Spotify’s AI DJ Now Takes Voice Requests: A New Era of Personalized Music Streaming
Spotify has recently unveiled a significant update to its AI DJ feature, allowing Premium users to make voice requests for specific genres, moods, artists, or activities. This enhancement marks a notable shift in how listeners can interact with their music, offering a more dynamic and personalized experience.(Spotify)
Introducing Voice Requests to Spotify's AI DJ
Initially launched in February 2023, Spotify's AI DJ was designed to curate personalized playlists based on users' listening habits, interspersed with commentary from DJ X, modeled after Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan. The latest update, rolled out on May 13, 2025, introduces voice command capabilities, enabling users to influence their listening sessions actively.(New York Post, Spotify)
To utilize this feature, users can:
-
Open the Spotify app and search for "DJ."
-
Start the AI DJ session.
-
Press and hold the DJ button located in the bottom right corner.
-
After hearing a beep, speak a request, such as "Play some upbeat jazz for dinner time" or "Surprise me with indie tracks I've never heard before".
This feature is currently available in over 60 markets and supports English voice commands.
Enhancing Personalization and Discovery
The integration of voice commands into the AI DJ aligns with Spotify's broader strategy to enhance personalization and user engagement. By allowing users to specify their preferences in real-time, the platform aims to create a more interactive and tailored listening experience.
This update also builds upon Spotify's previous AI-driven initiatives, such as the AI Playlist feature introduced in beta last year, which curated playlists based on text prompts like "play me some music to soundtrack my life as a movie"
User Reception and Feedback
Early user feedback indicates a positive reception to the new voice command feature. On Reddit, users have expressed enthusiasm, with comments highlighting the convenience of making requests while engaged in other activities, such as driving.
However, some users have noted limitations, such as the inability to type requests and the exclusive reliance on voice commands, which may not be practical in all environments. Additionally, the feature currently does not support non-music content like podcasts or audiobooks.
Looking Ahead
Spotify's introduction of voice requests to its AI DJ represents a significant step toward more interactive and personalized music streaming. As the feature continues to evolve, potential future enhancements could include support for additional languages, expanded content types, and further customization options.
For Premium users in supported markets, this update offers a more engaging way to discover and enjoy music, reinforcing Spotify's commitment to innovation in the streaming space.(Axios)
Note: This blog post is based on the article from MusicTech. For more detailed information, you can read the original article here: Spotify's AI DJ now takes requests - MusicTech.
