Spotify returns to Algoriddim’s djay app after a five-year break
It could give DJs fresh options as streaming platforms battle for relevance in the booth.
Spotify and Algoriddim are officially back together. Five years after abruptly cutting off support, Premium subscribers can once again log into djay, Algoriddim’s popular DJ app for Mac and Windows, to stream playlists directly in the software. For DJs, whether hobbyists mixing at home or pros working clubs, the return is a big deal.
Back in 2020, Spotify ended third-party DJ integrations, citing licensing issues, forcing users to migrate to alternatives like Tidal, SoundCloud, and later, Apple Music. Algoriddim kept djay alive with those partners, but losing Spotify, the world’s biggest streaming library, left a glaring gap. Its comeback signals a shift: either the licensing headaches have eased, or Spotify now sees renewed value in courting DJs.
That matters because DJ software has only gotten more competitive. Tidal and SoundCloud earned loyalty when Spotify stepped away, offering deeper integrations and even lossless audio for DJs chasing higher fidelity. Apple Music joined in 2023, adding its massive catalog to djay. Spotify’s re-entry resets the field, putting it back in the booth where cultural influence is won as much as streams.
Emmanuel Umahi
But this move isn’t just about DJs. There seems to be a bigger race among streaming platforms to expand their use cases. Apple leans on spatial audio and exclusives, Tidal pushes hi-fi and creator tools, while Spotify has stretched into podcasts, audiobooks, and AI-driven features. By stepping back into DJing, Spotify positions itself to stay culturally relevant with younger, nightlife-heavy audiences—where music discovery happens live, not just in playlists.
For now, the integration is limited to desktop, with no word yet on iOS or Android support, which is where many casual DJs live. Still, this first step is symbolic as it shows Spotify can revisit old decisions when it sees an opening to win back users.
And for DJs, it’s ultimately about choice. Tidal still leads on hi-fi, SoundCloud owns the underground, Apple Music brings mainstream heft. But Spotify’s return raises the stakes, and the competition could mean better tools for the people behind the turntables.
Emmanuel Umahi
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