Spotify’s New AI Playlist Feature Promises Personalized Music Experiences
Spotify is rolling out a new feature called Prompted Playlists,leveraging artificial intelligence to create highly customized music selections based on user descriptions. The feature, launched in beta in New Zealand in December 2025, is now expanding to Premium listeners across the US and Canada by the end of January, signaling a shift towards AI-powered music curation.
Beyond Automated Playlists: A Collaborative Approach
Prompted Playlists differentiates itself from Spotify’s existing playlist creation tools by not only generating a playlist but also continuously updating it based on listening habits. According to Spotify, this move aims to move away from purely automated selections and foster a more collaborative experience between the user and the platform. Users can even customize the refresh schedule – daily, weekly, or not at all – and specify the day of the week for updates.
Testing the Feature in Real-World Scenarios
One tester found the feature “fun and straightforward” during a recent birthday party. Utilizing the prompt, “Can you create a playlist for a birthday party for my best friend who is turning 25. The vibes are songs that we would all know and can dance to, but it doesn’t have to be EDM necessarily. Some inspirations are Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Charli XCX,” Spotify quickly generated a playlist complete with a cover, title, and description. Notably, many of the songs suggested were already present in a playlist curated by the tester and their friends.
Similarities to Spotify’s ChatGPT Integration, But With Added Benefits
The experience is comparable to Spotify’s existing ChatGPT integration, which also allows users to describe their desired playlist sound.Though, the prompted Playlists feature goes a step further by offering ongoing updates and personalization, theoretically enhancing the curation process.
The Human Touch Still Matters
Despite the advancements in AI-powered music curation, one analyst noted that Prompted Playlists is unlikely to replace the human element entirely. “Music is so deeply personal,” they stated.While the AI can understand and leverage listening history, it may struggle to grasp the emotional connections and memories associated with specific songs.
Though, the feature is seen as a valuable tool for inspiration or for those seeking a speedy playlist solution without relying on entirely random selections.
How to Access Prompted playlists
Once access is granted, users can access the feature by tapping the (+) button on the bottom right within the Spotify app and selecting “Prompted Playlist.” The platform even provides pre-written prompts to help users get started.
why: Spotify launched Prompted Playlists to offer a more personalized and collaborative music curation experience, moving beyond purely automated selections.
Who: The feature is available to Spotify Premium listeners in the US and Canada, following a beta test in New Zealand.
What: Prompted Playlists uses AI to generate and continuously update playlists based on user-provided descriptions, offering customization options for refresh schedules.
How did it end?: The rollout is currently in progress, expanding to Premium users in the US and Canada by the end of January 2026. While the feature is promising, analysts believe the human element in music curation will remain importent due to the personal and emotional connections people have with songs.
