Spotify's 'Prompted Playlists': AI Curation for Any Vibe

From Thought to Tracklist: Spotify's New AI Feature is Here

On January 23, 2026, Spotify officially released 'Prompted Playlists,' a powerful new feature that transforms the art of playlist creation. Moving beyond simple keyword searches, this AI-driven tool allows users to generate custom playlists using descriptive, natural language prompts. The feature, which had been in a limited beta phase, began rolling out to all Spotify Premium subscribers in the United States and Canada.

This new functionality empowers listeners to translate abstract ideas, feelings, and even cinematic scenes directly into a curated list of music.

How Does 'Prompted Playlists' Work?

At its core, the feature uses a sophisticated AI model that considers three key elements to build its recommendations:

1. Your Prompt: You can type in almost anything. The more descriptive you are, the more tailored the result. This can include genres, moods, activities, and even pop culture references.
2. Your Listening History: The AI analyzes your personal taste—the artists you love, the songs you have on repeat, and the genres you gravitate towards—to ensure the playlist feels like yours.
3. Current Music Trends: The tool also looks at what's popular and relevant in the wider music world to surface new tracks and ensure the playlist feels fresh and current.

This combination creates a collaborative experience. Instead of just matching keywords to song titles, the AI interprets your intent and finds music that truly fits the described vibe, blending familiar favorites with exciting new discoveries.

From Vague Vibes to Perfect Playlists

The creative potential is vast. Users can generate tracklists for highly specific scenarios with prompts like:

• "Music that feels like the main character in a Wes Anderson movie"
• "A soundtrack for a rainy day spent reading a book in a coffee shop"
• "Upbeat, funky instrumental tracks for focused work"
• "Songs for a road trip through the desert at sunset"
• "90s hip-hop for a backyard barbecue"

A New Creative Partner for DJs and Curators

For music professionals, especially DJs, 'Prompted Playlists' offers a revolutionary new workflow. It acts as an intelligent assistant that can dramatically speed up music discovery and set preparation.

Sparking Inspiration and Curing 'Selector's Block'

Every DJ faces creative blocks. With this tool, a simple prompt like "deep house warm-up set for a rooftop bar" can instantly generate a foundation of tracks, providing a jumping-off point to overcome indecision and get the creative process started.

Rapid Prototyping for Events

Instead of spending hours digging through crates or existing playlists, a DJ can create a unique sonic identity for an event in minutes. A prompt for a "groovy, soulful wedding cocktail hour" can produce a tailored selection that can then be refined and mixed, saving valuable preparation time.

Unearthing Hidden Gems

By combining a DJ's specific request with their listening history, the AI can surface tracks they may have overlooked. It connects dots between genres and artists in novel ways, making it a powerful tool for discovering hidden gems that fit a precise mood.

The Future of Curation

The launch of 'Prompted Playlists' marks a significant step toward a more intuitive and personalized music experience. By understanding the feeling behind a request, not just the words, Spotify is offering a tool that feels less like a search engine and more like a conversation with a music expert. As this technology evolves, it promises to further blur the line between listener and curator, empowering everyone to craft the perfect soundtrack for any moment.