Spotify Experiments with AI-Generated Playlists: Discover the Future of Music Curation

Spotify is currently testing an innovative AI feature that generates playlists based on user-provided text prompts. A TikTok user shared a brief video highlighting the functionality, captioned, “I just randomly discovered Spotify’s ChatGPT?”

For select users, this feature can be accessed through Your Library by tapping the plus sign to create a new playlist. According to Tech media outlet, Spotify has confirmed its experimentation with AI-driven playlists, though details about a public launch remain unclear.

The in-app description encourages users to “Turn your ideas into playlists using AI.” While currently available only in English, the feature suggests prompts for playlist creation, such as:

- “Get focused at work with instrumental electronica”

- “Fill the silence with background café music”

- “Get pumped up with fun, beat, and positive songs”

- “Explore a niche genre like Witch House”

In the shared video, the user chose the Witch House option, and the bot responded with, “Here’s your Witch House Exploration playlist.” Users can swipe left to remove songs as they refine their playlists. The video does not reveal how long the AI takes to generate the tracks.

The generated playlist included songs such as “Bloom for Me” by Pearly Drops, “Goth” by Sidewalks and Skeletons, “Pin” by Grimes, and others. The effectiveness of the AI's selections will be evaluated by experts in the Witch House genre.

Regarding the future of AI playlists, Spotify remained noncommittal. A spokesperson stated, “We routinely conduct a number of tests. Some pave the path for broader experiences, while others are for learning. We don’t have anything further to share at this time.”

If Spotify proceeds with a launch, it may integrate this feature into a higher subscription tier to attract more users. The company has previously announced a premium hi-fi feature that has yet to be released, while competitors like Apple Music have adopted lossless audio without additional fees. Expanded audiobook access could also be a valuable addition to any upgraded plan.

Earlier this year, Spotify introduced an AI DJ feature, leveraging OpenAI technology to guide users with personalized recommendations through a voice modeled after the company’s Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan.

As part of the broader tech industry trend, Spotify is keen to weave artificial intelligence into its offerings. The company’s CEO, Daniel Ek, revealed in a July earnings call that they aim to use AI for content personalization. Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding utilizing user voices for advertising, providing exciting advertising possibilities for creators once approved.

In recent months, Spotify has faced numerous challenges, including a third round of layoffs in 2023, reflecting a larger trend of job cuts across the tech sector.