Spotify has rolled out a major update to its AI DJ feature, allowing users to control their music with voice commands. Available to Premium subscribers, this upgrade lets listeners personalise their experience by requesting specific songs, genres, moods or artists using natural language. To use it, users simply press and hold the DJ button in the app and say what they’d like to hear, such as “play some upbeat tunes for a workout” or “give me relaxing jazz for the evening”.
Originally launched in 2023, the AI DJ uses a mix of personalisation technology, generative AI and a realistic voice platform to create a radio-like experience tailored to each user. The voice of the DJ, named “X”, is modelled after Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan. His voice delivers more than just music, offering thoughtful commentary and music trivia to make the experience feel more personal and engaging.
The AI DJ does more than just respond to commands. It studies each user’s listening habits to serve up a blend of current favourites, forgotten tracks, and new suggestions. The DJ also explains why it’s chosen a certain song or artist, helping users discover music in a more meaningful way. This level of interaction has been praised for making the listening experience more immersive and tailored.
However, the reliance on voice commands may not be ideal in all situations. Users in public places or quiet environments might find it inconvenient or awkward to speak aloud to control their music. Currently, there’s no alternative input method to use these new features, which may limit its accessibility.
Even so, this update marks an important step in Spotify’s efforts to make music discovery more interactive. It’s a move that not only deepens personalisation but also brings a more human touch to music streaming.
