Spotify Launches AI-Generated Podcasts and Q&A Features

Spotify is shifting its strategy from a passive listening platform to an interactive AI-driven hub. The company has unveiled a suite of new tools that allow users to generate custom podcasts based on specific prompts, alongside an interactive Q&A feature designed to deepen engagement with audio content.

Personalized Audio Generation

The platform is introducing the ability for users to create their own podcasts tailored to their interests. By leveraging AI, Spotify allows listeners to turn ideas or custom prompts into audio segments. This capability, which draws inspiration from tools like NotebookLM and ElevenLabs, includes several functional options:

• Custom Briefings: Users can schedule daily or weekly updates on recurring interests, such as local city news or concert listings.
• On-demand Learning: Listeners can request quick explanations on complex subjects, such as an “economics in five minutes” summary.
• Multi-format Input: The generation process supports various inputs, including PDFs, text, and external links, with the option to select custom voices.

While Spotify previously released a command-line tool via GitHub for Claude Code and Codex users to save podcasts to their libraries, these features are moving toward native integration within the mobile app. Additionally, the company launched “Studio by Spotify Labs,” a dedicated desktop application that syncs with calendars and emails to curate personalized briefings.

Interactive Q&A for Premium Users

Starting today, Premium subscribers in the U.S., Sweden, and Ireland gain access to an AI-powered Q&A feature. This tool allows listeners to pose questions directly about the episode they are currently streaming or inquire about specific concepts mentioned within the audio. The feature also provides personalized podcast recommendations based on user-defined topics, mirroring recent industry moves like Google’s “Ask YouTube.”

Monetization for Creators

The update also targets content creators by expanding professional toolsets. Spotify is rolling out a sponsorship management tool to streamline brand partnerships. Furthermore, creators can now implement subscription models to offer exclusive content and experiences, a feature already common on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snap.

This pivot follows a 50% year-on-year increase in video podcast consumption, signaling that Spotify is banking on increased interactivity to keep users engaged within the app for longer periods.