Spotify is delving deeper into the realm of artificial intelligence. Following the earlier launch of an AI-driven DJ, the music streaming giant is currently experimenting with the concept of automatically generating playlists based on user prompts.
The revelation comes from a glimpse into Spotify’s code, brought to light by product designer and hashtag creator Chris Messina. Messina shared screenshots of Spotify’s backend code, revealing references to a feature labeled “AI Playlist” and a line of text reading, “Get playlists based on your prompts.” This forthcoming feature could potentially serve as a Spotify-specific version of ChatGPT. Messina also speculated that this feature might become an option within Spotify Blend, as indicated by other code snippets. Spotify Blend allows two users to merge their musical preferences, generating algorithmically crafted playlists that attempt to predict each user’s musical tastes.
Regarding these developments, a Spotify spokesperson stated, “At Spotify, we are constantly iterating and brainstorming ways to enhance our product and provide value to our users. However, we do not comment on speculation regarding potential new features and currently have no new information to share.”
Spotify had previously dabbled in description-based playlists with Niche Mixes, which debuted earlier in the year. These Niche Mixes were described as “personalized playlists that combine elements of our existing Mixes in a playful manner.” Users could search for a specific mood or theme using the platform’s search bar followed by the word “mix” to discover playlists matching their desired vibe. However, Spotify confirmed that Niche Mixes did not rely on AI but instead leveraged the company’s personalized algorithm.
In February, Spotify introduced an AI-powered DJ, known for its playful approach to music discovery. This DJ curates songs it believes the user will enjoy while occasionally interjecting with humorous remarks, adding an element of interaction to the listening experience. Notably, the AI driving the DJ was not developed from scratch by Spotify but rather emerged from the acquisition of Sonatic, a London-based tech firm specializing in AI voice technology.
