What is a Prompted Playlist?
Unlike traditional Spotify playlists that are either manually curated or generated by static algorithms, Prompted Playlists are powered by AI, and curated by the app on the basis of input by the user. For example, users can provide a specific “rule” or “scenario” in their own words, and Spotify’s AI blends the entire listening history with real-time global music trends, charts and cultural data to build a custom set.
Users can give prompts like “Warm acoustic songs for a slow Sunday including global trending covers” or “Mood-boosting indie-pop featured on recent reality shows that I haven't played this year.” According to Spotify, the AI understands specific instructions to include or exclude certain genres, moods, or even eras.
Moreover, users can schedule these playlists to update daily or weekly, ensuring they evolve alongside your changing tastes and new music releases.
“You can edit your prompt anytime, or start fresh whenever inspiration hits. You can also choose to set it to refresh daily or weekly so your playlist always stays new and in sync with your world. Every song includes a quick one-liner that tells you exactly why it landed in your playlist. Need help getting started? Tap “Ideas” for quick inspiration,” Spotify said.
How to use Spotify Prompted Playlists
If you are a Premium subscriber in a supported region (US, Canada, or New Zealand), you can start creating immediately:
- Open the App: Tap the Create (+) icon in your library.
- Select "Prompted Playlist": Choose this new option from the menu.
- Enter Your Prompt: Type in a vibe, scenario, or cultural moment. If you're stuck, tap "Ideas" for inspiration from Spotify’s editors.
- Once the AI generates the list, you can edit the prompt to tweak the results.
According to Sulinna Ong, Global Head of Editorial, making a playlist from scratch can feel daunting. This tool serves as an intuitive entry point. It allows you to leverage the "intent" usually reserved for professional human editors, but tailored specifically to your personal "listening arc"—every favorite song and hidden gem you've engaged with since joining the platform.
