More and more DJs are slowly converting to streaming services to source their music. Without a doubt, two of the most popular services are Beatport Streaming and Beatsource Streaming. As the name suggests, the two platforms are very similar, leading many DJs to wonder which platform is right for them. In this article, we will look at both services to help make that decision easier.
What are these services?
DJs can stream tracks from either Beatport or Beatsource directly into their DJ software. The technology behind each service also allows users to securely save 1,000 tracks offline for playback without an internet connection, provided users have the correct subscription plan.
Both Beatport Streaming and Beatsource Streaming can be used legally in a live performance, thanks to a new royalties system ensuring artists receive more than from regular streaming services.
Which DJ software works with Beatport or Beatsource?
- Serato DJ Lite / Serato DJ Pro
- rekordbox (performance mode only)
- Traktor DJ PRO 3.5
- VirtualDJ
- Algoriddim DJay / DJay PRO
- WeDJ (Beatport only)
- Engine DJ OS
- Hercules DJUCED
- Tribe XR
Beatport Streaming
Beatport Streaming allows users to stream any track directly from the Beatport store. Being the world’s most extensive catalogue of electronic music, Beatport boasts the latest music from the world’s biggest DJs and acts. Superb for DJs who want to play the latest tracks, which might not be available on other platforms. They boast curated playlists and access to the top-100 selling tracks of any genre.
By unlocking full-track previews on the Beatport store, users can add tracks to their playlists rather than buying the tracks. These playlists can then be viewed and played in their DJ software. Offered in two tiers, Beatport Streaming starts at just $9.99 per month.
ADVANCED – £14.99 per month, 128 kbps AAC, no Offline Locker
PROFESSIONAL – £29.99 per month, 256 kbps AAC, 1,000 Offline Locker tracks
Or, a two-month free trial with our Complete Package.
Beatsource Streaming
Beatsource is a collaboration between Beatport and DJ City, one of the world’s biggest DJ pools. Combining the Beatport technology with the music and DJs from DJCity, Beatsource Streaming aims to offer a complete package for professional DJs. Employing professional DJs who are specialists in their genres and fields, Beatsource offers unique curated playlists.
Curated playlists focus not only on genres but also events and times of the night. The music library also includes a broader range of music with more indie, Latin and hip-hop than is offered by Beatport. PRO+ subscribers will also have access to a catalogue of intro/outro edits, transition tracks and exclusive remixes. Beatsource is signing a world-first, exclusive deal with the three most prominent record labels to offer this legally.
Beatsource – $9.99, 128 AAC Streaming, No Offline Storage
Beatsource PRO+ – $34.99, FLAC Streaming, Access To Exclusive DJ Edits, 1000 Offline Storage
Can I convert my playlists in other platforms to Beatport Streaming or Beatsource?
Yes! Both services support the easy transfer of your music and playlists from other platforms that you may use for casual music listening and discovery like Spotify or Apple Music. You can use either Soundiiz or TuneMyMusic to sync your playlists and libraries for free up to a certain amount of synchronisations, depending on the platform.
Soundiiz – https://soundiiz.com
TuneMyMusic – https://www.tunemymusic.com
Should I use Beatport or Beatsource?
With both services sharing the same technology, it can be unclear for new users to know which platform is best. As with most things, it all comes down to the music. Beatport is a superb system for DJs who require the most recent electronic music. It suits DJs who know their genre inside out and require tracks from specific artists. The curated playlists are good but far less helpful than those offered by Beatsource, focusing more on trending tracks than particular events.
Beatsource is a brilliant tool for the open-format DJ. The curated playlists act as a solid guide and a great inspiration. The catalogue isn’t as in-depth as Beatport for electronic music, but the broader genre range will suit open-format DJs better.
Only you will know which service suits your needs best. We recommend scanning both stores first to gauge an idea of what music both services offer. We’re happy to provide all Complete DJ Package members with a whole TWO months FREE trial of either service to allow our community enough time to evaluate both services for themselves!
We also offer,
- TWO months FREE Beatsource to our Hip Hop Mixing Course students
- TWO months FREE Beatport to our House Mixing Course students
This allows you to follow along with our playlists and learn how to perform with a massive catalogue of streaming music.
Video Guide
Not yet a Complete Package member?
Whether you are just starting out or you’re already in the game but need to boost your success, we can help you achieve your DJ dream with our Complete DJ Package!
For a single one-off payment you’ll get unlimited, unrestricted access to absolutely all the content and support you need to be ready to bring the heat and achieve maximum success as a DJ!
This includes ALL our past, present and future DJ course catalogue, plus ongoing direct support from us and loads of exclusive extras, including crash courses on cutting-edge industry practices, such as mixing with stems!
835 hours 1300+ lessons Creative
Complete DJ Package
Good day, after the subscription to one of those streaming sources, can I download the tracks to my USB without purchasing them? Is the monthly subscription not enough to ” own ” them?
Beatsource and Beatport both let you play tracks offline without an internet connection. https://link.beatsource.com/offline/
https://support.beatport.com/hc/en-us/articles/10923019923988-How-can-I-organize-my-offline-locker
This isn’t the same as owning them, though. You’ll still need an active subscription. If you want to download tracks to own for a subscription fee, you’re better off looking for a DJ download pool. Check out our recommendations here:
https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/where-to-download-dj-music-in-2022/#DJ_Pools
Thank you very much for your answer.
Hello, I understand on Beatport I can stream songs that I have not purchased for DJ sets. Are these “free” songs modifiable: sampling, etc?
Is the reason to buy songs on Beatport, so that a DJ can play without an internet connection?
duster
The monthly subscription to Beatport covers the royalties owed to the artist. Sampling is, therefore, subject to copyright law. The reason you can also purchase songs on Beatport is that some DJs prefer to download rather than stream for reasons like you said about the internet connection.
“Both Beatport and Beatsource LINK can be used legally in a live performance, with a new royalties system ensuring artists receive much more than from regular streaming services”
Are you sure?
If you read the contract terms:
“5. Prohibited Use of LINK
Content streamed on LINK is intended for your personal use only. Use of LINK for public performance purposes will require additional licensing, which is not included as part of your subscription”.
What’s unclear?
Do I need a computer to play offline files from Beatsource to Denon DJ Prime GO?
I know I can stream my Beatsource playlists but I like the safety option of playing offline files. I would like it if I didn’t have to bring my laptop.
There is no offline streaming in the Denon DJ products as yet. It will always need to be connected to the internet.