Set Up Song Requests for Weddings, Events, and DJ Gigs

Introduction

Song Requests is a game-changing feature for DJs and event hosts. Instead of guests walking up to you mid-set or shouting requests over the music, they simply scan a QR code and submit requests from their phones.

What you'll achieve:

Guests request songs from their phones via QR code
Manage requests with approve, reject, and queue options
Auto-detect when requested songs are played
Collect contact info for future event marketing
Professional request management without interruptions

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later
Song Overlays Pro installed from the Mac App Store
Active Song Requests subscription ($5.99/month via Mac App Store)
A way to display the QR code (screen, projector, or printed)

Note: The core app ($9.99 one-time) handles song detection. Song Requests is an optional subscription add-on.

How Song Requests Works

Here's the flow from your guest's perspective:

Guest sees your QR code (on screen, table tent, or projector)
They scan it with their phone camera
A web page opens where they can search for songs
They submit their request (optionally with their name/contact)
You see the request instantly on your Mac
You approve, queue, or play the song
When you play it, the system auto-detects and marks it complete

No app download required for guests — it's all web-based.

Step 1: Enable Song Requests

First, activate the Song Requests feature in Song Overlays Pro.

Open Song Overlays Pro
Click Song Requests in the sidebar
Click Subscribe or Start Free Trial if you haven't already
Once subscribed, toggle Enable Song Requests to on
The server will start and generate your unique QR code

Step 2: Configure Your Request Settings

Customize how requests work for your event.

Basic Settings

Event Name — Displayed on the request page (e.g., "Sarah & Mike's Wedding")
Request Limit — Maximum requests per guest (prevents spam)
Allow Duplicates — Whether the same song can be requested twice
Require Contact Info — Collect guest emails/names (great for marketing)

Request Statuses

Song Overlays Pro uses 8 status options to manage requests:

Status	Description
New	Just received, awaiting review
Queued	Approved and in your queue
Playing	Currently being played
Played	Completed (auto-detected)
Rejected	Not appropriate for this event
Maybe Later	Good request, saving for later
Already Played	Song was already played earlier
Not Available	Don't have this track

Step 3: Generate and Display Your QR Code

Get your QR code ready for guests to scan.

In the Song Requests tab, find the QR code section
Click Copy QR Code to copy the image
Or click Download QR Code to save as PNG

Display Options

For Weddings:

Print QR codes on table tents (one per table)
Add to your welcome sign or seating chart
Display on a TV/monitor near the dance floor

For Club/Bar Gigs:

Project onto a screen between visuals
Print on coasters or table cards
Display on a dedicated tablet at the DJ booth

For Corporate Events:

Include in the event app or program
Display on lobby screens
Add to name badges or event materials

Pro Tip: Test your QR code before the event! Scan it yourself to ensure it works from various distances.

Step 4: Manage Incoming Requests

Once guests start scanning, you'll see requests flow in.

The Request Queue

Each request shows:

Song title and artist
Requester name (if provided)
Time submitted
Current status
Action buttons

Quick Actions

Play — Mark as playing (or it auto-detects when you play it)
Queue — Add to your approved queue
Reject — Decline with optional reason
More — Access additional status options

Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with shortcuts:

Q — Queue selected request
P — Mark as playing
R — Reject selected request
↑/↓ — Navigate requests

Step 5: Set Up Auto-Detection

Let Song Overlays Pro automatically detect when you play requested songs.

Ensure song detection is running (Server tab → Start)
In Song Requests settings, enable Auto-mark as played
When you play a requested song, it's automatically detected
The request status updates to "Played" without manual input

This is incredibly useful during busy sets — you don't need to manually track what's been played.

Step 6: Display Request Status (Optional)

Show guests their requests are being heard with an overlay.

Go to the Server tab
Copy the Song Requests Overlay URL
Add as a browser source in OBS or display software
The overlay shows recently played requests with requester attribution

Example display: "Now Playing: 'Don't Stop Believin' — requested by Mike"

Step 7: Export Guest Contacts

After your event, export contact info for follow-up marketing.

Go to Song Requests → Export
Choose format (CSV, JSON, or plain text)
Click Export Contacts
Use for thank-you emails, future event invites, or mailing lists

Privacy Note: Only collect contact info if you have a legitimate use for it. Be transparent with guests about how their info will be used.

Event-Specific Tips

Weddings

Pre-load must-play songs — Add the couple's special songs to a priority queue
Create a do-not-play list — Block songs the couple doesn't want
Set request windows — Only accept requests during cocktail hour and reception
Collect RSVPs via requests — Use the contact field for headcount tracking

Corporate Events

Brand the request page — Add company logo and event theme
Moderate strictly — Corporate events need appropriate music
Time-limit requests — Close requests during presentations

Club/Bar Gigs

Higher request limits — Regulars may want to request multiple songs
Faster processing — Use keyboard shortcuts for quick management
Display queue position — Show guests where they are in line

Troubleshooting

Guests Can't Scan the QR Code

Check lighting — QR codes need decent lighting to scan
Increase size — Make the QR code larger on screen
Test distance — Ensure it's scannable from typical viewing distance
Provide the URL — Offer the direct link as backup

Requests Not Appearing

Verify Song Requests is enabled and server is running
Check your internet connection (both Mac and guest phones)
Ensure the subscription is active in App Store settings
Restart Song Overlays Pro if needed

Auto-Detection Not Working

Confirm song detection is running (Server tab)
Verify the audio source is correctly configured
Check that the song is in Apple Music's database
Some live remixes or mashups may not match

Too Many Requests

Lower the per-guest limit to reduce volume
Enable duplicate blocking to prevent repeat requests
Use Maybe Later status to defer without rejecting
Communicate estimated wait times to guests

Advanced: Request Page Customization

Make the request page match your event.

Custom Welcome Message

Add a personal touch to the request page:

Welcome to Sarah & Mike's Wedding!
Request your favorite songs and we'll try to play them tonight.

Request Guidelines

Set expectations upfront:

- One request per guest
- Requests close at 11pm
- Family-friendly music only

Theming

The request page automatically matches your chosen overlay theme in Song Overlays Pro.

Next Steps

You're ready to accept song requests at your next event. Here are some related features to explore:

Display What's Playing

Show the currently playing song on screens throughout your venue.

Learn about OBS overlays

Send to Discord

Post song updates to a Discord channel for virtual attendees.

Set up Discord integration

Join the Community

Connect with other DJs using Song Overlays Pro for tips and inspiration.

Join Discord

You're all set! Song Requests transforms how you handle audience interaction. No more shouted requests, no more forgetting what guests asked for — just smooth, professional request management that makes every event better.