What Can DJs Use Instead of Spotify?

Spotify has millions of tracks that you can stream for less than $10 per month. It was one of my favorite DJ resources, especially for open format DJs who are expected to play anything at any time. If you want to know how to build my full mobile DJ library on the cheap, check out my $20 per month unlimited DJ music plan!

To date, Algoriddim djay has been the only DJ software to integrate Spotify streaming. Sadly, Algoriddim has announced that they are removing support for Spotify on 7/1/2020. From their website:

As of July 1, 2020 Spotify will no longer be playable through 3rd party DJ apps. You’ll still be able to use Spotify in djay until the end of June 2020. In the meantime, we’ve introduced new streaming services that will enable you to continue mixing all of the great music you love, plus give you extended access to new content and features. In addition, we’ve prepared steps for you to easily migrate your library to a new supported streaming service. We are committed to make this transition as easy as possible for you and we appreciate your understanding during this process. (source)

So, what’s a streaming DJ to do? You’ll have to commit to a new streaming service that will be compatible with your existing DJ software. What can DJs use to stream music instead of Spotify? Here is a list of your best options, with a grid of which services work with which software:

• SoundCloud GO+
• TIDAL
• Beatport Link
• Beatsource Link
• Deezer
• IDJ Pool

My Recommendation: SoundCloud GO+

I’ve personally switched over from Spotify to SoundCloud GO+. I first did so because they were offering a 90-day trial for $0.99. But as I use it, there are some features I really enjoy.

SoundCloud GO+ integrates seamlessly with Virtual DJ and allows me to create combined playlists using both local and streaming music. The songs I select can be stored offline with no limits. Services like Beatport Link only allow 50 or 100 songs offline, depending on your subscription level.

SoundCloud GO+ is compatible with more software than any other streaming service, and they seem to be committed to making streaming work for professional DJs. Soundcloud is also now allowing you to legally upload DJ mixes for your fans.

SoundCloud has a ton of user content, which is good and bad. There are a huge number of remixes and alternative versions of your favorite songs, but you have to be careful. Not all of them are good quality, and some are clearly semi-legal bootlegs or totally illegal rips. There’s also no policing of the metadata, so songs are frequently mislabelled. I always make sure that I prepare tracks in advance from SoundCloud GO+ so that I know what I’m getting. This is especially true if you want clean versions of songs.

Making the Switch

If you are switching from Spotify to another streaming service, I highly recommend Tune My Music. You can migrate your playlists and saved songs with just a few clicks. I used it to switch to SoundCloud GO+. It was a lifesaver. All of my thousands of tracks moved automatically, with less than 5 that couldn’t be matched. Migrating instantly made SoundCloud much easier to use. I didn’t have to rebuild my entire library from scratch. Make the change now before Spotify leaves djay forever!

Mostly, Know Your Music

More important than anything else, don’t get overwhelmed by the endless array of music available. You should be very familiar with any new music you add to your DJ collection. The downside to streaming is that you still have to prepare and learn new tracks in advance. All of the music in the world won’t replace deep track knowledge.

I’ve put together a huge list of my 48 favorite mixing tips that covers all of the most important details you need to know about your tracks to create the best mixes. Keep these details in mind when you are adding new tracks.