finance Jan 22, 2026

Spotify's new playlist generator lets you add your vibes, feelings or memories

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CNBC Finance

2 min read
Key Points
  • Spotify is rolling out 'prompted playlist' for premium users in the U.S. and Canada.
  • The feature uses AI to create playlists from user prompts that can reflect vibes, feelings or memories.
  • Spotify announced a price increase for premium subscriptions in the U.S. last week.
Dilara Irem Sancar | Anadolu | Getty Images

Spotify is adding more vibes.

The music streamer on Thursday rolled out "prompted playlist," an artificial intelligence-driven feature that allows users to tap into a feeling or memory in order to build a custom mix.

"We hear from listeners all the time that they love playlists, but making their own can feel daunting," Spotify's global head of editorial, Sulinna Ong, said in a statement announcing the news.

The feature is now available in beta to premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada and will roll out through the end of the month. The company began testing it in December in New Zealand.

The playlists can be curated to activities, like "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," with further prompts to include specific artists or time periods, according to the release.

The company's editors created sample prompts, found under an "ideas" tab.

Unlike the prior feature AI playlist, prompted playlists can be scheduled to refresh daily or weekly, with a description for each song recommendation.

The platform has leaned heavily into AI, announcing "significant investments in AI research and product development" in a partnership with major music labels, including Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group last year.

Previous AI features on the app include AI DJ, AI playlist and daylist.

Last week, Spotify announced a price increase for premium subscription in the U.S. Starting in February, the subscription price will hike to $12.99 per month, up from $11.99.

On Jan. 1, Spotify founder Daniel Ek stepped down from CEO into the role of executive chairman. The company faced criticism last year for Ek's investment in defense technology firm Helsing, where he is chairman.

Several artists left the platform in response, including Hotline TNT, Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu, according to online publication The Fader.

In December, the streaming platform made music videos available to premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, challenging YouTube for market share.

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