Spotify is rolling out a new feature called "Prompted Playlists," designed to give users unprecedented control over music recommendations and algorithm personalization. This tool allows users to create playlists based on detailed, custom prompts, tapping into their entire Spotify listening history. The beta version is launching for Premium subscribers in New Zealand, with only English language support to start.
How Prompted Playlists Work
Prompted Playlists lets users describe the kind of music they want to hear through written prompts. These prompts can be broad or specific, giving the algorithm instructions on how to respond. Spotify's AI then generates a personalized playlist, drawing from the user's entire listening history. This ensures the playlist reflects the full arc of their taste, not just recent activity. Spotify says this feature gives users the power to steer the algorithm.
Users can fine-tune their playlists by editing the prompt and can set the playlist to update automatically on a daily or weekly basis. Spotify also provides an "Ideas" tab with suggestions for users who need inspiration. Each song in the playlist comes with a description explaining why the algorithm chose it.
Examples of Prompts
Users can create prompts ranging from simple requests like "late-night ambient without lyrics" or "guitar-driven indie from the 2000s" to more complex ones. More complex prompts could be "high-energy pop and hip-hop for a 30-minute 5K run that keeps a steady pace before easing into relaxing songs for a cool-down" or "music from this year's biggest films and most-talked-about TV shows that match my taste".
The Significance of User Control
Spotify aims to give listeners more control over what they hear. Prompted Playlists offer the greatest level of personalization yet. This move signifies a shift towards user-driven personalization, giving listeners more control while still leveraging AI's ability to surface relevant tracks. Other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have also introduced new tools to help users guide the content they see.
Spotify's Broader Personalization Strategy
Prompted Playlists builds upon Spotify's existing AI playlist generator. Spotify has also rolled out features like a refreshed Shuffle button, the ability to exclude tracks from a Taste Profile, Smart Filters for the library, and the ability to Snooze tracks. Premium users can ask the AI DJ for requests using their voices. They can also enjoy a redesigned queue with upgraded controls to shuffle, repeat, or add a sleep timer.
Future Developments
Spotify says the Prompted Playlist feature will evolve as it adds more users. The company is expected to expand availability and add support for more languages in the future. Spotify is also making music videos available to premium subscribers in the US and Canada.
