It doesn’t take an expert to recognize 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. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have increased the craft’s 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 new 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. While having even one female DJ in the top 10 list is notable, 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 across the industry. 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 representation in the industry is improving, there is still a long way to go to increase opportunities and visibility for female DJs and DJs of color.

In addition to learning about the demographic makeup of the industry, new DJs should also be aware of 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. But a smaller, alternative form of listening is also on the rise: vinyl lounges.

Vinyl listening lounges are a calmer and cozier experience than what you would find 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 appetizers. Several vinyl listening lounges have popped up in Boston over the past few years.

The growing popularity of vinyl lounges reflects an overall trend 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 now have more opportunities to dabble in vinyl DJing thanks to several new listening lounges and vinyl-only events, offering an alternative path to those less interested in club and electronic dance music. While young DJs are entering a scene still overrepresented by white men, increased visibility of women and performers of color reflects a positive shift toward a more diverse and inclusive DJing world in Boston and beyond.