Live Voting for Song Requests: When It Helps DJs (and When It Doesn't)
Should you let guests vote on song requests? Here's when voting boosts the dance floor—and when you should keep full control.
"Let the crowd vote" sounds like a great idea… until it isn't.
Voting can make the dance floor explode—or it can derail your set if you use it at the wrong time.
Here's how to decide.
Voting helps when…
1) The crowd is large and diverse Voting surfaces the "common denominator" songs that many people want.
2) You're doing open-format / high-energy sets The room often *wants* big recognizable moments. Voting helps find them quickly.
3) You want fewer duplicate requests Instead of 15 people requesting the same track, they vote it up.
4) It's a casual party vibe Bars, college events, and some weddings love the "participation" aspect.
Voting hurts when…
1) You're doing a tightly curated set If you're performing a specific vibe (deep house, techno journey, etc.), voting can push mainstream picks that clash.
2) The event has strict constraints Corporate events or cultural events may require more control.
3) You're early in the night Voting tends to push "big songs" too soon. Early hours are for ramp-up.
The best compromise: Optional voting + DJ control
The ideal setup is:
- voting shows you what's popular
- you still choose when (or if) it plays
Think of votes as a "heat map," not a mandate.
Pro tip: Use voting during peak only
Many DJs enable voting during peak hours and disable it during transitions or vibe-building moments.
That gives guests a fun feature *and* keeps your set professional.
Final takeaway
Voting is a tool. Use it when it supports your goals:
- packed dance floor
- faster crowd feedback
- cleaner request list
PlayThatNext supports voting as an option—so you can choose the right mode per event.
Ready to try it? Set up your first event with QR code requests and enable voting when you need it.
Written by
PlayThatNext Team