Spotify is enhancing its AI DJ feature with the addition of voice command functionality, offering users a more interactive way to personalize their listening experience.
Highlights
Previously limited to curated playlists with brief commentary, the updated AI DJ now responds to verbal prompts, enabling users to shift genres, change moods, or request specific artists on demand.
The update is currently available to Spotify Premium subscribers in more than 60 markets, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, and several countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. At present, the voice control feature supports only English.
From Passive Guide to Interactive Companion
Launched in February 2023 in the U.S. and Canada, Spotify’s AI DJ was initially designed to serve as a curated music companion, generating playlists based on user behavior and offering commentary between tracks.
The service expanded globally by August 2023, and a Spanish-language version was later introduced. Until now, however, functionality remained largely static.
The latest update marks a notable shift, transforming the AI DJ from a passive assistant into an interactive feature.
Users can now give voice commands such as “play something more upbeat,” “switch to 2000s rock,” or “play more by Beyoncé.”
These voice prompts are triggered by pressing and holding the DJ button—located at the bottom right corner of the app—until a beep sounds, indicating the assistant is ready for input. Alternatively, users can tap the DJ icon to cycle through mood and genre changes without speaking.
Voice Personalities and Localization Efforts
The English-speaking AI DJ is voiced by Xavier “X” Jernigan, Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships.
His voice has been chosen to bring a human-like tone to the AI experience, aiming for familiarity and personality in the commentary.
For Spanish-speaking users, Spotify introduced “Livi,” voiced by Olivia Quiroz Roa, a Senior Music Editor based in Mexico City. Livi’s voice was selected for its relatability and warmth.
Engagement Patterns and Listening Behavior
According to Spotify’s internal data, users who engage with the AI DJ tend to listen for longer durations and are more likely to explore new artists or genres.
The blend of voice interaction and tailored playlists appears to deepen user engagement, supporting Spotify’s strategy of delivering more immersive, contextual listening experiences.
Technology and Editorial Collaboration
Spotify’s AI DJ combines personalization algorithms, generative AI models, and editorial expertise. The AI makes use of user behavior data to recommend music, while human editors help shape the content and commentary style.
The voice technology itself is powered by Sonantic, a company Spotify acquired to enhance its synthetic voice capabilities.
Access and Compatibility
The AI DJ feature is available to users with a Spotify Premium subscription and the latest version of the app. It can be accessed on mobile devices, desktop PCs, smart TVs, and gaming consoles such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox.
The feature learns user preferences over time based on listening history and interaction patterns, helping it refine future recommendations.
User Feedback and Feature Requests
User response to the AI DJ has been mixed. While many have welcomed the added personalization, some have expressed a desire for more control—particularly around the voice feature.
Suggestions from the Spotify Community include adding options to change or disable the DJ’s voice and offering broader language support for non-English speakers.
Audio Personalization
The AI DJ update reflects Spotify’s broader ambition to make music curation feel more intuitive and conversational. By integrating voice commands, Spotify aims to move beyond static playlists, offering users a listening experience that feels both dynamic and guided.
This development may also help the company differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive landscape where personalization and convenience are key user expectations.
As conversational AI becomes more prevalent across consumer apps, Spotify’s approach—blending voice interactivity with editorial insight—positions it to explore new possibilities in AI-driven audio personalization.
