Spotify has introduced a new beta feature that uses AI to create playlists based on written prompts, expanding on the success of its AI DJ feature. This feature is initially available to users in the U.K. and Australia on Android and iOS devices, with further enhancements planned for the future.
Users can request a variety of custom playlists by providing prompts like “songs to serenade my cat” or “beats to battle a zombie apocalypse,” incorporating references to places, animals, activities, and more. Spotify notes that effective playlists combine genres, moods, artists, and decades.
After generating a playlist, users can refine it using commands such as “less upbeat” or “more pop.” They also have the option to remove songs by swiping left. Spotify utilizes large language models (LLMs) to understand user intent and personalization technology to tailor playlists based on individual preferences.
The company’s AI playlist feature, first hinted at in 2023, was confirmed in December of the same year after a user shared a TikTok video showcasing the functionality known as “Spotify’s ChatGPT.”
The AI playlist feature is accessible in the Spotify app’s “Your Library” tab, where users can create playlists by selecting the AI Playlist option. Prompt suggestions are also provided to help users get started, covering a range of thematic preferences.
Spotify ensures that the AI playlist feature maintains boundaries to prevent offensive or sensitive prompts. The company has been investing in AI technology to enhance its services, such as the AI DJ feature and ongoing research into AI and large language models.
CEO Daniel Ek has hinted at leveraging AI for various applications, including podcast summaries, AI-generated ads, and potentially cloning podcast hosts’ voices for advertisements.
Prior to AI playlists, Spotify introduced Niche Mixes, a similar feature that allowed personalized playlists creation through prompts but without AI integration, showcasing the company’s continuous innovation in enhancing user experience.
