Earlier this fall, Spotify was discovered to be creating a brand new function that might permit its streaming app customers to create playlists utilizing AI know-how and prompts. Now, that “AI playlists” function has been noticed within the wild, as a part of a check to see how customers will reply to AI-driven playlist creation. The corporate confirmed the check to TechCrunch, however didn’t share additional particulars concerning the know-how and the way it works, nor did it decide to a launch time-frame.
The function was proven off in a TikTok video by person @robdad_ who wrote, “I simply randomly found Spotify’s ChatGPT?” In response to the screenshots he shared, the AI playlists function is accessed from the “Your Library” tab in Spotify’s app by tapping on the plus (+) button on the high proper of the display screen. Right here, a pop-up menu seems and the AI playlist function is a brand new possibility beneath the present “Playlist” and “Mix” choices.
The function’s description reads “Flip your concepts into playlists utilizing AI” and notes that it’s presently solely accessible in English.
@robdad_ Since when did they’ve this replace on spotify. Now they received chatGPT making our playlists… additionally wtf is Which Home Exploration😭😭 #spotify #update #ai ♬ Heavy Metal Lover overlapped – jinxknsaudios
After deciding on the choice, customers are introduced with a display screen the place they’ll sort their immediate into an AI chatbot-style field, or flick thru an inventory of prompt prompts to get began. The video confirmed off immediate concepts like “get targeted at work with instrumental electronica,” “fill within the silence with background café music,” “get pumped up with enjoyable, upbeat, and constructive songs” and “discover a distinct segment style like Witch Home.”
The person chosen the latter immediate and the AI chatbot responded “Processing your request…” after which introduced a pattern playlist. From this display screen, you’ll be able to swipe left to take away any songs you don’t wish to refine the playlist additional.
TechCrunch had reported in October that references to this new AI function have been found in Spotify cellular by tech veteran Chris Messina, who shared screenshots of a function that might create “playlists primarily based in your prompts.” Nevertheless, Spotify on the time declined to substantiate its plans round AI playlists, saying it wouldn’t touch upon hypothesis about new options.
The corporate right this moment remains to be attempting to downplay person expectations and pleasure across the AI playlists function, solely confirming that it was a check in the meanwhile.
“We routinely conduct numerous checks. A few of these checks find yourself paving the trail for our broader expertise and others serve solely as an essential studying,” a Spotify spokesperson stated. “We don’t have something additional to share right now,” they added.
Although the corporate isn’t but able to decide to the launch of AI playlists, the streamer has been closely investing in AI throughout its app, together with with the launch of an AI DJ initially of the yr, which affords customized playlists and commentary in an AI voice that’s primarily based on Spotify’s head of cultural partnerships Xavier ‘X’ Jernigan. That function grew to become globally accessible in August.
Talking about DJ’s launch, Spotify’s head of Personalization, Ziad Sultan famous the corporate has “a big analysis workforce that’s understanding all the probabilities throughout Giant Language Fashions, throughout generative voice, [and] throughout personalization.” He instructed TechCrunch that Spotify desires to be identified for its “AI experience.”
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek additionally teased different methods the corporate has been placing AI to make use of on the firm, saying Spotify might look to make use of generative AI to summarize podcasts and robotically create audio advertisements. He’s additionally touted AI’s position in music creation, saying he might envision artists utilizing AI instruments as they create new songs. Spotify has moreover appeared into utilizing AI to create host-read podcast advertisements that sound like the true individual, and makes use of AI to energy its personalization applied sciences. That it might flip AI to one of many extra standard use instances for its app — playlist creation — then, is just not a stretch.
It stays to be seen if and when the brand new AI function goes reside to the general public. Within the meantime, tell us if in case you have the function in your app and the way properly you assume it really works.
Sarah Perez is on the market at sarahp@techcrunch.com and (415) 234-3994 on Sign.