It doesn’t take an expert to know that DJing is growing in popularity, for performers and fans alike. These days, it seems like everyone knows someone who has recently taken up DJing as a side hobby and bars marketed as listening lounges are popping up all across Boston. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have increased its popularity, with “over 1.2 million short-form videos tagged under DJ-related hashtags uploaded monthly,” according to Market Growth Reports. 

There is a growing base of amateur DJs globally, bringing fresh approaches and more diversity to the industry. Market Growth Reports found that more than more than 45% of consumers purchasing DJ gear are under 30 years old, “highlighting the equipment’s appeal to younger demographics.” So, what kind of world are these new amateur DJs entering?

The DJing industry has been historically dominated by men. Of the top 10 DJs listed on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs of 2025, only one is a woman: Charlotte de Witte. However, having even one female DJ in the top 10 list is notable, though we are still far from gender equity. More women are stepping into the DJ booth thanks to trailblazers like Charlotte de Witte and other globally recognized female DJs, including Peggy Gou, Honey Dijon, and Nina Kraviz.

The DJing scene has also historically lacked racial and ethnic diversity, with white men being overly represented. Research published by Beatportal in 2020 on the racial makeup of DJs at dance music festivals found that over three-quarters of the artists were white. While racial and gender representation in the industry is improving, there is still a far way to go in terms of increasing visibility for female DJs and DJs of color.

Beyond demographics, there are also key changes happening in how and where people listen to DJs. The popularity of electronic dance music (EDM) continues to grow, with over 4,000 EDM festivals taking place globally in 2023. However, a popular new form of listening that’s on the rise are vinyl lounges.

Vinyl listening lounges are a calmer and cozier experience than what you would find seeing DJs at a club or festival. Vinyl DJs spin sets live using analog records and turntables, showcasing their specialized skills while people relax and sip on wine or snack on light refreshments. Several vinyl listening lounges have popped up in Boston over the past few years.

The popularity of vinyl lounges reflects an overall shift in the vinyl record market. According to the 2025 year-end report from the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl records surpassed $1 billion in U.S. sales and made up nearly 50% of the format’s global total sales. While streaming still dominates globally, more people are returning to analog, physical formats for consuming music.

Amateur DJs in Boston have more opportunities to dabble in vinyl DJing thanks to the city’s several new listening lounges, offering an alternative path to those less interested in club and electronic dance music. While they’re entering a scene still dominated by white men, increased representation of women and performers of color reflects a positive shift toward a more diverse and inclusive DJing world in Boston and beyond.