Key Highlights:
- Google now has 325 million paid subscribers across Google One and YouTube Premium.
- YouTube introduces AI Playlist for Premium users on iOS and Android.
- Users can generate playlists using text or voice prompts.
- Feature builds on earlier AI radio experiments in the U.S.
YouTube has rolled out an AI Playlist feature for Premium users on iOS and Android. The new tool allows users to create custom playlists using text or voice prompts. This matters because AI-powered discovery is becoming central to how people find and consume music.
The update positions YouTube more directly against Spotify and other rivals already offering AI-driven music experiences.
What Is the AI Playlist Feature on YouTube?
The AI Playlist feature lets Premium users generate playlists simply by describing what they want to hear. Users can type or speak prompts such as “raging death metal,” “sad post rock,” or “progressive house mix for a chill party.”
To access it, users go to the Library tab, tap the “New” button, and select “AI playlist.” The system then builds a custom playlist based on the prompt.
The feature works on both iOS and Android devices. It is currently limited to YouTube Premium subscribers.
How Does AI Playlist Work?
The system interprets natural language prompts. It then curates tracks that match the mood, genre, or theme described.
For example, a prompt like “90s classic hits” produces a nostalgia-driven mix. Meanwhile, a mood-based prompt such as “indie pop for a rainy evening” results in a tailored listening experience.
This approach shifts playlist creation from manual selection to AI-assisted discovery. It reduces friction and speeds up music exploration.
Is This YouTube’s First AI Music Experiment?
Not exactly.
In July 2024, YouTube tested AI-powered custom radio stations in the United States. That experiment allowed users to create radio-style streams using prompts.
The AI Playlist feature appears to build on that earlier test. Now, instead of a radio stream, users receive a structured playlist they can revisit and edit.
How Does It Compare to Spotify and Others?
Rivals such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer have already introduced AI-powered playlist or radio tools.
However, YouTube’s move ties directly into its Premium strategy. Earlier this week, the company restricted song lyrics access for some free users in the YouTube Music app. The company described the move as an experiment affecting a small percentage of ad-supported users.
At the same time, Google reported growth in subscriptions. The company now has 325 million paying users across Google One and YouTube Premium.
Why AI Playlist Matters for YouTube’s Strategy
AI Playlist strengthens the value proposition of YouTube Premium. It adds a personalization layer that aligns with broader AI adoption across Google’s services.
More importantly, it signals a shift. Music streaming is no longer just about catalogs. It is about intelligent curation.
As AI Playlist expands, it could redefine how users search for music. Instead of browsing genres, users describe experiences. That shift could reshape discovery behavior across streaming platforms.
For now, the feature is exclusive to Premium subscribers. But it highlights YouTube’s deeper push into AI-driven personalization.
