A new livestreaming platform exclusively for DJs called LFG.TV launched on 1 September, positioning itself as the “world’s first livestreaming platform featuring only DJs”.
The platform differentiates itself from Twitch and other streaming services used by DJs by completely excluding gamers, podcasters, talk shows and other content creators. LFG.TV features DJ performances only, organised into genre-specific channels to help viewers find their preferred music styles.
If this sounds familiar, that’s because we’ve been here before. Chew.tv tried the DJ-only streaming approach and shut down. Mixcloud Live has struggled to gain significant traction. Meanwhile, the majority of streaming DJs continue to use Twitch, where they can tap into its massive existing audience.
So what’s different this time?
This platform does offer some interesting features that could appeal to DJs and viewers. Content ID technology identifies every track played, allowing viewers to add songs directly to their Spotify, Apple Music, or other streaming service playlists. For DJs playing electronic music, there’s also integration with Beatport for direct track purchases.
LFG.TV claims to have secured partnerships with Technics, Algoriddim, Toolroom, Beatport, and Pioneer/AlphaTheta, with DJs including Todd Terry, Michael Gray, David Morales, and Kenny Dope reportedly onboard for the launch. The platform launched with iOS and Android apps and is available in over 190 countries.
The challenge ahead..
But building a successful streaming platform requires more than just good intentions and genre channels. It needs a critical mass of both streamers and viewers, plus a compelling reason for DJs to abandon platforms where they’ve already built followings.
The platform faces the same challenges that have sunk previous DJ-specific streaming services. Getting DJs to move from established platforms where their audiences already exist is a monumental task, particularly when Twitch offers access to a much larger potential viewer base. Also, policing the streams to make sure the quality doesn’t drop (boring 24/7 automated radio station streams, looped video parading as “live” and so on – the bane of livestreaming platforms) will presumably be important.
All that said, we spent some time checking it out before writing this piece. It’s clear a lot of effort has gone into it: the audio and picture quality on some of the streams was impressive, and some of the buffering issues we spotted in its first days seem to have been early doors glitches. It is also clear there is intention and money behind it.
Read this next: The Ultimate Guide To DJ Livestreaming
Ultimately, whether LFG.TV can succeed where others have failed will depend on execution, sustained investment, and whether they can convince enough DJs that splitting their audience across multiple platforms is worth the effort. We wish them luck!
DJs interested in exploring the platform can find more information on the LFG.TV website.
Phil Morse
