Beatport
ActiveOverview
Beatport is an electronic music-oriented online store and streaming service primarily for DJs, offering full tracks, remix resources, sample packs, and integration with DJ software. It supports over 80,000 labels and 400,000 artists, with a catalog focused on genres like house, techno, drum & bass, and dubstep. The company operates additional platforms like Beatsource for open-format DJs and has expanded into music production tools via acquisitions such as Loopmasters.
History
Founded in 2004 as a download store for DJs with tracks from 79 electronic labels. Acquired in 2013 by SFX Entertainment (later rebranded LiveStyle) for over $50 million. Expanded in 2014 to include streaming, live events, and EDM content; formed Beatsource joint venture in 2019 with DJcity; acquired Loopmasters in 2020, LabelRadar in 2022, and a majority stake in International Music Summit in 2023.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Beatport Store (electronic music downloads) | Premium tracks for electronic DJs | $1.49 - $2.99 per track |
| Beatport LINK (streaming service) | DJ software integration for electronic music | $15 - $40/month |
| Beatsource (open-format downloads) | Music for non-electronic DJs | $1.49 - $2.99 per track |
| Beatsource LINK (open-format streaming) | Streaming for open-format DJs | $15 - $40/month |
| Loopcloud (sample subscription) | Sound packs for music producers | $7 - $20/month |
| Plugin Boutique (virtual instruments) | Plugins for electronic production | $20 - $200 |
Manufacturing
Beatport does not manufacture physical products; it digitally curates, licenses, and distributes music content from global labels and artists. Sample packs and plugins are developed by acquired entities like Loopmasters in the UK and integrated into its platform. Operations are managed from offices in Denver, Los Angeles, Berlin, and Brighton.
Notable Products
- Beatport LINK - Streaming service integrated with DJ hardware and software for seamless track access.
- Beatport Store - Weekly curated downloads of exclusive electronic tracks in premium formats.
- Loopcloud - Subscription platform providing royalty-free samples and sound packs.
- Plugin Boutique - Online retailer of virtual instruments and effects plugins for producers.
- Beatsource - Digital music pool for open-format DJs including mainstream genres.
Reputation
Beatport is regarded by DJs and producers as the primary source for electronic music discovery and high-quality downloads, with strong curation defining weekly trends. Professionals value its DJ-focused tools like LINK for reliability in live sets. Some criticize high pricing and past catalog glitches, though recent expansions into production tools have broadened its appeal.