Spotify has upgraded its AI DJ feature, allowing Premium users to issue real-time music requests using voice commands.
From today, users can bypass algorithmic guesswork by speaking directly to the AI DJ. A long press on the ‘DJ’ button in the app triggers a beep, after which users can say exactly what they want to hear.
Whether it’s “play me some electronic beats for a midday run” or “surprise me with some indie tracks I’ve never heard before,” the DJ responds instantly.
Previously, the Spotify AI DJ would shuffle tracks with limited input from the user. Now, the streaming giant says listeners can guide it by specifying artists, genres, moods, or even activities.
It’s a huge change, one that brings the feature closer to being a genuinely interactive music assistant rather than a static recommendation tool.
Spotify is deploying this update in English across more than 60 markets. According to the company, “DJ listener engagement has nearly doubled over the past year,” pointing to high user interest in personalised, AI-powered music experiences.
This isn’t the first attempt by Spotify to blend AI with customisation. Last year, it launched a feature that generated playlists from written prompts, including quirky suggestions like “music to soundtrack my life as a movie.” The same logic now powers the DJ’s voice-driven playlist curation.
The update comes with a caveat: it only supports music-related requests. Podcasts, audiobooks, and unrelated queries won’t work. And because voice input is required, it may not suit every environment, something users should keep in mind.
What makes this development unique isn’t just the technology but the underlying strategy. Spotify is doubling down on immersive, hands-free music engagement.