Spotify Launches AI DJ Feature for Premium Users in the US and Canada
Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, has just introduced a groundbreaking AI DJ feature for its Premium users in the United States and Canada. This new AI DJ stands out from the crowd of AI-powered technologies offered by tech giants like Google, Bing, and ChatGPT. Spotify’s AI DJ utilizes a combination of personalization technology, generative AI, and an AI voice to create a unique and interactive music experience for users.
To access the AI DJ feature, simply open the Spotify app and navigate to the music tab. From there, tap anywhere on the DJ card, which is a large blue rectangle. Users can change the theme of the music being played by tapping the circular icon in the bottom right-hand corner.
When users first open the DJ feature, they will be greeted by the AI DJ, named X, who introduces itself in a remarkably realistic human voice. X then proceeds to curate a selection of songs based on the user’s previous listening habits, taking a twist on Spotify’s discovery playlists. The AI voice adds commentary that has been curated by Spotify’s music experts.
X is named after Xavier Jernigan, head of cultural partnerships and host at Spotify, who provided his own voice for the AI to imitate. Jernigan collaborated with the Spotify team to ensure that the AI DJ accurately reflects his vocabulary and speech patterns. The result is uncanny, but some users may find the frequent interruptions from the AI DJ startling.
The tagline for this new feature is Just hit play and let Spotify do the rest. When users activate the AI DJ, it cycles through different themed collections of songs that strike a balance between familiar tunes and new discoveries. These mini playlists are based on the user’s recent listening history, as well as Editor’s picks, Throwbacks, Recommended for you, and Your past. The songs are typically organized by genre or vibe. While the AI DJ does provide some explanations for songs not yet in the user’s rotation, it falls short in comparison to the excitement and insights one would get from a music savvy friend or a skilled radio DJ.
For instance, when I tried the DJ feature and changed the music, X said, Alright, let’s jump to some artists I picked out for you. They all have kind of a similar vibe. First up, I’ve got a classic from Calvin Harris. It’s called ‘This Is What You Came For’ and it features Rihanna. It was a huge hit when it dropped in 2016, and it’s still a banger today.
However, I couldn’t help but wonder why Spotify’s algorithm didn’t recognize that most people, including myself, already know that song. Moreover, the lack of context was disappointing. If the AI DJ truly personalized the experience, it would have mentioned that Taylor Swift was the songwriter.
The AI-generated commentary is developed by Spotify’s music experts in collaboration with a writers room that curates the AI content. Sonantic, an AI voice company recently acquired by Spotify, provided the text-to-speech system used to create the AI DJ’s voice.
According to a Spotify spokesperson, their research suggests that users are more receptive to new music when it is accompanied by commentary. However, it seems that they are still fine-tuning what that commentary should entail.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the AI DJ is its ability to tap into users’ nostalgia. X is designed to invoke memories and serve up songs from the user’s past. Whether or not users are ready to revisit those tunes, the AI DJ will remind them of those tracks. Personally, I found the constant change in music mood draining, and the AI DJ’s song picks, such as an acoustic version of electronic music, made me question just how personalized the experience truly is.
In a world where algorithms help us navigate an overwhelming amount of content, relying on an AI to curate our music can be disconcerting. Some of us prefer to be deliberate in our music choices and discover new songs organically, with a personal touch. While the AI DJ offers convenience and variety, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more tailored and authentic musical journey.
Overall, Spotify’s introduction of an AI DJ feature for its Premium users in the US and Canada adds another dimension to the streaming platform’s offerings. It remains to be seen how users will respond to this new feature and whether Spotify will further refine the AI DJ to provide a truly personalized and meaningful music experience.
