Spotify Tests AI-Powered Prompted Playlists in New Zealand

Spotify is rolling out a new beta feature that grants users unprecedented control over its recommendation algorithm. Dubbed “Prompted Playlists,” the tool allows Premium subscribers in New Zealand to generate custom music collections through detailed written instructions, marking a significant shift in how the platform handles automated curation.

Currently available only in English, this feature functions as an evolution of the AI playlist capabilities introduced by the company last year. While previous versions relied on simpler inputs, the new tool leverages “world knowledge” to process complex, multi-layered requests. By analyzing a user’s entire listening history from their first day on the platform, the algorithm aims to reflect the “full arc” of an individual’s musical evolution rather than just recent habits.

How the AI-Driven Curation Works

The core advantage of this update is the capacity to handle specific, nuanced commands. Users can refine their results iteratively, allowing for a highly personalized listening experience. According to the company, subscribers can utilize the tool for diverse scenarios, such as:

• Requesting music from top artists spanning the last five years, then filtering for “deep cuts” not previously heard.
• Creating a 30-minute soundtrack for a 5K run that maintains a high-energy pace for pop and hip-hop before transitioning into a relaxing cool-down.
• Curating tracks from the most discussed films and television shows of the year that align with personal taste profiles.

Beyond the initial generation, the feature allows users to schedule automatic refreshes for these playlists—whether daily or weekly. This effectively enables listeners to build their own bespoke versions of flagship Spotify offerings like Discover Weekly or genre-specific Daily Mixes, tailored to specific time periods or moods.

Transparency in Recommendations

To assist users in navigating the tool, Spotify will provide a library of suggested prompts to help get started. Furthermore, the platform intends to include descriptions and context within the playlists, ensuring users understand why specific songs were selected based on their input.

This move positions Spotify alongside other major platforms currently experimenting with algorithmic transparency. Competitors like Instagram have recently introduced tools to let users manage the types of Reels they encounter, while decentralized platform Bluesky allows users to bypass its default algorithm entirely in favor of third-party alternatives. As the beta progresses, Spotify plans to refine the technology before a wider global rollout.