Not too long after Instagram announced a new way to give users more control of their content algorithm, Spotify also announced the launch of “Prompted Playlists,” which changes how users can customize suggested content by using text descriptions.
The feature will arrive first for Premium subscribers in New Zealand, and will let users type specific requests to generate custom playlists that blend their own input and entire listening history. Instead of relying solely on passive recommendations, users can now factor in suggestions like “high-energy pop for a 30-minute run” or “deep cuts from my top artists,” and the app will curate a mix that matches their criteria.
Spotify says that this feature marks a significant shift from its traditional approach, moving from predicting what you want to hear to listening to exactly what you say. The system also lets users edit their prompts to fine-tune the vibe or set the playlist to automatically refresh daily or weekly so it stays current.
To make the experience more transparent, Spotify will also provide context for why specific songs were chosen, in a bid to “bridge the gap” between human intent and AI curation. While currently limited to the beta test in New Zealand, the company plans to continue working on the feature based on user feedback.
