All you need to know about the public Beta for Serato DJ 5.0

Serato has launched the public Beta for Serato DJ 5.0, bringing major updates to the software across BPM analysis and streaming service access.

Developed with Serato’s users in mind, this Beta introduces highly requested features that refine the user experience and live performance capabilities. Leading the update is Lucid Beatgrids, described as Serato’s most accurate and intuitive beatgrid technology to date.

Lucid Beatgrids is a “rebuilt analysis engine” that delivers “greater precision and reliability across a wider range of music” by automatically detecting fluctuating BPMs during track analysis.  To use it, simply re-analyse a track with a right-click, then select ‘Analyse’ from the menu.

Users can also customise Beatgrids with a new ‘Flexible’ analysis mode, an improved ‘Fixed’ analysis mode and enhanced beatgrid editing controls. Waveform BPM labels also provide greater visibility and aid control when preparing tracks.

DJ 5.0 also introduces Open Streaming, allowing you to log into multiple streaming services simultaneously to mix tracks across different providers. Streaming providers now also appear as individual crates, with a new provider search dropdown tool also on-hand.

BPM and key data are now displayed for streaming tracks before analysis to make selection and preparation faster. This feature is currently supported in Beatport, SoundCloud, Tidal, and Spotify, but is not yet available on Apple Music.

And, for DJ Pro only, you can now transform any Loop into a Cue Loop – save a loop directly to a Hot Cue, allowing the playhead to jump to the cue point and activate the loop instantly with a single button press.

Serato says that these new features represent a major step toward bridging the gap between legacy and modern DJ performance.

Find out more by visiting Serato’s The Drop, or join the Public Beta now.

Rachel is a DIY musician who began learning guitar and keyboard from her bedroom at 14. She has written news and features for MusicTech since 2022, and also has bylines across Kerrang!, Guitar.com, and The Forty-Five. Though a lover of heavy music, her guilty pleasure is 2000s pop.