Since Spotify’s AI DJ feature has been successful, the music streaming platform is now creating AI playlists. Recently introduced into beta, the feature allows users to create a playlist based on written prompts.
The new feature will allow users to go beyond the standard playlist creation requests, such as those based on genre or time frame, to those that are much more specific. For example, users could create playlists such as Spotify-suggested options like “songs to serenade my cat” or “beats to battle a zombie apocalypse”.
AI playlists were first reportedly in the works in October 2023, when reverse engineers Chris Messina and Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots of code from Spotify’s app that referred to AI playlists that were “based on your prompts.” Though Spotify declined to comment at the time, they confirmed in December 2023 that it was testing AI-generated playlists.
Playlist prompts could include a wide variety of topics such as activities, animals, places, movie characters, colors, and even emojis. The company recommends generating playlists using prompts that contain a combination of artists, moods, genres, and decades to get the best results.
In addition to the prompts themselves, Spotify also utilizes its knowledge of the specific user’s music taste to customize the AI-generated playlists. Once the playlist is created, users can also use the AI feature to refine the results by stating commands such as “more pop” or “less upbeat.” Songs can easily be removed from the playlist by simply swiping left.
The technology uses large language models (LLMS) to discern the user’s intent. Then it uses personalization technology, gained from the user’s history and preferences, to fulfill the prompt. Spotify also uses a range of third-party tools for its AI and machine learning experiences.
The AI feature will be found in the “Your Library” section of the app where users can then tap the (+) in the top right corner. The pop-up menu will display the feature “AI Playlist” alongside the existing options of “Playlist” and “Blend.”
Even if listeners can’t think of a prompt to try, Spotify will offer prompt suggestions to help kick off the creativity such as “get focused at work with instrumental electronica,” “fill in the silence with background café music,” “get pumped up with fun, upbeat, and positive songs” or “explore a niche genre like Witch House” and many others.
Alongside the AI DJ Feature, which gives users personalized song selections while using a combination of Sonantic and Open AI technology to create an artificial voice of Xavier “X” Jernigan (Spotify’s head of cultural partnerships), Spotify is continuing to look into additional uses for AI such as AI-generated audio ads or summarizing podcasts.
The feature will initially become available on Android and iOS devices in Australia and the UK and will branch out to other countries over time.
