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Spotify is testing a feature that gives users more influence over what its algorithm delivers. The company announced “Promoted Playlists” on Wednesday, calling it a major step toward user-guided recommendations. The beta is available only to premium subscribers in New Zealand and works in English for now.
The new tool lets listeners describe exactly what they want in a playlist. Spotify says it analyzes a user’s entire listening history, not just recent tracks. This wider data set helps the playlist mirror long-term preferences, which separates it from Spotify’s earlier AI playlist experiments.
Promoted Playlists build on the AI playlist feature introduced last year. Both rely on typed prompts, but the new system accepts much longer and more detailed instructions. Spotify says the upgraded AI can process world knowledge, which allows for more specific music requests.
More Control Over Prompts and Playlist Refreshes
Users can request playlists like “music from my top artists from the last five years” and then refine it by adding “deep cuts I haven’t heard yet.” Spotify also highlighted a more complex example, such as “high-energy pop and hip-hop for a 30-minute 5K run that keeps a steady pace before easing into relaxing songs for a cool-down.” Another possible prompt is “music from this year’s biggest films and most-talked-about TV shows that matches my taste.”
Listeners can continue adjusting the prompt until the playlist feels right. They can also choose how often the playlist refreshes, including daily or weekly updates. Spotify says this turns the feature into a customizable version of Discover Weekly or Daily Mixes but shaped by specific themes, genres, or time periods.
Spotify Positions Itself in a Growing Trend
Spotify says each playlist will include descriptions that explain why certain songs appear. The company will offer sample prompts to help users get started.
This launch arrives as more social platforms highlight algorithm control as a key feature. Instagram introduced new tools today that adjust what types of reels appear in the feed. Bluesky, a decentralized competitor to X, also lets users switch its algorithm for one they prefer.
Spotify plans to refine Promoted Playlists during the beta phase before expanding the feature to other regions.
