How do you use music streaming services with Serato DJ Lite and Pro, and which services are currently supported? Setting up a streaming service as a music source in Serato only takes a few clicks. I’ll quickly go over the available options and show you how the setup works in both versions of Serato DJ.
Which music streaming services do Serato DJ Lite and Serato DJ Pro support?
Serato DJ Lite and Serato DJ Pro currently support the same main music streaming services:
- Apple Music
- Beatport
- SoundCloud
- Spotify
- Tidal
Spotify requires a Spotify Premium subscription, while Tidal requires an appropriate Tidal subscription with the DJ add-on. SoundCloud streaming requires SoundCloud Go+ rather than a regular free SoundCloud account. Apple Music and Beatport also require an appropriate active subscription.
Beatsource was previously supported as a separate streaming option, but Beatsource is currently being migrated into Beatport. Existing Beatsource users should follow the current migration instructions from Serato and Beatport.
The process of setting up any of the available music streaming services in Serato is pretty much the same in Serato DJ Lite and Serato DJ Pro. Let’s quickly go over the process in both versions of Serato DJ.
If you want to know more about the main differences between the Serato DJ Lite and Serato DJ Pro, check out my extensive comparison article in which I point out the main differences between the two and explain what’s the real deal with these.
What do you need to start using music streaming services with Serato DJ?
To use a streaming service with Serato DJ, you need an account with the provider of your choice and an appropriate subscription plan that supports DJ software integration.
Subscription plans vary in price, streaming quality, offline functionality, and other features between the different services. For example, some of the music streaming services may give you the possibility to save the tracks for offline use, while others may not.
Do your research on the sites of respective streaming service providers to make sure that you’ve chosen an offer that suits you best.
Important things to note:
- You cannot use Serato DJ Pro’s built-in recording function while playing tracks from a streaming service.
- Offline playback availability depends on the provider and subscription plan. Beatport offers offline Locker functionality on eligible plans, while Apple Music, Spotify and Tidal streaming require an active internet connection.
- Streaming audio quality differs between providers and subscription tiers.
- Free-trial availability and duration varies between services and may also depend on whether you’ve previously had a trial.
How to use music streaming services with Serato DJ Lite?
First thing you have to do is to click the Settings menu icon in the top right part of the Serato DJ Lite main screen (the little cog/gear symbol).
Then, navigate to the Library + Display tab and find the Music Streaming section. Make sure “Show Streaming Services” is enabled.
Here you have to make a choice on which music streaming service you will be using. After selecting one of the available streaming services, click on the Sign up / Login button on the right side of this section.
You will then be prompted to log in or register in the music streaming service of your choice. After completing the log in/registration process and ensuring you have subscribed to an appropriate plan at your streaming service that will allow you to stream music with Serato DJ, your set up process will be complete.
Subscription prices, features and requirements vary between the different streaming services. All the information about that is located on respective service owner websites (which are also linked below the Sign up / Login button).
After connecting the music streaming service of your choice with Serato DJ, you will be able to search through the streaming catalog by using the regular search bar in combination with a special Streaming Search button located beside the search box.
You can toggle this button on and off to decide whether you want to include results from the active music streaming service in your search, or just want to see the results from your local storage.
Your streaming service library will be accessible in the streaming service tab that will now be active in the library/crate bar on the left side of the screen.
How to use music streaming services with Serato DJ Pro?
The streaming service connection process is about the same with Serato DJ Pro as it was with Serato DJ Lite.
First you have to click the cog/gear settings icon in the top right of the Serato DJ main screen. Then, go to the Library + Display tab, find the Music Streaming section, and make sure “Show Streaming Services” is enabled. and after selecting the music streaming service you plan to connect to, click the Sign up / Login button to proceed with the login or registration process.
As with Serato DJ Lite, after successfully connecting the music streaming service of your choice to Serato DJ, you will have access to the Streaming Search feature beside the library search bar and the streaming service resource crate on the left.
Why is Serato DJ not showing a particular music streaming service in the library view?
If your streaming service isn’t visible, first go to Setup -> Library + Display -> Music Streaming and make sure “Show Streaming Services” is enabled. You can then select the streaming provider you want to use.
If you’re looking for Apple Music or Spotify and don’t see them at all, make sure you’re running a recent version of Serato DJ. Apple Music requires Serato DJ Pro/Lite 3.3.0 or later, while Spotify requires version 3.3.5 or later.
Why can’t I play or see a particular track in my streaming library?
There are several reasons why a particular streaming track may be unavailable in Serato, and the exact restrictions depend on the streaming provider.
Some of those reasons include:
- The track may be available for purchase but not streaming.
- Some Beatport tracks may only be available as part of an album or purchase.
- The artist, label or rights holder may not allow the track to be streamed through third-party DJ software.
- The track may be unavailable in your country because of regional licensing restrictions.
- A track that was previously available may have been removed from the service and appear greyed out in an existing playlist.
You can read much more about the specific track restrictions on the official Serato DJ support page here: Why can’t I find or play certain streaming tracks in my library in Serato DJ Pro or Lite?
The conclusion + DJ record pools
Serato DJ Lite and Pro now give you direct access to several major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Beatport, SoundCloud, Spotify and Tidal. Streaming can greatly expand the music available to you without buying every track individually, although you’re also relying on an active subscription, service availability, and in most cases an internet connection.
On the other hand, using streaming services with your DJ software can also pose some problems with your music library management because of the sheer amount of available tracks.
Before diving into the world of music streaming in DJing, be sure to do some research and choose the best service and plan that is compatible with your DJ software. You may also want to look into DJ record pools. Unlike regular streaming subscriptions, record pools are generally designed around DJs downloading tracks that they can keep and organize locally.
You might also like: How To Organize Your Tracks/Songs – DJ Playlists Guide