Spotify launches Prompted Playlist in beta letting listeners influence algorithmic choices

Spotify is introducing a beta feature called Prompted Playlist that lets users generate playlists through natural language prompts and directly steer the recommendation algorithm, shifting playlist creation from a system-driven process to a more conscious interactive user experience. The feature launches on December 11 in New Zealand and is initially available only in English, giving listeners more control over how Spotify builds mixes.

Users can write prompts that specify genres, moods, activities, tempos, eras, or combinations of these factors to guide algorithmic choices. Spotify interprets these inputs by drawing on each user’s entire listening history, producing more tailored results. Prompts can range from deep cuts by favorite artists to mixes designed for specific activities such as running or winding down.

Playlists can be set to refresh automatically so the algorithm adjusts over time. An Ideas tab offers prebuilt prompts, and each track includes a short explanation of why it was selected to improve transparency and help users refine future prompts. All prompts remain editable, allowing continuous fine tuning and ongoing direction of the algorithm.