Spotify Launches AI-Driven Prompted Playlists in US and Canada
Spotify has introduced a new feature called Prompted Playlists for its Premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. This AI-driven tool allows users to create personalized playlists by articulating their musical preferences in their own words.
Overview of Prompted Playlists
Originally trialed in New Zealand, Prompted Playlists builds on Spotify’s previous AI-driven playlist feature. This earlier version, launched in 2024, allowed simpler prompts like “get focused at work with instrumental electronica.” The new version enables users to provide detailed descriptions in a more conversational style.
How It Works
A demo showcased the versatility of the new feature. Users can request playlists based on specific desires, such as discovering new artists. For example, one prompt asked for a playlist featuring songs from an artist the user might enjoy, highlighting their catalog. The intent is to simplify the playlist creation process for all users, regardless of their music knowledge.
- Conversational Prompts: Users can describe what they want to hear without requiring musical jargon.
- Real-Time Analysis: The AI evaluates current music trends, culture, and the user’s entire listening history.
- Personalization: Each playlist is uniquely tailored to the user’s tastes, with the option to explore outside their usual listening habits.
Creative Expression for All
According to J.J. Italiano, Spotify’s Head of Global Music Curation and Discovery, creating playlists can be challenging for those who aren’t familiar with music curation. He emphasizes that “if you can describe a feeling, you can make a playlist.” The goal of Prompted Playlists is to take the pressure off users to use the right terminologies.
User Experience and Features
Users can frame prompts inspired by various themes, such as weather or favorite TV shows. This flexibility can foster a new kind of creativity, as users may start sharing their prompts with others. Although they use the same prompt, the resulting playlists will differ according to individual preferences and listening histories.
Future of Prompted Playlists
Spotify describes this feature as a significant advancement over its earlier AI playlist tool. The Prompts provide deeper control and a broader understanding of user preferences. Importantly, the original AI playlist feature will coexist with Prompted Playlists, which could cause some confusion among consumers.
The new feature currently has some usage limitations as it remains in beta testing and is available only in English. Spotify has not disclosed when it plans to roll out Prompted Playlists to a global audience, signaling a cautionary approach to expanding this innovative tool.
