Using VirtualDJ software on more than one computer? There’s a built-in feature worth knowing about. It’s called CloudDrive, it’s completely free, and it works with whatever cloud storage you’re already paying for.
What is CloudDrive?
CloudDrive lets you sync playlists and music from VirtualDJ directly to Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive. Once connected, those playlists are accessible from any other computer running VirtualDJ – so you can carry on working on a set at home that you started in the studio, access your music on a venue’s machine without bringing your laptop, or just keep everything backed up without thinking about it. It takes about two minutes to set up and runs in the background from there.
There are essentially three approaches depending on how you work, and it’s worth understanding all use cases before diving in:
- One-way sync – Sync an existing folder from your main computer to the cloud. The playlist stays live, so any changes you make on your main machine are reflected in the cloud version automatically
- Two-way sync – Both computers hold a local copy and changes on either feed back through. This is off by default, which is a sensible safeguard – if you accidentally delete something on a computer you’re less familiar with, you don’t want that affecting your main collection. You can turn it on from the sync options on the second computer once you’re comfortable with how it works
- Cloud-only – Create a folder that lives entirely in the cloud without being tied to any local machine. Handy if you want music accessible anywhere without it taking up space on a specific computer
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Our Thoughts
For most VirtualDJ users, this is worth setting up. As a backup solution alone it’s a no-brainer – it runs automatically using storage you’re likely already paying for, and covers you if your laptop ever goes down. One thing to note: it won’t back up software settings or smart playlists, and it won’t copy streaming tracks between machines – you’ll need to be logged into your streaming service separately on each computer.
OneDrive is reportedly the least reliable of the four supported services, especially if you’re running low on storage. Worth bearing in mind before you commit to it. Also worth knowing: CloudDrive isn’t designed for real-time sync with both computers open at once – if something isn’t showing up, close VirtualDJ on both machines and reopen.
Read this next: VirtualDJ Gets Fluid Beatgridding & AI Video Visuals
The video tutorial above walks you through the whole thing – including a peek inside the Dropbox folder itself, so you can see exactly what VirtualDJ is doing behind the scenes.
- Ready to take your DJing further? Our Complete DJ Course is where tens of thousands of DJs have started – and if you want the whole lot, grabbing an All-Access Pass gets you everything we’ve ever made, plus everything we’ll make in the future.
Already using CloudDrive, or is this the first you’ve heard of it? Thinking about giving it a go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Phil Morse
