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Whenyou're learning to DJ, you're learning to match your own musical expressions with the desires of an audience. It isn't just matching beats, or scratching over songs. It's about being observant, empathic, and reactive. Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy route to overnight success. This takes work, and hustle, and time.Last Updated on September 29, is becoming more and more popular lately, and in order to have a chance to make it you need to improve your course, if you ever want to reach the highest level you can, the best way to achieve this is by practicing the right is why I wrote this 15-step guide on how to practice as a DJ and not waste time on things that won’t make you any get straight into it. 15 Steps to Practice DJing! 1. Practice Makes Perfect2. Record Yourself3. Streaming4. Playing for/with friends5. Set a Timer6. Use Simple DJ Equipment7. Learn to Count8. Be approachable9. Don’t Drink and Play10. Ask for Help11. Join Djing Groups12. Choose a Name13. Teach Others14. Read Books about DJing15. Enroll in Online CoursesBest 4 DJ Controllers for Beginners1. Practice Makes PerfectHow do you get better at anything?… Practice, Practice, Practice!Whether you are trying to learn a new language, driving, or a sport, it always comes down to practice. Therefore, practice makes perfect, or so the saying practicing the right way makes perfect, but let’s keep practice will help you identify consistent mistakes and help you correct can do this in your bedroom or download DJ apps and practice while in a car or whenever you have some free time. The more you practice, the more natural your movements and skills Record YourselfRecording yourself during practice sessions is a great way to improve your get to listen to your mixes and judge yourself. It is a great way to improve your technical the recording sessions you may even feel embarrassed when you make a helps you deal with mistakes when Djing because let’s face it, you will make mistakes whenever you are playing to a live recording yourself will help you to understand and manage the pressure of errors while StreamingAnother useful tool to improve your Djing skills is to stream to a live is like number two above, but this time, there is the added pressure of a live this digital age, there are various streaming services at your disposal, such as Facebook live, among careful not to pay too much attention to the likes or viewer count since this may be most significant benefit is that you can get feedback from your audience that can be quite helpful in improving your Best Free DJ Mixing Software you can stream with them.4. Playing for/with friendsFriends can be a motivating tool, especially if you are a general, most friends seem have the same interests and tastes in music, at least in my inviting friends over and having them listen to a Djing session can help you get constructive criticism and praise that can be quite a morale can also help you get used to playing for a live isn’t it a lot less intimidating to play for people you know, who you are certain will give you honest feedback?5. Set a TimerThis is an excellent way to apply extra external pressure on you set a timer, you must ensure to play your gig within the time limits will help you focus more on beat matching and music selection without wasting time deciding on what to play you’ve never done this, then you’ll notice that you will be much more focused on the task at hand, instead of worrying about details that don’t matter as Use Simple DJ Equipment As a beginner, use simple Djing equipment that is not too complicated to will help you perfect the basics before moving on to the complicated can quickly get excited by loops, hot cues, and filters, which may give you a false sense of excellent skill sets, whereas the basics of listening and hearing of beats are still in need of an expensive and over-complicated system may confuse you and even give you a sense of panic due to the extra knobs and dials on the just as a bonus, beginner and not so fully-featured equipment is usually the end of the post I will add a table with the best DJ controllers for beginners, in case you need that info!7. Learn to CountThis mainly involves what was traditionally known as kicks and snares on the drum songs you play will be in counts of beat matching will involve the matching of kicks on two songs and having them run parallel to each at the end of the eighth kick, you can transition to the second involves excellent hearing skills and is one of the necessary Djing skills that one should learn from the Be approachableDJs work in high-pressure environments that involve pleasing crowds that are probably drinking and partying the night skills are essential as various people will walk up to you with song requests, while others may criticize your outfit and mixing Dj must keep his cool and focus on the task at hand. Reacting to every comment or banter will only enrage you or spoil the entire approachable and genuinely nice and ensure to always be in good imagine what people will think of you if every time someone comes up to talk to you, even if it’s for criticism, you react defensively… not Don’t Drink and PlayFollowing the previous recommendation, is this should be on your A-Game while performing live, and drinking will only lower the chances of a great you might think that it helps because it can calm the nerves, but I would avoid it at all Ask for HelpSometimes being a beginner can be may feel that some of the questions you have may be considered obvious or stupid. Sometimes even finding decks to practice on can be a daunting not be afraid to ask any questions or seek help on any matter when learning how to remember that even the experts such as Laidback Luke and Dj Khaleed probably started where you are, and many are willing to help in any way that they Join Djing GroupsThere is a ton of groups out there for DJs, and Facebook is a great place to joining Djing groups, you get to ask questions and get prompt answers from various experts with experience in the also get to meet beginners such as yourself who may also be struggling just like the support provided in these groups, you will gain confidence and improve your Djing Choose a NameChoosing a stage name can be quite morale-boosting and a message to the industry that you mean can go by your official name or choose a nickname/stage this gives you an identity and brand to protect. It also gives you a badge of honor and an unofficial stamp that you are now a a brand name, you can go ahead to open social media accounts and upload various gigs can also start building a name for yourself and become a force to be reckon with in the Teach OthersBy teaching others how to Dj, you get to improve and add to your skills way more than you will require you to research, gather learning materials, and answer questions from upcoming DJs and, in turn, push you to be better and improve your others is not just noble but enhances your reputation in the industry as always found that teaching is by far the best way of you’ll need to have a foundation of skills and knowledge, but explaining something to someone else requires you to have a deep understanding of what you’re trying to teach, which in turn helps Read Books about DJing Believe it or not, there are hundreds of excellent books about DJing that can teach you a great deal; not just about how to become better, but also the history about DJing, and know this might not seem as appealing to some of you, but I promise you it you’re interested in finding out more about the best books about DJing, then read my article on that Enroll in Online CoursesLearning to DJ by yourself might seem appealing, and in all honesty might also work, but if you want to fast-track your progress and learn from people who have spent decades perfecting their craft, then online courses are probably the best way to go about wrote a post about the best online DJ courses available that you should absolutely check ones I recommend the most are the courses from DJ Courses Online since they offer something for every of their best courses are;How to DJ; MasterclassAdvanced DJ Techniques and Tips Divided into 3 levelsDJing BasicsDJ Career TipsBest 4 DJ Controllers for BeginnersNameDescriptionPricePioneer DDJSB3Allows for quick progress; Great for learning Mixtrack Pro 3Simple and easy to use, without too many DJ MC4000Overall Best Controller for Instruments S2 MK3Good for beginners but also very professional these 15 steps and your practice sessions will improve drastically!Like I just mentioned, enrolling in an online DJing course might be one of the fastest ways to learn, but if you only follow the previous 12 steps, you should be good to hope this information was a wonderful day! Beinga DJ requires you to do a lot more than just play songs. Learning to structure a set, mix on the fly, and get a crowd moving all starts with your deck. Later on, you can invest in bigger speakers, a monitor, a MIDI controller, an audio interface, mics, and various plug-ins, depending on your ambitions for playing out, but a bare-bones basic DJ setup needs to include the following: Prime Sound is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process hereDJs make their work look so graceful, and it’s all thanks to their equipment, namely the controllers. However, if you’ve ever seen one of these controllers, then you know it’s a fairly intimidating device. It comes with multiple buttons, knobs, and controllers, which is enough to put people off from using the machine. However, for the determined few, the only thing stopping them is they don’t know how to use a DJ controller on their PCs. Otherwise, they would get one as soon as possible and put it to good use. If you’re one of these determined few, this write-up should give you insight into what the machine is capable of and how to use it to your advantage. What is a DJ controller? To understand a DJ controller and what it does, you must first understand DJ software. Examples of DJ software include Ableton Live, Serato DJ pro, Atomix VirtualDJ Pro, and more. Notably, this kind of software allows you to combine different tracks to make remixed alternatives using your keyboard and mouse pad as your controls. Since that isn’t the main function of the keyboard and mouse, it makes controlling the software more difficult, which is where the DJ controller comes in. DJ controllers have dedicated controls that can sometimes be mapped out according to your preferences to make the DJ software easier to use. They technically do not mix audio. This is the job of your computer and the DJ software. However, they do give directions to the computer on how to go about it. Also, a common feature in modern DJ controllers is that they come with built-in soundcards. This is further supplemented by outputs making it easy to preview audio and remixed tracks before routing it to the main output for the audience. The Traditional “deejaying” setup involved having a mixing console sandwiched between two decks. However, with the modern DJ controller, you typically get the same things built into one machine. Additionally, traditional machines took up the duty of processing the sounds mixed. In the modern era, the software takes up that responsibility, therefore, allowing the controllers to be smaller than ever. Benefits of DJ controllers As improvements for the old Deejaying setups, DJ controllers have some benefits, as highlighted below. Fairly affordable If you were to try and use an older/more traditional setup, you’d have to buy at least two decks and a mixer. Also, given how we access music files in the modern age, you would still need a computer as a repository for the tunes and sounds that you mix on the daily. This is in addition to several USB sticks that you use to load the songs onto your decks. Contrast that with only having to buy a controller and a laptop, and you find that the DJ controller setup is much cheaper. Today it’s even possible to get a DJ controller for under $300. The Numark Party Mix II is, according to reviews, an excellent example of how affordable DJ controllers can be. Not only is the hardware inexpensive, but buyers also get Serato DJ lite software included with the purchase. Portable Another notable factor when learning how to use a DJ controller with Traktor or FL studio is that the sound production and processing are done by the computer. Modern PCs have enough computational power to get the job done and still manage to be compact. A side effect is that the controller doesn’t need many inbuilt electrical components to do its job. Consequently, new DJ controllers are also getting smaller and smaller, making the whole setup more portable. Adaptability to modern needs This is another side effect of the integration with DJ software. Notably, the software seems easier to develop compared to hardware with no raw materials being used. As such, new and improved versions of DJ apps are pushed out regularly, and of course, they’ll have new capabilities, features, and functions as well. The users, in return, update their old apps allowing them to use the new features with the old hardware that they have. If you were to use older tech, CDJ, this adaptability is stifled because they require firmware updates that are infrequent at best. Ease of use Another benefit is the ease of use which is evident in several ways once you start using a DJ controller. One example is easy access to your music library. Every track you use will likely be stored on your PC’s hard disk. Consequently, searching for specific tracks becomes a cakewalk. Remember you have the search feature in your computer where you can put in keywords and get results. The “sort” feature is another extension of this, not to mention the big screen you have as well as the mouse. Additionally, you need to preview tracks to mix or remix them properly. This has also been made easier compared to traditional setups. There is no need to even load the tracks onto one of your decks which was necessary when using a CDJ or DDJ system. Instead, you use your mouse to play bits and pieces of the songs before loading them onto your decks. Next, recording your Deejaying sessions is not as difficult as it used to be. The computer is enough, and the deejaying apps have a built-in recording feature. You just hit the “record” button before starting your set. The last piece of evidence showing that DJ controllers are easy to use is the plug-and-play functionality. This is partly due to the integration with the deejaying software available. A USB cable connecting your PC and controller is basically all you need for the two machines to work together. Basics of how a DJ controller works The term “specialized keyboard” is an apt description for a DJ controller. All it does is give a set of instructions to the DJ software running on the computer. For instance, hitting the play/pause button on the DJ controller hardware works the same as hovering over the same button in the software and clicking on it with your mouse. However, the former is much easier, faster, and more intuitive. Older turntables were self-reliant where they had electrical circuitry to adjust the audio. They featured pedals and controls that would create effects. Additionally, they also helped adjust frequency response and the playback of the song. Modern controllers, on the other hand, use binary signals to communicate with your PC. Your computer and the DJ software create the effects and adjust the playback of the song according to instructions. Most DJ controllers need to be connected to your PC via USB to work, although there are exceptions. Furthermore, the DJ is required to map the tool’s buttons in addition to the various faders and knobs to make the device more intuitive. That said, most new controllers come with predetermined controls that have been tried, tested, and proven to be fairly intuitive. Also, the larger your DJ controller, the more controls and buttons you’re likely to have. Additionally, many modern DJ controllers come with built-in soundcards. This allows the audio to be fed back into the controller from the computer via the USB cable. Consequently, the user gets more control over audio levels going out to the various outputs, including your PA system. DJ controller setup Setting up a DJ controller is a fairly easy task. First, you have to plug your PC and the controller into working sockets. After all, the devices need to be powered up before you can use them. Additionally, you connect the PC and the controller via the provided USB cord. Next, you open the DJ software on your computer. Most of these are designed to automatically detect the connection with the controller. Some may require additional manual input and selection of the device you’re using once the program is open. You can then map some of your controls if it’s your first time. Where you don’t have this option, you can read the manual on what certain buttons are for and how to use them. We’ve also covered some of that in the section below. You’ll likely have to connect the controller’s outputs to your PA system or speakers. Sometimes you may even have to route that connection via an external mixer, depending on the setup at your deejaying booth. Other DJs connect their headphones to one of the outputs of the controller for previews. Your DJ controller is now set up and ready for use. Controls Whether you’re learning how to use a DJ controller with Serato, Traktor, or FL studio, the button layout and their functions on the device will likely be the same. Here are the controls that you should expect Play/Pause Just as the name suggests, this button will either play or pause the track that you’ve selected. Cue The cue button is often used to mark a start point in a song or track. Most DJs use this button on a track they’re not playing to control where the song starts when they make a transition. After that, if you press the cue button a second time, it will start the song at the cue mark. Additionally, the song will only keep going as long as your finger remains on the button, although you can also press the play button for continuous play. Lastly, you’re discouraged from pressing the cue button while playing a track because it will pause the song. Hot Cue The hot cue button is similar to the cue button in that it marks certain sections of the song, so you can easily jump to them at any time. Notably, you can mark multiple hot cue points on a song, and the machine and software will remember them for you. Sync One of the basics of deejaying is that you transition better from one track to another when they have a similar BPM or song tempo. By pressing the sync button, you sync the BPM of the song in the secondary channel to match the one currently playing, therefore making the transition more seamless. Auto loop This is yet another button whose function is self-explanatory. You use it to create a loop area where a section of the song will keep repeating until you turn it off. It’s best used to make quick loops. Manual loop The manual loop button is almost the same as the auto loop, but it needs extra input from you. Typically, you use the available pads to determine where the loop starts and ends. You can also tweak it if the result is not up to your standards. Sampler This button is used to play short sound effects loaded onto your Deejaying software. Some examples include your DJ name or your contact information. Shift Notably, some buttons on the machine have two functions. However, if you press them, you only activate the first function leaving out the secondary one. This is where the shift button comes in. You press both the shift button and the button with two functionalities, and the secondary function will be activated. For instance, the cue button may also have a rewind function. If you only press this button, it will cue a song just as described above. However, if you press the shift + cue button, then the secondary function, in this case, rewind, will be activated. Motorized platter Another control that some DJs like on their controllers is the motorized platter. It’s similar to the old-school vinyl turntables in the way it spins while a track is playing and even gives you similar functionality. As such, options with these platters make the best DJ controllers for scratching. You can pause, slow down the song, and more using this part of the hardware. Screen Higher-end DJ controllers are also likely to come with a screen that may have multiple functions depending on whether or not it has touch functionality. According to reviewers, the Pioneer DJ DJ System has one of the best screens in the market. It’s large and offers lots of visual feedback while you’re mixing. Also, the machine features lots of professional-grade DJ features. Music mixing tips Lastly, here are some tips to guide you as you start mixing. Always load the songs you’re playing in decks one and two. This affords you better control of the track, especially if you have a motorized platter. For scratches, loops and other peripheral sounds, you can load them into other decks in your software. Start simple, especially when adding effects and scratches, then gradually build up the mixing complexity. Lastly, be frugal with your sound effects. Hearing them every two minutes may lower the quality of the mix and the music. Final thoughts Hacking how to use a DJ controller is not a day-long endeavor. It takes a while not only to familiarize yourself with the controls but also to use them effectively. You need to build up your mixing skills over time, and that can only happen through practice. For reference, you can check out your favorite DJs and note down how they make transitions, the FX frequency, and other aspects of their mixes that you like. After that, you try to mimic them while also trying to build your identity as a DJ. Theonly things you really need to start out is a DJ controller, headphones, speakers and appropriate cabling to connect your speakers to your device. In many cases when you want to save money you can simply use headphones and speakers you already have at home if you are able to use them with your new gear. What is a DJ? A DJ, or disc jockey, specializes in selecting and playing recorded music for a live audience. The job of a DJ involves choosing and mixing music tracks in a way that creates a cohesive and enjoyable experience for the audience. DJs may work in a variety of settings, including clubs, festivals, weddings, and corporate events, and their role is often to keep the energy and atmosphere of the event lively and engaging. To be a successful DJ, one must possess a range of skills, including a deep knowledge of music genres, an ability to read and respond to the energy of the crowd, and technical proficiency with mixing equipment and software. Many DJs also create their own original music or remixes, and may collaborate with other artists to produce new tracks. As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of the DJ remains an important one, with many DJs achieving celebrity status and fans around the world. What does a DJ do? DJs are essential in the entertainment industry as they provide the soundtrack for events and parties. They have the ability to mix and match different songs, genres, and beats to create a unique and cohesive sound that can keep people dancing and engaged for hours. DJs are not only responsible for playing music but also for reading the crowd, setting the mood, and creating a dynamic atmosphere that can enhance the overall experience. They also act as event coordinators, working closely with event organizers and other vendors to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of a DJ go beyond playing music. They are responsible for creating a memorable experience for their audience. Here is a detailed breakdown of the duties and responsibilities of a DJ Music Selection The primary responsibility of a DJ is to select music that is appropriate for the event and the audience. This involves understanding the audience's taste in music and choosing songs that fit the event's mood and theme. Music Mixing A DJ must also be skilled in mixing songs to create a seamless flow of music that keeps the audience engaged. This involves understanding beats, tempo, and harmonies to create a unique and cohesive sound. Equipment Setup A DJ is responsible for setting up and testing their equipment, including turntables, mixers, and speakers, to ensure that they are in proper working condition before the event. Event Coordination DJs often work with event coordinators to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. They may also coordinate with other vendors, such as lighting technicians or sound engineers, to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Reading the Crowd A DJ must be able to read the crowd and adjust their music selection accordingly. This involves understanding the mood and energy of the audience and selecting music that keeps them engaged. Knowledge of Music A DJ must have a thorough knowledge of music, including different genres, artists, and song lyrics. This helps them to create a unique and engaging musical experience for their audience. Technical Skills A DJ must be proficient in using different types of equipment, including turntables, mixers, and software, to create the desired musical experience. Adaptability A DJ must be adaptable and able to handle unexpected situations that may arise during an event, such as power outages or equipment malfunctions. They must be able to think on their feet and quickly come up with a solution to keep the music playing. Creating Playlists DJs are responsible for creating playlists that align with the event's theme and mood. They must also take into account any requests from the event organizers or audience members. Beatmatching One of the core technical skills a DJ must have is beatmatching. This involves aligning the beats of two tracks so that they play seamlessly together, creating a smooth transition between songs. Types of DJs Here are some of the most common types of DJs and what they do Club DJs Club DJs are perhaps the most common type of DJ. They perform in nightclubs and bars, entertaining crowds with a mix of popular music genres such as electronic dance music EDM, hip-hop, and pop. Club DJs use turntables, mixers, and other equipment to create a seamless mix of music and keep the dance floor packed all night long. Mobile DJs Mobile DJs perform at various events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. They typically bring their own sound and lighting equipment and play a wide range of music genres to suit the occasion and the audience. Radio DJs Radio DJs work for radio stations and play music for a live audience over the airwaves. They must adhere to the station's format, which usually consists of specific music genres and styles. Radio DJs also provide commentary and announcements between songs, and may conduct interviews with guests. Turntablists Turntablists are DJs who specialize in manipulating vinyl records and turntables to create complex and intricate scratching, cutting, and beat juggling techniques. Turntablists often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their skills in front of judges and audiences. Producer DJs Producer DJs create their own music using digital audio workstations DAWs and other software tools. They often incorporate their own productions into their live DJ sets, and may perform using a combination of live instruments and pre-recorded tracks. Scratch DJs Scratch DJs specialize in using turntables and vinyl records to create rhythmic scratching sounds and other sound effects. They often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their scratching skills in front of judges and audiences. Are you suited to be a DJ? DJs have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if DJ is one of your top career matches. Take the free test now Learn more about the career test What is the workplace of a DJ like? The workplace of a DJ can vary greatly depending on their specific job and style of music. Some DJs work in nightclubs, bars, and music festivals where they perform for large crowds. In these settings, the DJ is typically situated on a stage or in a DJ booth, which is often equipped with high-end sound and lighting systems. The atmosphere is often energetic and intense, with loud music and flashing lights, and the DJ is expected to create an engaging and exciting experience for the audience. Other DJs may work in more low-key settings, such as lounges or private events, where they provide background music for guests. In these settings, the DJ's role is typically to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere rather than to pump up a crowd. They may be situated in a corner or out of the way location with a smaller, more basic sound system. Regardless of the setting, the job of a DJ requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail. DJs must spend time selecting and organizing their music library, planning their setlists, and practicing their transitions and mixing techniques. They may also need to coordinate with event organizers or other performers to ensure everything runs smoothly. While the job of a DJ can be exciting and glamorous, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. DJs may work long hours, especially on weekends and holidays, and they must be able to stay alert and focused throughout their set. They also need to be skilled in reading the crowd and adjusting their music selection and style to keep the audience engaged. Frequently Asked Questions Pros and Cons of Being a DJ As a DJ, you have the power to control the energy and mood of a room full of people through music. It can be a thrilling experience to see a crowd dancing and enjoying the music you are playing. However, like any profession, there are pros and cons to consider Pros Creativity As a DJ, you have the ability to create unique mixes and blends that showcase your creative talents. This can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you see people enjoying your creations. Flexibility DJing is a highly flexible career, allowing you to set your own hours and schedule. You can choose to work at nightclubs, weddings, parties, or other events, and can often make a good living doing so. Social connections DJing allows you to meet and network with other professionals in the industry, such as event planners, promoters, and other DJs. This can open up new opportunities for gigs and collaborations. Cons Long hours DJing often involves working late into the night or early morning hours, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. This can also impact your personal life and relationships. Competition The DJ industry can be highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for the same gigs and opportunities. This can make it challenging to break into the industry and establish a successful career. Equipment costs DJing requires specialized equipment, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This can be a significant financial investment, especially when you are just starting out. DJs are also known as Disc Jockey Doyou notice how DJs hold one side of the headphones to their ear with their shoulders with the other half hanging by their neck? While they look cool doing that, they actually do so because they listen as they mix the sound. While the audience hears the tracks play, DJs can hear what is coming up so that they can tie the music correctly while the current track plays for a "proper mashup" and transition. Cases and Mounts. Professional DJ equipment tends to be pricey especially, so I do
Home Features Audio Visual Image credit Future The Spotify AI DJ is the latest bit of artificial intelligence to be pushed into the music streaming service we've had algorithms choosing recommendations and playlists for us for years now, but this AI DJ takes it another step DJ itself has a name, DJ X, after Spotify's head of cultural partnerships Xavier Jernigan. It's his voice you'll hear while the music is playing, and the little snippets of commentary that you get between songs are AI-generated from Jernigan's well worth giving the Spotify AI DJ a try at least, even if it doesn't become a regular part of your listening habits – and we've got everything you need to know about is Spotify AI DJ?Your own personalized DJ, on your phone Image credit SpotifySpotify describes its AI DJ as "a brand-new way to listen on Spotify and connect even more deeply with the artists you love", as well as a "personalized AI guide that knows you and your music taste so well that it can choose what to play for you".You can think of it as a more personal version of a recommended playlist, almost as if you've got your own private DJ picking tunes for you – though of course it's a software-generated voice doing all the talking. The music you hear is picked through a combination of algorithms and hundreds of music experts that Spotify has than just hearing one song after another, you'll get occasional DJ-style voice breaks, where you'll get context about why you're hearing a particular group of tracks, or some background information about an artist that's new to you. Spotify is clearly trying to mimic the style of real radio, but focused specifically on more about Spotify AI DJ, check out the behind-the-scenes video that Spotify has put together, which we've embedded belowNote that as we're writing this guide, the Spotify AI DJ is still labeled as a beta product. That means you can expect a few bugs and some inconsistency as Spotify works on polishing it to be the very best it can be, but it's already very AI DJ where is it available and why isn't it showing up?Find the DJ in the Music section of the mobile app Image credit FutureSpotify AI DJ is out and available now to users in the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland. Note that to be able to use the feature, you need to have signed up for a Spotify Premium account – at the moment, the DJ isn't available to those who are on a free not available in the desktop or web apps either, so you're going to need to load up Spotify for Android or iOS to get to it. From the Home tab, tap on Music at the top, and you should see the DJ interface appear if you scroll down – it shows a pulsing green circle against a blue the AI DJ isn't in the Music section, then make sure that you're signed in with a Spotify Premium account, and that you're running the latest version of the Spotify app. On Android, open the Play Store, tap your profile picture top right, and then choose Manage apps and device to look for updates. On iOS, open the App Store, tap your profile picture top right, and pick Update next to any pending updates or just Update All.If you still don't see the AI DJ, then either the feature hasn't arrived in your country yet, or Spotify hasn't rolled it out to your specific user account. In either case, you're just going to have to be do you use Spotify AI DJ?Spotify AI DJ in use on Android Image credit FutureIn the Spotify app, open the Home tab, then tap Music. Scroll down to find the AI DJ, which will be greeting you with a "good evening" message or some variation thereof, depending on the time of day. Tap on the + plus button to add the DJ to your Spotify library to make it easier to find the play button in the lower right corner of the AI DJ tile, and it'll get started with a spoken introduction. You'll then get a few tracks picked from your recent listening history, followed by some new picks – as usual, you get controls for pausing and restarting playback, and skipping forwards and backwards between also a heart button so you can like a track, making it easier to find that song again in your Spotify library. Every few songs, the DJ voice returns to segue into a different mix of music, typically giving you a bit of background information about what's coming up just like a real DJ would do. To skip between sections, tap the blue and green AI DJ button in the lower right Spotify AI DJ can dive into the distant past to bring back tunes you'd forgotten all about, and introduce you to songs you would otherwise never have discovered, and help you explore your favorite genres more deeply. Once you've added it to your Spotify library, you can find it again by heading to the Your Library tab in the mobile we mentioned, the AI DJ doesn't show up in the web and desktop apps. However, if you've got it playing on your phone, and Spotify is open on a computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network and linked to the same Spotify account, you can use the magic of Spotify Connect to transfer playback to the web or desktop fact, as long as you start off the Spotify AI DJ on your phone, you can beam the audio across to other devices – from wireless speakers to car stereos – just as you normally would when listening to a playlist, by tapping on the devices button lower left. Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech. Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook. Most Popular