Is Beatport Streaming Worth It?
A Look At Beatport Streaming
With the advent of streaming services, DJs can now access an extensive catalog of music from around the world, without having to own every song physically. Beatport, one of the most popular online music stores for electronic dance music, has recently launched its own streaming service called Beatport DJ, which aims to revolutionise the way DJs access and play music. But is Beatport streaming worth it? This is a question I’ve been debating a lot recently. Over the years I’ve always bought music either on vinyl or digitally. As I’ve grown older, got married and had kids my priorities have changed and so too has my financial situation. I’ve recently been looking more closely at the various streaming options open to DJs, not just from a technology stand point, but also from an ease of use perspective and dived into if DJ streaming could work with my work flow. So, do I think Beatport DJ live streaming is worth it? Well, let's take a closer look.
What is Beatport DJ Streaming?
Beatport DJ is a subscription-based streaming service that provides access to a vast collection of high-quality tracks, allowing DJs to discover new music and play it directly in their DJ software. Beatport has partnered with a range of software and hardware manufacturers to ensure seamless integration with various DJ software and hardware. This means that DJs can use Beatport DJ with popular software like Denon Engine DJ, Serato, Rekordbox, and Traktor, as well as with such related hardware as the Pioneer DDJ controllers and DJ CDJ-3000 players, the Denon Prime Series controllers and DJ SC6000 players, and all of Traktor’s hardware such as the S2, S3, and S4 MK3.
Setting up Beatport DJ
Setting up Beatport DJ is a straightforward process. First, DJs need to sign up for a subscription on the Beatport website. There are two subscription options available: a basic subscription, which costs $14.99 per month, and a premium subscription, which costs $29.99 per month. The premium subscription offers additional features like an offline storage and use of 1000 tracks and highest quality audio downloads.
Once subscribed, DJs can log into Beatport on their respective DJ software, which then provides access to the Beatport DJ streaming library. Beatport Pro is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and can be used with a range of DJ software and hardware. DJs can also access the Beatport DJ library through the Beatport app, which is available for iOS and Android devices as well as a Beatport DJ web app available on the Beatport website.
What Are The Benefits of using Beatport DJ Streaming?
The most significant benefit of using Beatport DJ is the access to a vast catalog of high-quality tracks. Beatport has always been known for its focus on electronic dance music, and Beatport DJ is no exception. DJs can access tracks from a range of genres like techno, house, trance, and more, from both established and up-and-coming artists.
Another advantage of Beatport DJ is the seamless integration with various DJ software and hardware. DJs can use Beatport DJ with popular software like Serato, Traktor, and Rekordbox, as well as with the respective hardware. This means that DJs can play tracks directly from the Beatport DJ library without having to purchase and import them into their DJ software.
Beatport DJ also offers advanced filtering options that allow DJs to search for tracks based on various criteria like tempo, key, genre, and more. DJs can also create and save playlists, making it easy to organise and access their favourite tracks. The Beatport DJ web app also allows users to DJ online with their full, catalogue, create playlists, search charts and recommended music as well as set up ‘parties’ allowing 4 DJs to DJ live from anywhere in the world with up to 100 guests in a ‘chat’ with the live DJ set. As a tool for finding new music, accessing various charts and DJing with the Beatport catalogue, there’s nothing like it.
What Are The Drawbacks of using Beatport DJ Streaming?
While Beatport DJ offers many benefits, there are some drawbacks to using the service. The most significant disadvantage is the cost.
What Is The Cost Of Beatport Streaming?
The basic subscription costs $14.99 per month, which can add up quickly with use over a long time period. The premium subscription, which offers additional features, costs $29.99 per month, which is a significant outlay. This tier is aimed predominantly at professional DJs.
Another potential drawback is the quality of the audio. While Beatport DJ offers high-quality tracks, the audio quality can vary depending on the tier subscribed to. Some customers have complained that the audio on the basic tier isn’t good enough. The key thing to consider here is the quality of the users internet connection and the quality of the speakers or headphones being used. DJs who prioritise audio quality may prefer to use the higher tier or purchase tracks individually to ensure the highest quality audio for their systems.
What Are The Royalties Like For Artists?
One important consideration for DJs is the amount of royalties that artists receive when their music is streamed on Beatport DJ. Beatport has stated that it pays out a higher percentage of royalties to artists compared to other streaming services. This is a significant advantage for DJs who want to support their favourite artists and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work. Beatport DJ in 2022 quoted that they paid artists an average of $0.10808333 per stream, with their sister service Beatsource (aimed at open format DJs) paying $0.17773333 per stream. This is more than 30 times the industry wide average of paid streaming rates.
What Are The Streaming Alternatives?
However, some DJs may prefer to use alternative streaming services like SoundCloud, which offers a vast catalogue of tracks for free, albeit with lower audio quality. SoundCloud also offers a subscription-based service called SoundCloud Go, which provides access to higher-quality tracks and additional features like offline listening.
Other popular streaming services for DJs are Tidal and Amazon, which offer high-quality audio and a vast catalogue of tracks. These streaming services are available on a number of the best known DJ softwares and hardwares, making them also attractive options for DJs who want to stay up-to-date on the latest music and trends.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Beatport DJ offers a convenient and user-friendly way for DJs to access a vast catalogue of high-quality tracks. Its seamless integration with various DJ software and hardware makes it easy for DJs to use, while the advanced filtering options and playlist features make it easy to discover and organise tracks.
However, the cost of the subscription and also the audio quality which can vary depending on the subscription used may be a barrier for some DJs. DJs who prioritise audio quality may prefer to purchase tracks individually, while those who want to support their favourite artists may prefer Beatport DJ's higher royalty rates.
Ultimately, the decision to use Beatport DJ will depend on a DJ's individual needs and preferences. DJs who prioritise convenience and access to a vast catalogue of tracks will likely find Beatport DJ to be a valuable tool, while those who prioritise cost and audio quality may prefer alternative options. Regardless of which streaming service DJs choose, the most important thing is to support the artists and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.Purchasing music will always be the best way to do this, and more and more artists are looking to make their music more freely available to their listeners because of this. Artists are putting more and more music on not just the likes of Beatport, Juno.co.uk they are now using other sites such as Bandcamp where by they can collect high royalties.
Since setting up Beatport Streaming on my own home set up, I’ve been very impressed with how accessible DJ streaming has become. It can only get better in the future too. The other big consideration for me though is making sure I support the artists as I best I can too through this period of transitioning technology.
What are your thoughts? Please feel free to comment below.
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