If you've been following recent updates in DJ software, you probably noticed that "DJ with Apple Music" is having a huge moment. Platforms like AlphaTheta, Serato, InMusic's Engine DJ, Denon DJ, Algoriddim's Djay Pro, Numark, and Rane DJ now let you log right into your Apple Music account and start mixing millions of tracks on the fly. Naturally, if you rely on Traktor Pro for your sets, like me, your immediate question is: Can we finally stream Apple Music inside Traktor?
The quick answer? No, there is still no direct Traktor Apple Music integration. Native Instruments has sticked strictly to Beatport and Beatsource for cloud integration. However, if you have a massive Apple Music library that you're dying to drop into your mixes, you aren't completely out of luck. There is a reliable workaround to add those tracks to Traktor, provided you're willing to prep your files beforehand. Here is how it works, based on my hands-on testing with Traktor Pro 4.
How to Make Traktor Apple Music Integration
Like most DJ software, Traktor easily reads unprotected local files—whether they're MP3s, WAVs, AIFFs, or standard AACs. However, tracks you stream or save offline through a subscription are locked down with Apple's proprietary FairPlay DRM (M4P format).
During my testing, I tried dropping a freshly downloaded offline Apple Music file straight into Deck A, Traktor immediately flagged it as an unsupported format. Fortunately, a workaround exists through third-party conversion software. Many tools, like DRmare Apple Music Converter can convert Apple Music tracks into audio formats compatible with Traktor DJ. With them, you can simply drag and drop unprotected Apple Music files into your Traktor DJ 2, Traktor Pro 3/4, or other DJ applications for mixing.
Note: For iTunes Purchases
Unprotected songs purchased directly from the iTunes Store in AAC (M4A) format can be imported into Traktor DJ without the need for conversion. The DRM restrictions primarily apply to songs accessed through an Apple Music subscription.
How to Download Apple Music for Traktor
To bridge this gap, you need to convert encrypted tracks into clean, local files on your drive. I tested this workflow using DRmare Apple Music Converter, which strips the encryption layer so your decks can read them.
- Step 1Add Apple Music to DRmare program
Launch the program on your computer and authorize your Apple Account. From there, you can either select tracks directly from your synced library or paste track links into the queue.
- Step 2Set Apple Music output format for Traktor
Open the "menu" > "Preferences" > "Conversion" option, you can change the audio format and other parameters for Traktor.
Personal Tip from My Tests:
If you are playing on larger sound systems, I strongly recommend changing the output format to AIFF or 320kbps MP3, and keeping the sample rate at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. AIFF is especially great here because, unlike standard WAV, it preserves embedded metadata like album art and track titles when imported into Traktor.
- Step 3Convert Apple Music for Traktor Pro/DJ
Click the "Convert" button to start converting Apple Music to MP3 or other formats you set before. After that, the converted Apple Music songs will be stored on your computer, and you can find them by touching the "Converted" button.
How to Use Traktor DJ/Pro with Apple Music
Integrating converted Apple Music tracks into your Traktor library is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to get them onto your decks on all devices:
How to Import Apple Music to Traktor on Mac/PC
Step 1. Launch the Traktor DJ 2, Traktor Pro 4, or Traktor 3 software on your computer. Open "File" at the top left and then choose "Preferences".
Step 2. Click on the "File Management" option from the left menu. Remember to check the option of "Import Music Folders at the Startup". On the "Music Folders" tab, click on "Add" and choose the folder where the converted Apple Music songs are stored. Then click on the "OK" button.
Step 3. Close the pop-up window. Click on "Track Collection" on the left side and then select "Import Music Folders". After that, Apple Music songs will be uploaded to Traktor DJ, and you can use them without any limitation. (Or you can directly upload the converted Apple Music files to Traktor by dragging and dropping them to 'Track Collection'.)
How to Import Apple Music to Traktor DJ 2 on iPad
Directly adding converted Apple Music files to Traktor DJ on iPad isn't as straightforward as it might be on a desktop computer. You have to get help from the iPad's Music app (formerly iTunes). Let's see how to do it:
Step 1. Connect your iPad to a computer that has your converted Apple Music files and add them to the Music or iTunes app again.
Step 2. Use the iTunes (on older macOS versions or Windows) or Finder (on newer macOS versions) to sync these music files to your iPad's Music library.
Step 3. Once the converted files are in your iPad's Music library, they are accessible within Traktor DJ for iPad through the Music library browser within the app.
How to Use Apple Music with Traktor
Once your tracks are loaded into your Track Collection, they behave just like standard audio files:
- Previewing: Select a track in the browser and use the Preview Player at the bottom to jump through the waveform before loading.
- Loading Decks: Drag and drop onto Deck A, B, C, or D.
- Mixing Controls: Traktor will automatically analyze BPM and beatgrids. From there, you have full access to cue points, pitch/tempo adjustment, EQing, loops, and FX.
Video Tutorial: How to Use Apple Music with Traktor
Extra Tips: How to Import iTunes Music to Traktor
As mentioned above, if you purchased your songs from the iTunes Digital Store, they are in unprotected AAC format and are compatible with Traktor DJ. Therefore, you can use them on Traktor DJ.
Step 1. Launch iTunes and click on 'Menu' > 'Preferences'.
Step 2. Click on the 'Advanced' tab. Then check the option of 'Share iTunes Library XML with other applications' and uncheck the option of 'Keep iTunes Media folder organized'. Click on 'OK'.
Step 3. Open Traktor DJ and click on 'File' > 'Preferences' > 'File Management' to add your iTunes music library.
Step 4. If you want to keep Traktor up to date with all your new songs in your iTunes music library, turn on 'Import Music-Folders at Startup'.
FAQs about Adding Music to Traktor Pro/DJ
How to Add Music to Traktor Pro 3/4?
You can import your music files to Traktor DJ by dragging and dropping them in the Track Collection.
What Streaming Music Services Does Traktor DJ Support?
Traktor Pro 3, Pro 4, and Traktor DJ 2 natively support Beatport Streaming and Beatsource Streaming.
What Audio Format Does Traktor DJ Support?
Traktor DJ supports MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, and Audio CD.
What Is the Best Audio Format for Traktor?
AIFF is widely considered the best for Traktor because it supports high-quality metadata and album art better than standard WAV files, while remaining uncompressed.
Why Can't Traktor DJ Read My iTunes Library?
Please check that you have opened "iTunes Music Library.xml" to allow Traktor to access your music library. Also, you need to make sure you have the latest version of Traktor DJ installed on your computer.
Will I Lose My Apple Music Playlist organization in Traktor?
Conversion tools keep standard ID3 tags intact. Once imported into Traktor, you can quickly sort by Genre, Album, or Artist to rebuild your playlists inside Traktor's tree view.
Conclusion
While I'd love to see Native Instruments roll out native Apple Music streaming in a future Traktor update, using a local conversion tool like DRmare is currently the most practical path forward. It takes an extra minute of prep time before a gig, but having your entire streaming catalog available offline in your Track Collection is well worth the extra step.
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