After experimenting with AI playlist generation in its DJ feature last year, Spotify has now launched a beta tool that allows users to create curated tracklists based on text descriptions. Its new AI Playlist beta will initially roll out to Spotify Premium subscribers on mobile devices in the UK and Australia.
Android and iOS users in these locations can find the AI playlist generator by going to “Your Library” and clicking the “+” button in the upper right corner of the page. After selecting the AI playlist option from the drop-down menu, users can enter a prompt (such as “Music to read on a cold, rainy day”) to get a playlist of 30 songs that match that vibe. The results can be tweaked with additional prompts such as “More Sad Music” until the user is satisfied with the playlist, at which point it can be saved by clicking “Create” in the upper right corner.
In my tests, the AI playlist did an excellent job of matching songs to niche cues. When I asked it to generate a playlist, for example, it pumped out a delightful mix of rave-friendly techno music that “made me feel like a vampire hunter from Vampire Hunter.” blade (1998)” and even named the playlist “Blade’s Essence” without additional input. Spotify says users will get better results by using prompts that include “a combination of genres, moods, artists, or decades.” playlists, and the feature can reference places, animals, activities, movie characters, colors, and even emojis. Spotify says it will continue to develop its generate playlist feature “in the coming months.”
There are some limitations to note – the AI playlist won’t generate results for non-music-related prompts (like current events or specific brands), and “actions are taken against objectionable prompts.”
It’s been a fun experience using it so far. It’s a faster way to put together a playlist than manually building it, and offers some functionality as a music discovery tool for those who want to find new music that fits a specific aesthetic. This already feels like it’s more useful than Spotify’s AI DJ, which generates custom playlists based on your entire listening history and offers limited options for managing the end result.
However, the new feature could also be a factor in the price increase Spotify expects to launch later this year. Currently, premium subscriptions start at $5.99 per month for students and $10.99 per month for individuals. We’ve asked Spotify when the beta will be available in other regions, and we’ll update this message if we hear back.