“Social Media Success More Important Than Talent As A DJ”

Most young DJs believe that success on social media channels is more important than talent. According to a survey conducted by the Pete Tong DJ Academy, 61 percent of emerging DJs believe that social media numbers are more important than actual musical skills when it comes to career success.

The data comes from a survey of 15,000 people around the world conducted by the Pete Tong DJ Academy. The researchers say the results show growing concerns among young DJs about making it in the music industry, where breakthrough often depends less on artistry and more on how well a DJ performs on various social media platforms.

62 percent of respondents also feel that the music industry is now like a closed club, leaving little room for those without established connections or opportunities for large-scale marketing.

Many DJs who participated in the study reported that they are increasingly dependent on their social media following and levels of engagement with followers in relation to access to playlists.

At the same time, 35% of respondents remain optimistic that perseverance pays off and that skill can also be used to succeed. However, the survey results paint a picture of an increasingly dominated ecosystem by numbers rather than DJ originality. This, in turn, leads many artists to believe that their long-term popularity depends more on algorithms than on their skills in the studio and on stage.

The most disturbing finding is that half of the young DJs surveyed reported experiencing burnout or anxiety. "Every song feels like an experiment on how to succeed," said one 24-year-old French DJ. "If the song doesn't take off, I feel like a failure."