” on a budget.
It required no batteries, no mess, and no learning curve. For parents, it was low effort. For kids, it was high reward.
Best For Ages 8+
The SelfieMic is ideal for kids aged 8 and up who:
- Love to sing, perform, or create music videos
- Want to record Christmas carols or TikTok-style duets
- Are already familiar with smartphones and touchscreen interfaces
- Enjoy tech gadgets and self-expression through media
Younger children (6–7) can use it too, with supervision—particularly with the app interface and video recording tools.
Parental Tips & Setup Notes
- Check Compatibility: Make sure your child’s phone fits securely and is compatible with the included app (originally StarMaker).
- Manage Song Access: The included code gives free credits, but some premium songs may require additional purchases.
- Lighting Matters: Encourage kids to use well-lit areas for better video quality.
- Cleaning: Wipe down the mic and stick after use to keep it fresh for the next session.
- Parental Controls: Check app privacy settings and disable sharing if preferred.
Where to Buy in 2025
The SelfieMic has been retired from major retailers, but you can still find it second-hand on eBay, Vinted, or local Facebook Marketplace listings. Prices range between ÂŁ8 and ÂŁ20 depending on condition. Make sure the mic wire is intact, and ask if the original app code is still usable (some include expired ones).
If the original app is no longer supported, try pairing it with similar karaoke apps like Smule or YouTube Kids for a workaround.
Final Verdict
The SelfieMic by Moose Toys remains a standout from the 2016 toy charts. Fun, imaginative, and surprisingly functional, it gave kids the power to sing, record, and shine like a pop star—all with a simple plug-in mic and a bit of app magic.
It was social, shareable, and unforgettable—making SelfieMic Karaoke Review a true anthem of festive toy success.
Looking for more interactive hits? Check out our roundup of the most popular Christmas toys and discover what toys every kid wants in 2025.
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