This year, Apple teamed up with djay to officially integrate Apple Music, offering a free trial for users to try it out. It seemed like a big step forward! But wait — I wasn't actually using djay. I was using DJUCED.
For DJs, having access to a huge music library is important. Apple Music could really make a difference here, but only if it worked well with the DJ tools we already use. Even though Apple Music has over 90 million songs, the lack of integration with popular DJ apps has been a big issue.
While Apple has been slow to catch up, other services like Spotify have already worked their way into DJ software. In the past few years, streaming platforms have become essential for DJs, but Apple Music's lack of support has left DJs looking for other options. However, there are ways to get around these problems. In this article, we'll look at how to DJ with Apple Music, explore DJ apps that work with it, and find ways to make the most of Apple Music in your DJ setup.
Part 1. Can You DJ with Apple Music?
In March, Apple Music introduced a new feature called DJ With Apple Music, giving DJs direct access to its full streaming catalog of over 100 million songs within supported DJ apps and hardware.
Build the Beat in Real Time
The update makes it easier for DJs to build and mix sets live, using leading software like Serato, AlphaTheta, and Algoriddim's djay Pro, along with gear from Denon DJ, Numark, and RANE powered by Engine DJ. It marks Apple's biggest leap yet toward integrating streaming into the DJ workflow.
Stream It. Spin It. Anywhere.
"Apple Music is committed to supporting DJs," said Stephen Campbell, Apple Music's global head of dance, electronic, and DJ mixes. The new integration builds on Apple's earlier work with djay Pro and now works across mobile, desktop, and even spatial devices—letting DJs stream and mix on the go, at home, or in live settings, without needing to pre-download tracks.
Let the Mixes Flow Freely
Algoriddim CEO Karim Morsy called it a "major milestone," noting that DJs can now mix hands-free with Automix or build fully custom sets using djay's full toolset. "It transforms how DJs discover and play their favorite music," he said.
Playlists with Purpose
The launch also introduced a DJ With Apple Music section in the app, featuring DJ-ready playlists, sample sets, and curated pages for each supported software and hardware platform. Honestly, I was impressed—Apple Music now allows subscribers to build and perform DJ sets directly from its catalog, something that felt long overdue.
Catch the Vibe, Set the Trend
Apple now joins other streaming services like Tidal, Beatport, and SoundCloud, which already offer integration with DJ software. But this move also signals a deeper investment in DJ culture. Last year, Apple launched Apple Music Club, a 24/7 global radio station dedicated to exclusive DJ sets and curated mixes.
Still Spinning with Some Limits
Until recently, Apple Music's licensing and DRM restrictions meant most streaming songs couldn't be used in DJ setups. This new feature loosens that barrier—though not without some limitations. In my testing, several DJ apps that claimed support still couldn't fully recognize Apple Music tracks—rekordbox, for example. That said, it's a promising start and a major step toward merging streaming flexibility with professional-level DJ tools.
Support across DJ software remains limited. Some platforms, like DJUCED, haven't yet made the list—and it's unclear when (or if) they will. If you're looking for a more flexible, all-access solution, there's a solid alternative that works right now: using ViWizard Apple Music for DJs Converter to download your Apple Music tracks for offline DJing, without restrictions.
Here's why it matters:
Apple Music songs are locked with DRM protection, which means you can't load them directly into most DJ apps. Even if iTunes appears in your software, the tracks are often blocked. ViWizard removes that limitation by converting your Apple Music tracks into standard formats like MP3, WAV, FLAC, and more—fully compatible with all DJ software. You can try it for free!
A full-featured Apple Music converter that easily converts Apple Music songs, albums, playlists—including iCloud Music Library content, personalized recommendations, and curated playlists—into MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, AIFF, and FLAC so you can keep your Apple Music forever or transfer it to any device without restrictions.
Part 2. Best DJ Apps & Sets Compatible with Apple Music
Apple Music has partnered with several DJ software and hardware platforms to provide seamless streaming access to its vast catalog of over 100 million tracks. Whether you're mixing on the go or performing live, here are the best DJ apps and hardware that work with Apple Music.
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1. Algoriddim djay Pro
For DJs seeking full Apple Music integration, Algoriddim djay Pro is one of the top choices. This app grants access to Apple Music's entire catalog, including your personal library, across multiple platforms—iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Apple Vision Pro. djay Pro also supports advanced features like Neural Mix, which lets you isolate vocals or instruments in real-time, and real-time track analysis for precise mixing. It's perfect for DJs who want to mix directly from Apple Music without relying on pre-downloaded tracks.
Read More: How to Add Apple Music to djay Pro [Apple Music Integration]
djay Pro offers a free version, but for full access to Apple Music integration, you'll need the Pro version at $6.99/month or $49.99/year. The free version is great for beginners, while professionals may prefer the Pro version.
2. Serato DJ Pro & Lite (v3.3.0 and later)
Serato, a long-time favorite among DJs, now offers direct streaming support for Apple Music in both Serato DJ Pro & Lite. If you're already using Serato, this update lets you stream Apple Music tracks directly into your sets, provided you have an active Apple Music subscription. With access to over 100 million songs and curated playlists, it's easy to discover new music. However, some advanced features, like stem separation, are not supported, making it better for DJs who don't require those features.
Read More: How to Import Apple Music to Serato DJ Programs
Serato DJ Pro costs $129 for a one-time purchase. Serato DJ Lite is free but lacks the advanced features of the Pro version.
3. rekordbox (iOS)
For iOS-based DJs, rekordbox offers direct streaming of Apple Music tracks, allowing you to play tracks from Apple Music's charts and playlists on your iPhone or iPad. It's a great mobile solution for DJs who want to integrate Apple Music into their live sets. However, rekordbox requires an internet connection and does not support offline playback of Apple Music tracks. If you're performing in an area with unreliable internet, this might not be the best option.
Read More: Step-by-Step Guide to Add Apple Music to rekordbox
rekordbox is free for basic features, but the rekordbox DJ plan, which includes full streaming support, costs $129/year.
4. Engine DJ (Denon DJ, Numark, RANE)
Engine DJ offers direct streaming support for Apple Music when used with compatible hardware like Denon DJ, Numark, or RANE devices. This integration allows you to access Apple Music's catalog and playlists directly from your hardware, eliminating the need for pre-loaded tracks. Recent firmware updates have made it easier to stream from Apple Music during performances, providing a seamless setup for DJs.
Engine DJ is free with supported hardware, but some premium features come with specific device bundles, which range from $500 to $2,000 for professional-grade DJ controllers.
5. MegaSeg
MegaSeg is ideal for DJs who work mainly with local files and don't need streaming. It integrates with your Music app or iTunes library to access local files for your sets. However, it does not support Apple Music streaming. While it's a great tool for DJs focused on local music libraries, it's not suitable for those seeking streaming support from Apple Music.
MegaSeg costs $199 for the full version, with a free trial available.
Supported Hardware
Apple's "DJ with Apple Music" initiative includes several popular hardware brands, enabling DJs to stream directly from Apple Music during performances. Supported devices include:
- Denon DJ
- Numark
- RANE DJ
- AlphaTheta Devices (formerly Pioneer DJ): Devices like the OMNIS-DU
Part 3. How to DJ with Apple Music: DRM Workarounds
ViWizard Apple Music for DJ Converter gives you a one-time way to unlock Apple Music's full catalog for use in any DJ software—even those not yet supported by Apple's DJ feature. You'll have access to every song you've saved, permanently and offline.
The Best DJing Experience with ViWizard Apple Music Converter:
The best part? You don't have to stay subscribed to Apple Music forever. Once you convert and download your tracks, they're yours to keep. Any audio details preserved will depend on your account settings and supported options, like spatial audio. It also retains key track info—such as song title, artist, and album art—so your library stays clean and organized. You can even choose to sort your files by artist or album for easier set management.
So, if you're serious about DJing with Apple Music and want to give ViWizard Apple Music Converter a try, you can get started for free. ViWizard is available for both Windows and Mac, so just pick your preferred version.
Key Features of ViWizard Audio Converter
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- Convert Apple Music songs, albums, playlists, and artists into MP3 for easy access
- Preserve lossless audio, high-resolution lossless, and Dolby Atmos quality
- Strip DRM from Apple Music for unrestricted offline listening
- Save converted audio files while retaining full ID3 tag details
Step 1Install ViWizard Apple Music Converter
Go to the ViWizard website and download the converter for Windows or Mac. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Apple ID to access your full Apple Music library, including playlists and albums.
Step 2Set MP3 as the Output Format
Click the settings icon in the top-right corner. Choose MP3 as your output format—it's compatible with most DJ apps. You can also tweak quality settings like bit rate or sample rate if you want higher-quality files.
Step 3Add Tracks for Conversion
Click the "+" button to load songs from your Apple Music library. Pick the tracks or playlists you want to use in your DJ software. When ready, hit "Convert" and ViWizard will turn them into MP3 files.
Step 4Use Your MP3s in DJ Software
Once conversion is done, click the folder icon to find your MP3 files. You can now import them into DJ software like Serato, Traktor, rekordbox, or VirtualDJ and start mixing without restrictions.
Part 4. Tips for DJing with Apple Music
Turn On XML Library Sharing in iTunes: Some DJ apps need access to your iTunes library file. To enable this, open iTunes, go to Preferences > Advanced, and check "Share iTunes Library XML with other applications." This helps your DJ software see your playlists.
Manually Export Library from Music App on Mac: If you're using macOS Catalina or newer, you need to export the library yourself. Open the Music app, go to File > Library > Export Library, and save it as iTunes Music Library.xml. Put it in your Music folder so your DJ app can find it.
Update Your Library After Making Changes: If you add new songs or edit playlists, refresh the XML file in your DJ software. In apps like Engine DJ, go to settings, make sure Apple Music Library is on, and click "Update" to sync everything.
Know the Limits of Apple Music Downloads: Songs from Apple Music are protected with DRM, so you can't play them offline in most DJ apps. You can still stream them in supported apps like djay Pro, but downloaded tracks won't work unless they're bought from iTunes or converted using ViWizard Apple Music Converter.
Part 5. FAQs for DJing with Apple Music
Can You DJ with Songs Downloaded from Apple Music?
Not in most cases. Songs downloaded from Apple Music come with DRM protection, which means they can't be used in popular DJ software like Serato, Traktor, or rekordbox. Even if they're saved for offline use, they still won't work for DJing.
What DJ App Works with Apple Music?
djay Pro by Algoriddim is currently the only DJ app that streams directly from Apple Music. But keep in mind: it streams only—it doesn't let you play tracks offline or import downloaded files from Apple Music.
Why Won't Some Apple Music Tracks Load in djay Pro?
Some tracks might show errors like "429" or "504" and fail to load or analyze. This can happen because of Apple's DRM restrictions or temporary connection issues with Apple Music's servers.
Can You Use Apple Music Offline in djay Pro?
No. You need an active internet connection to use Apple Music in djay Pro. Even if you've downloaded a track in the Apple Music app, it won't work offline in djay Pro.
Can You Sync Apple Music Playlists with djay Pro Automatically?
Not yet. You'll have to manually update your playlists inside djay Pro. There's no auto-sync feature for Apple Music playlists at this time.
What Are the Limitations of Using Apple Music for DJing?
- You need Wi-Fi or data to stream—offline DJing doesn't work.
- Some tracks might not load due to DRM.
- Playlist syncing isn't automatic—you'll need to refresh manually.
- Errors like "429" or "504" may happen when loading certain songs.
Conclusion
In this article, we've introduced some DJ apps to you. To conclude, you cannot DJ with Apple Music directly, since Apple Music songs are protected by Digital Rights Management. But if you convert Apple Music songs to MP3 or other common audios with ViWizard Audio Converter, you are able to use Apple Music for DJ without any limit. Why not click the Download button below to start a free trial of ViWizard software now? You will be surprised.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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