Spotify expands its AI push with a ChatGPT-like music assistant

In a bold move to enhance user engagement, Spotify has introduced a groundbreaking feature allowing Premium subscribers to converse with the app to select their desired music and audio content. Launched as a beta version, this innovative capability is currently available to users aged 18 and older in the U.S., Ireland, and Sweden on both iOS and Android platforms. Spotify acknowledges that this new feature may have some imperfections, as it collects user feedback to refine the experience. While specific details about the AI technology behind this initiative remain scarce, Spotify has confirmed that it employs a combination of its proprietary AI and external models to optimize performance for various tasks. The interactive assistant goes beyond Spotify's existing AI DJ, allowing users to communicate directly with the app through text or voice on the Home and Now Playing screens. This functionality enables users to engage in two-way conversations, making it easier to discover new music, podcasts, and audiobooks tailored to their preferences. Spotify’s new assistant can discuss users' listening history, provide insights into their favorite tracks, and delve deeper into specific podcasts or audiobooks. Users can inquire about the inspiration behind songs, album release dates, or even receive recommendations for similar artists based on their current favorites. To illustrate the feature’s capabilities, Spotify encourages users to make requests like "play some artists I haven’t heard before," and refine their selections with follow-up questions. Additionally, users can manage their playlists by saving tracks, adding songs to their queue, or following artists—all through this new interactive interface. The rollout of this feature is underway, marking another significant step in Spotify's ongoing effort to integrate AI into its platform and create a more personalized listening experience for its audience.