Spotify is testing playlists created using AI

Spotify is currently experimenting with a feature powered by artificial intelligence, which builds playlists based on textual prompts. This upcoming feature was spotted by TikTok user @robdad_ who shared a brief video of it with the caption, “I just randomly discovered Spotify’s ChatGPT?” For the select few who have this function on their app, they can access it under ‘Your Library’ after they select the addition symbol to create a new playlist.

As per TechCrunch, who confirmed the news after receiving verification directly from Spotify, it’s under the testing phase. However, it’s still uncertain if Spotify has plans for a public rollout.

“Turn your ideas into playlists using Al,” the feature’s in-app description reads in the TikTok video (while noting it’s only available in English). Above a chatbot field for custom inputs, it also suggests prompts. These include, “Get focused at work with instrumental electronica,” “Fill the silence with background cafe music,” “Get pumped up with fun, beat, and positive songs” and “Explore a niche genre like Witch House.”

@robdad_ chose the last option. “Here’s your Witch House Exploration playlist,” the bot responded. “Swipe left to remove any songs you don’t want as you continue refining your playlist.” Due to video editing, it’s impossible to tell from the TikTok clip how long Spotify’s AI took to generate the tracks.

The resulting (Grimes-heavy) playlist included “Bloom for Me” by Pearly Drops, “Goth” by Sidewalks and Skeletons, “Pin” by Grimes, “After Dark” by Mr.Kitty, “Suffocation” by Crystal Castles, “Cold Touch” by Kito and GrimesAI and “chain” by Aziya and “Nothing Lasts Forever” by Sevdaliza and Grimes. I’ll leave it to the Witch House experts to determine if the AI did a good job.

In a statement to TechCrunch, Spotify was tight-lipped about whether the general public can expect to see AI playlists. “We routinely conduct a number of tests,” a Spotify spokesperson wrote. “Some of those tests end up paving the path for our broader experience and others serve only as an important learning. We don’t have anything further to share at this time.”

If Spotify decides to roll out this AI feature, it could be used as an incentive to attract users to subscribe to a higher-priced tier. Considering that the company’s premium hi-fi feature, unveiled almost three years ago, is still not offered while competitor Apple Music has incorporated lossless audio at no additional charge. A broadened access to audiobooks might also be another enticing feature to include in a more costly subscription plan.

Earlier in the year, Spotify introduced an artificial intelligence DJ feature, utilizing OpenAI technology, which guides users through song recommendations. This feature leverages an AI voice model trained on Xavier “X” Jernigan, Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships.

Like much of the tech industry, the music streamer appears eager to incorporate artificial intelligence into its products. In addition to the AI DJ, Spotify CEO and co-founder Daniel Ek said in a July earnings call that the company could use AI to “contextualize and personalize content.” The Ringer founder Bill Simmons noted in May (first reported by Semafor) that Spotify was developing “a way to use my voice for ads.” The sports analysis podcaster added, “You have to obviously give the approval for the voice, but it opens up, from an advertising standpoint, all these different great possibilities for you.”

Just earlier this month, Spotify went through its third layoff cycle for the year 2023. This is yet another addition to what has been a disastrous year of employment reductions in the tech sector.