How to take song requests as a DJ
The Special Request team4 min read
You know the moment: the dance floor is packed, you're halfway through a transition, and someone taps your shoulder to ask for “that one song”. Requests come with the job. Handled well, they're one of its best parts: guests feel heard, the floor stays full, and you learn exactly what the room wants.
This guide walks you through a whole night, from the booking to the last song, with simple habits that keep you in control. At each step, we show you how Special Request takes care of the heavy lifting, so you can try it at your next gig.
Before the gig: set the rules
Decide what you accept before anyone asks. With your client, go over the must-plays, the songs to avoid and the style of the night. Then set a few rules of your own: requests only in the styles you're playing, nothing explicit at a family event, and no requests during key moments like the first dance.
For weddings and private parties, open requests early. Guests love suggesting songs weeks ahead, and you show up with a list that already reflects the crowd.
In Special Request
Create your event in a few minutes from the app or the web, and choose when requests open, even weeks before the party. Share the link with the invitation, and add an access code if the party is private. How to create an eventDuring the gig: keep requests away from the booth
Every guest who walks up to the booth is a transition you might miss. Give them an easier way to reach you, from their phone:
- A QR code on a poster, on the tables or on a screen.
- A link in the invitation, on the venue's social media or in a text message.
- A word on the mic early in the night: “Scan the code to send your requests.” Once is usually enough.
- Votes, so guests can back the requests they want too.
In Special Request
Every event has its own QR code and link, and you can print a poster with the code. Guests request from their browser, with no app to install, and their requests and votes arrive live on your phone, tablet or computer.Sort requests without breaking your flow
Not every request belongs in your set, and that's fine. Check the list between tracks, never in the middle of a blend:
- Play what fits the moment, and keep the rest for later in the night.
- Follow the votes: a song many guests want is a safe bet.
- Say no kindly: a short reason helps the guest understand (here's how).
- Stay in your lane: if you only play certain songs, limit requests to them.
In Special Request
Add a request to your set with one tap, or decline it. Keep explicit songs out with one switch. With Premium, limit requests to your repertoire and show guests why a song was declined. Add a song to your setGet requests into your DJ software
Typing a request into your DJ software in the middle of a set is where mistakes happen. The easiest fix is a streaming playlist your software already knows how to read.
In Special Request
With Premium, the songs you add to your set go into a Tidal or Apple Music playlist that Serato DJ Pro, rekordbox and djay Pro can read, or VirtualDJ with Tidal: refresh it and the song is ready to load. Song recognition then marks requests as played on its own, and guests see that their song was played. Sync your DJ softwareTips: let guests thank you
Many guests are happy to tip for their song, especially at private parties. Keep it optional and simple, and make sure nobody pays for a song they didn't get.
In Special Request
With Premium, guests can add a tip to their request, with a minimum you set. The amount is only put on hold, and it's charged only when the song is played and detected live. Tipped requests stand out in your list. Receive moneyAfter the event: learn from the requests
Your requests are a snapshot of what the crowd wanted. Look at the songs that came up the most, the ones with the most votes and the ones you declined: it's the best way to prepare your next gig with a similar crowd.
In Special Request
Your past events keep their requests, so you can look back anytime. With Premium, you also see the ratings and comments guests leave after the night.Your first night with Special Request
Ready to try it? Here's the whole journey, step by step:
- 1Create your free account, in the app on iPhone, Android or Mac, or on the web.
- 2Create your event and share its link, with the invitation or on social media.
- 3On the night, show the QR code on a poster, on the tables or on a screen.
- 4Take requests as they come: add the good ones to your set, and let the votes guide you.
- 5Go Premium when you want tips, DJ software sync and song recognition.
The free plan covers unlimited private events, guests and requests, so your first night costs nothing. See pricing
Try Special Request for free
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