How to Use Apple Music on Serato DJ Pro/Serato DJ Lite

By James Blair Updated on 2023-12-28 / Update for Apple Music Tips

Q: "I get stuck in a problem for a few days. I found that the Apple Music library is not showing in Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite automatically. I have subscribed to Apple Music, however, only tracks that I purchased from iTunes can be added to Serato DJ. What happened and how to use Apple Music with Serato?"

Many people have encountered the same problem. But don't worry. Through constant study, I found a helpful workaround to add and get Apple Music on Serato DJ Pro and Lite without separately purchasing songs. Without further ado, let's explore it.

serato apple music

Part 1. Does Serato Work with Apple Music Directly?

For Own Songs on iTunes and Music Apps

Yes. Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite allow you to import your iTunes library (on Windows) and Apple Music application library (on macOS 10.15 Catalina or above) directly. And then you can easily access your own playlists and play them on Serato without a problem.

Notes: iTunes has been divided into parts on macOS 10.15 Catalina and above versions. It's now called the 'Music' application, in which you can still find your songs, manage Apple Music subscriptions, purchase music and albums, and more. But in Serato DJ software for Mac, it's still namely iTunes instead of Apple's Music app.

For Purchased Apple Music

Yes. Purchased Apple Music tracks are stored in unprotected AAC format, which is available on Serato DJ software. However, it is not a small expenditure for people who use Serato DJ to mix their favorite tracks, especially for those DJ users who regard Apple Music as the primary app for music streaming.

For Streaming Apple Music

No. Streaming music from Apple Music directly is not supported by Serato DJ on account of copyright protection. Apple Music uses a protected M4P format that is not compatible with Serato. Also, Apple only allows playing its streaming music on its platform and Apple-supported devices, which doesn't include Serato DJ.

Fortunately, to cater to users' demand, some Apple Music converters, like AudFree Apple Music Converter have been rolled out in the marketplace. You can use them to convert or download Apple Music songs to multiple commonly-used formats, recognized by Serato.

Audio Types Audio Formats
Local Files on iTunes/Music M4A, MP3, AAC, etc.
Purchased Apple Music Unprotected AAC
Streaming Apple Music Protected M4P
Audio Supported by Serato DJ MP3, OGG, WAV, WL.MP3, ALAC (Mac only), FLAC, AIF, M4A, and AAC
AudFree Apple Music Converter M4A, M4B, AAC, MP3, FLAC, and WAV

Part 2. How to Get Apple Music on Serato DJ Pro/Lite

As stated above, the Serato DJ app doesn't support streaming music from Apple Music. Thus, it is inevitable to use a third-party tool to download and convert tracks from Apple Music to the local music folder.

When it comes to this, AudFree Apple Music Converter should be given priority for its all-around features. As a sought-after gadget, it is designed to download and convert all content from Apple Music into a local music library without protection. It is capable of exporting Apple Music to multiple formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, and many other Serato-compatible formats.

Adopting the most powerful technology, this smart tool could actually keep the original quality and full ID3 tags from Apple Music after converting. Metadata like title, artist, album, etc. can be found in the converted files, which may save you time in managing the local digital music library on Serato DJ Lite and Serato DJ Pro. And with an inside ID3 tags editor, you are enabled to customize that metadata info to your needs.

AudFree Apple Music Converter

audfree apple music converter
  • Losslessly convert Apple songs to MP3, WAV, AAC etc.
  • Download Apple Music as local files for Serato DJ Lite and Pro
  • Support download audiobooks from Apple Music and Audible
  • Work at up to 30X faster speed, keeping complete ID3 tags

How to Convert Apple Music for Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite

Please install the reliable AudFree Apple Music Converter on your Mac or PC computer. It won't leak any of your private information. Also, as per Apple Music's Terms of Use, please download Apple Music songs that you want to use in Serato DJ Pro or Serato DJ Lite with your current Apple Music account. Now let's check the details of converting Apple Music to MP3 or other compatible files for Serato DJ as below.

Step 1Move Apple Music playlists to AudFree Auditior
load apple music to audfree auditior
There are two ways to add the downloaded Apple Music M4P or ALAC files to the AudFree Apple Music Converter. One is to click the first 'Load iTunes Library' button from the converter's lower-left corner. Then pick out what you wanna mix in Serato and add them to AudFree software. The other way is to drag and drop those songs directly from iTunes or Music to this tool. You can transfer the entire Apple library to AudFree at once. If you want to edit ID3 tags for exported Apple Music songs, please tap on the right 'Edit' tab on each item.
Step 2Customize output format and other parameters for Serato DJ
change output settings for serato dj
Proceed to change output settings before converting. On Mac, find and click the AudFree Apple Music Converter tab on the top system's menu bar. On PC, please hit the upper-right toolbar with three horizontal lines from the main window of AudFree. Next, tap on the 'Preferences' > 'Convert' section. Later, a new 'Format Setting' window will pop up to select a suitable output format. If you want to keep the best music quality of Apple tracks, you can personalize the codecs, bitrate, sample rate, channel, etc.
Step 3Convert Songs to Make Serato Apple Music Integration
convert apple music for serato dj
Now, simply hit the obvious 'Convert' button on the lower right corner of the main interface of the Apple Music downloader. The program will run at a 30X faster speed to export and download Apple Music songs as the output settings you selected before. Once done, a red spot with numbers will be shown on the 'Converted' icon. Click it to direct to the target folder where all local Apple Music conversions are saved.

Part 3. How to Use Apple Music with Serato DJ Lite/Pro

How to Add Apple Music to Serato DJ Lite/Pro

After getting Apple Music conversions, please look into the tutorial on how to transfer Apple Music to Serato DJ. The process is available on both Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite.

Step 1. From the lower section of Serato, tap on 'Files' from the bar. Then the left files panel will open.

Step 2. Find the target folder where converted Apple Music songs are stored from the files panel. Then drag the files or entire folder into or 'All...' icon on the left on Serato DJ.

import apple music to serato dj


🗒️ Note:

It is also feasible to drag converted Apple Music songs to Serato DJ's Deck Section on via Windows Media Player (for PC) or Finder (for Mac). Or move your folder to the 'Auto Import' directory on Serato's files panel.

Besides, if you have transferred your Apple Music converted songs to the iTunes Library or Music Library, you can add Apple Music to Serato DJ Pro and Lite from the built-in iTunes folder directly. Just enable the 'Show iTunes Library' feature in the streaming setting on Serato. Then tap 'Files' > 'Music' > 'iTunes'.

add apple music to serato via itunes

How to Use Apple Music on Serato DJ Pro/Lite

After connecting Apple Music to Serato DJ Lite and Pro, you get ready to mix those songs with this DJ software. Here are the recommended steps to use Serato DJ and Apple Music. Please connect your computer with your DJ controller or mixer in advance.

Step 1. Drag Apple Music tracks to both Decks Sections from the lower files panel. You can set cue points and hot cues from the decks.

Step 2. Use the waveform display to identify the beats and bars of each track.

Step 3. Use the sync function to match the BPM of the tracks. You can do this manually or use the software's automatic sync feature.

Step 4. Use the crossfader to transition between tracks. Move the crossfader to the left to hear the first track, and move it to the right to hear the second track.

Step 5. Use EQ controls to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble of each track. This can help you blend the tracks together seamlessly.

Step 6. Use effects such as reverb, echo, and filters to add interest and variation to your mix.

Step 7. Experiment with different mixing techniques. For instance, use cutting, scratching, and beat juggling, to create your own unique style.

Part 4. FAQs about Apple Music and Serato DJ Lite/Pro

Q1: Why can't I see Apple Music streaming songs in Serato DJ?

A: Apple Music tracks are encoded with special M4P and ALAC formats that Serato doesn't support. Even the downloaded songs from Apple Music are unplayable for Serato. To solve this problem, you can opt to purchase the selected Apple Music soundtracks from iTunes or convert them to compatible formats for Serato DJ Pro via AudFree Apple Music Converter.

Q2: How to fix Music or iTunes library not showing in Serato DJ?

A: Please make sure you have checked the mark before the 'Show iTunes Library'. Besides, please go to the 'Preferences' > 'Advanced' to check the 'Share iTunes Library XML with other applications' option.

fix itunes library not showing in serato dj

Q3: How to Keep Apple Music Original Files' Names in Serato DJ?

A: Navigate to iTunes's 'Preferences' > 'Advanced' on a Windows computer or Music's 'Preferences' > 'Files' on a Mac to uncheck 'Keep Music Media Folder Organised' and 'Copy files to Music Media Folder when adding to library' boxes.

keep apple music original files name in serato dj

Q4: Is there a DJ app that works with Apple Music?

A: In fact, Apple Music songs cannot be used in most DJ apps directly except for purchased songs. Because those DJ apps don't support M4P or ALAC files while Apple Music uses the two formats. Yet, MegaSeg DJ software, one of the top DJ apps for Apple Music, supports uploading M4P audio files. Thus, you can get Apple Music to work on MegaSeg directly.

Part 5. Conclusion

Serato Apple Music integration is not available yet. But with the help of AudFree Apple Music Converter, it is pretty simple to get and use Apple Music with Serato DJ, isn't it? Apart from Serato DJ, this powerful Apple Music converter also entitles you to mix Apple Music on DJUCED, Traktor DJ, and more DJ apps without restrictions. Just start your wonderful music trip by mixing Apple Music tracks on Serato DJ.

James Blair

James Blair

Staff Editor

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James Blair is an experienced writer and music lover. Reviews and tips on using popular music, like Apple Music, can be found in his articles.
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AudFree Auditior

30X convert Apple Music, iTunes podcasts, audiobooks and Audible books. to MP3, etc.