Beatport Next 2026: Applications Open Until November 7, 2025

Beatport Next is Beatport's accelerator program for rising artists. Each year, 12 acts are selected for a full year of platform-wide support, mentorship, networking, and offline opportunities.

Past participants include artists like TSHA, Nia Archives, and Azzecca, names that now appear regularly on festival lineups, store charts, and editorial features. Their growth and success show how much can be gained from getting selected for the program, which is why we encourage aspiring artists who match the eligibility requirements to give it a try.

Emerging musicians who plan to release music and build live momentum in 2026 can apply for the Beatport artist program until Friday, November 7, 2025. Selected individuals will receive coordinated visibility throughout the year in the places DJs actually pay attention.

Members of the Beatport Next class of 2026 get a full year of support across Beatport's music ecosystem:

• Editorial and social features (such as curated stories and exclusive content on Beatportal);

• In-store promotion on Beatport.com (including banners, featured releases, homepage takeovers, playlists, and integration with DJ charts);

• Offline opportunities (such as festival performances, livestream performances, panel appearances, and potential partnerships with brands);

• Networking opportunities and artist development sessions;

• Free access to tools & services from Beatport’s partners (including Plugin Boutique, LabelRadar, Loopcloud, etc.).

Beatport is looking for artists across all genres and regions, aiming to "showcase a broad spectrum of voices that reflect the global electronic music scene."

Those applying for the Beartport artist program should have music available on the platform and be able to present a busy release schedule for 2026. They should also have signed releases on established labels or run their own imprint.

Beyond releases, Beatport looks for artists with a strong track record as both DJs and producers—people who already have momentum that the program can amplify rather than build from the ground up.

Not on Beatport yet? Learn how to upload music to Beatport with iMusician!

Applications for Beatport Next opened the week of October 7, 2025, and will close on November 7, 2025. You can apply through the “Apply Here" link in the Beatportal announcement, which takes you directly to the application form.

Before you get started, confirm that your Beatport artist page and label links are up-to-date, and that your socials and press kit present a clear picture of who you are as an artist. Double-check if your releases are tagged accurately and placed in the right Beatport genres to ensure discoverability and chart eligibility. If part of your plan involves targeting specific sub-genre charts or building DJ support around a release window, mention it in your application.

A practical way to prepare your application is to read articles about previous classes to better understand what kind of artists the team sees potential in. Use them as inspiration, but stay honest and don't over-promise things you know you won't be able to deliver.

Then, write a convincing 150–250-word statement in which you outline your goals, sound, previous milestones, and community footprint. If this year has been quiet, focus your application on the next 6–12 months and outline the concrete steps you're intending to take to build your career.

Next, explain why 2026 is an important year for your career. Lay out your release schedule in a way that shows you're intentional about your career. If you work under multiple aliases or collaborate frequently, be specific about what you're releasing in 2026 and where.

Finally, give the Beatport team something substantial to work with, such as an album campaign, a label launch, a touring project, or another initiative that will unfold throughout the year and create multiple opportunities for support. In other words, give the team clear reasons to choose you.

• Program: Beatport Next (artist development/accelerator program)

• Cohort size: 12 artists annually

• Application deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025

• What's included: In-store promotion on Beatport.com, Beatportal editorial features, Beatport social media coverage, live events and activations, networking opportunities, partner tool access

• Link to apply: Here.

Beatport Next is a unique opportunity for emerging electronic music artists who intend to take their careers to the next level.

If you believe you have what it takes to get selected, craft your Beatport Next application and submit it on time. Take the time to present your story clearly. Make sure your release schedule is solid, your materials are polished, and your goals for 2026 are specific.

We wish you the best of luck with your application!