Spotify has launched a new feature that allows Premium subscribers to create custom playlists using AI-powered text prompts. This innovative tool, currently in beta, empowers users to transform their creative ideas into tailored musical experiences.
Spotify's AI Playlist feature, now available to users on Android and iOS devices in the UK and Australia, simplifies the playlist creation process by enabling users to generate unique playlists through a simple chat interface. By typing in prompts that combine genres, moods, artists, and decades, users can craft highly personalized playlists that cater to their specific tastes and preferences.
Users can get very creative with their prompts. Spotify suggests prompts like "beats to battle a zombie apocalypse" or "an indie folk playlist to give my brain a big warm hug." The feature also allows for more abstract inputs, such as references to places, animals, activities, movie characters, colors, and even emojis.
Under the hood, Spotify is using leverages large language models to interpret user intent and combines this with its extensive user data to generate personalized playlists. The company says it uses a variety of third-party tools for its AI and machine learning experiences.
The AI Playlist feature builds upon Spotify's success with its AI DJ feature, which launched more than a year ago. While the AI DJ provided users with personalized playlists, it offered little control over the selection process. The introduction of AI Playlist marks a significant shift, empowering users to actively shape their listening experiences.
Spotify's foray into AI-powered playlist creation follows a series of developments in the company's AI strategy. CEO Daniel Ek has hinted at potential applications such as podcast summarization and AI-generated audio ads. The company is also exploring using AI to clone podcast hosts' voices for host-read ads and for translating podcasts into other languages.
Chris McKay
Spotify says it plans to iterate and refine the experience based on user feedback. While the tool is designed for entertainment and music discovery, the company has implemented measures to prevent offensive or non-music-related prompts. However, overall, the goal is to give users more agency in shaping their listening journey, making it a valuable tool for music enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique, tailored listening experience.