Get Paid for Song Requests: How DJs Turn Requests Into Tips (Without Killing the Vibe)

Song requests are a double-edged sword.

On one hand, they help you read the room and keep the dance floor packed. On the other, they can turn into chaos: people yelling over the booth, constant interruptions, and requests that don't fit your set at all.

Now add a third problem: you're doing extra work, but there's no direct upside—unless you charge by the hour.

The modern approach is simple: make requests valuable. If someone wants to influence the set, they can do it politely and digitally—and if they really want it, they can tip with the request.

Here's how DJs are doing it.

Why "paid requests" work (and why it's not cheesy)

People already spend money to influence music:

• They tip a DJ at a bar
• They pay for jukebox credits
• They buy bottle service and expect certain energy

A tipped request doesn't mean "I'm buying the next track." It means: "I appreciate the work you're doing—please consider this request."

When you frame it that way, the crowd loves it because it feels fair, fun, and optional.

The 3 rules to monetizing requests without losing control

1) You decide what plays. Always. Requests are input, not orders. You're still the DJ.

2) Keep it frictionless for guests. No app downloads. No account creation. A QR code should be enough.

3) Make it organized. A clean queue = better mixing decisions, fewer interruptions, and a smoother night.

The best setup: QR requests + tipping + a DJ queue

The highest-converting flow looks like this:

1. Guest scans a QR code 2. Guest searches a song 3. Guest requests it (optionally adds a tip) 4. You see it instantly in your live queue/dashboard 5. You play it when it fits

That's the core of PlayThatNext: song requests that can earn you tips, without the booth chaos.

What to say on the mic (so people actually use it)

You don't need a long pitch. Use one of these lines:

• "Want to request a song? Scan the QR on the screen—if I can fit it in, I'll try to get to it."
• "Requests are open tonight—scan the QR to drop yours in the queue."
• "If you're feeling generous, you can tip with your request—appreciate you!"

Short, clear, and it sets expectations.

"Won't this ruin the vibe?"

Not if you run it right.

The chaos comes from people *interrupting* you. A request platform actually reduces interruptions because requests go to your queue, not your face.

And because you control the queue, you can:

• Skip songs that don't match the moment
• Hold requests until the right energy
• Use voting (optional) so the crowd helps sort what matters most

The biggest benefits DJs notice

More money per gig Even a few small tips per hour adds up—especially at weddings and packed bars.

Better crowd intel Requests show what people actually want *tonight*.

More professional presence A QR request system looks modern and organized. People remember that.

Quick checklist to launch tonight

• Put the QR code somewhere visible (screen, sign, table tents)
• Mention it once early and once during peak
• Keep tipping optional and friendly
• Stay in control of what plays next

Want to try it?

PlayThatNext lets you create an event, share a QR code, and start collecting requests + tips instantly.

**Get Started Free →**