- Spotify’s AI Playlist has introduced a novel feature that enables users to generate playlists swiftly using a specific word or prompt, such as “orange rapid.”
- This functionality is currently in the experimental phase and is exclusively available in the UK and Australia at present.
- Many users consider this addition to be one of the most significant innovations from Spotify since the introduction of the “Wrapped” feature.
As a music enthusiast and hobbyist DJ, I have always had a keen interest in discovering new music and crafting unique playlists. When I learned about Spotify’s beta testing of the AI Playlist feature for Premium users in the UK and Australia, I was thrilled at the prospect of streamlining my playlist creation process.
Despite investing substantial time in curating my music collection on Spotify, crafting playlists involves careful consideration of various factors like musical styles, compatibility of tracks, and emotional resonance. The new AI Playlist feature seemed like a promising solution to expedite this process while aligning with my musical preferences.
Functionality Overview
Upon accessing the Spotify application, users can navigate to “Your Library” and select the “+” icon. Subsequently, they are presented with three options: “Playlist” for personal playlists, “Blend” for collaborative playlists, and “AI Playlist” for leveraging AI technology in playlist creation.
Choosing “AI Playlist” prompts a text box where users can input a prompt swiftly, including emojis. The AI swiftly generates a playlist of 30 songs in just five seconds based on the provided prompt. Users can further customize the playlist by replacing songs and saving their preferred selections.
In my experience, the AI generated a playlist of 10 songs almost instantaneously.
According to Spotify’s official announcement, users can utilize prompts related to “locations, animals, hobbies, movie characters, colors, and emojis.” I decided to test this functionality using various prompts to gauge its performance.
Playlist Creation Experiment
I initiated the experiment by using emojis as prompts to observe how the AI Playlist feature would interpret and reflect the mood and theme. For instance, I requested a playlist based on an emoji depicting a tearful face, resulting in a playlist named “Resonant Emotions” featuring emotionally evocative tracks from renowned artists like Adele, Hozier, and Amy Winehouse.
Subsequently, I requested a minimal tech playlist featuring undiscovered artists, which pleasantly introduced me to new captivating songs.
By exploring prompts such as creating a playlist inspired by the character Joseph Cooper from the movie “Interstellar,” the AI successfully curated a playlist named “Cooper’s Essence” comprising ethereal tracks, albeit with slight deviations from the initial prompt.
I also experimented with prompts like “lion vibes” to curate a self-empowering playlist. When attempting to exclude hip-hop songs from the playlist, the AI responded by suggesting inclusivity and encouraged trying a different approach.
Despite being in beta phase, the feature demonstrated proficiency in generating playlists based on concise descriptions provided by the user.
Safety Measures and Responsiveness
The AI Playlist feature incorporates safeguards to prevent the creation of offensive playlists. Spotify emphasizes responsible prompt usage to maintain a positive user experience. For instance, when prompted to create a playlist related to “white power,” the AI declined to comply, showcasing its commitment to preventing inappropriate content.
Conversely, requesting a playlist centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion resulted in the inclusion of empowering songs like Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love.”
Diverse Prompt Experiments
I further explored the capabilities of the AI Playlist feature by using additional prompts to create playlists tailored to specific moods or themes:
- Crafting a playlist inspired by the vibes of Sardinia in Italy
- Curating a playlist for introspective moments
- Generating a workout-ready playlist for motivation
- Creating a playlist based on the color yellow
- Compiling a concentration-enhancing playlist
- Crafting a playlist for preparing to go out for a night
Significance and Implications
In conclusion, the AI Playlist feature represents a significant leap in Spotify’s offerings, akin to the impact of the annual “Wrapped” feature. This tool serves as a valuable resource for swiftly generating playlists for various occasions, saving time and effort for users.
While the AI Playlist feature streamlines the process of discovering new artists and songs, I still find joy in curating my playlists with personally discovered tracks.
