Spotify Tests “Prompted Playlists” That Let You Write Your Own Music Algorithm

Spotify is firing up the future of music curation with its latest beta experiment — AI-powered “Prompted Playlists”. The feature is rolling out first to Premium subscribers in New Zealand, in English only, marking the next big step in Spotify’s personalization journey.

You Tell Spotify What You Want — and It Builds the Playlist for You

Users can now write detailed prompts describing what kind of music they want. The system builds playlists that reflect the “full arc” of listening history, not just recent favorites.
Think prompts like: “High-energy pop and hip-hop for a 5K run that ends with relaxing songs” or “Deep cuts from my top artists over five years.”

Longer Prompts, Smarter AI, and Custom Refresh Rates

This evolution from last year’s AI playlists goes deeper than ever. Spotify says the new system can handle longer, more specific prompts because the underlying AI factors in world knowledge. You can even set how often your playlist refreshes — daily, weekly, or whenever you like.

Personalization Without Limits

Spotify’s new AI tool lets you fine-tune results easily, turning every playlist into your custom Discover Weekly. It also includes contextual descriptions explaining why each track fits — creating transparency in your recommendations.

A Bigger Trend in Algorithm Control

Spotify isn’t alone in handing users the reins. Instagram now lets users control which reels they see, while Bluesky experiments with user-created algorithms. Together, these moves signal a growing wave of apps giving people more say in how digital experiences work for them.

The Rollout Starts Small — but the Vision Is Big

While the beta version is exclusive to New Zealand, Spotify plans to expand globally once feedback shapes the final release. With AI-driven personalization taking over the audio world, this feature could redefine how people discover and shape their own digital soundtracks.