Select Spotify users can now use word prompts to bring their own specifically-curated playlists to life.

Spotify launches Prompted Playlist

Spotify is leveling up its personalization game once again. This time, the platform is putting unprecedented control into the hands of its listeners. Prompted Playlists is Spotify’s latest personalized playlist tool that lets users type out exactly what they want to hear before Spotify builds a playlist around it.

It can be as specific or broad as the user wants, marking a huge step forward in Spotify’s efforts to offer deeper user personalization.

The feature is rolling out from December 11 in English only to Premium users in New Zealand as part of an early access beta test, and will evolve before a wider rollout later down the line.

What is Spotify’s Prompted Playlist tool?

Prompted Playlists builds upon Spotify’s existing AI playlist generator, but this version goes much further. Users can now simply describe the exact type of playlist they want, using as much or as little detail they like. Spotify then uses the written prompt, the user’s listening history, and its broader world knowledge to build a playlist uniquely tailored to them.

Image credits: Spotify

Spotify says the tool is designed to capture the “full arc” of a listener’s taste, keeping playlists fresh as habits evolve. 

How it works

Think of Prompted Playlists as a supercharged version of Spotify’s existing AI playlist tool. But now, users can:

  • Edit the prompt at any time to fine-tune the results
  • Choose how often the playlist refreshes (whether it be daily or weekly etc.)
  • Pick from “Ideas”, which are curated prompt suggestions from Spotify’s music editors, such as “songs from artists who are headlining major tours right now”

You can go as broad or specific as you want with your prompts. Spotify’s suggested examples include asking for “music from my top artists from the last five years” alongside the “deep cuts I haven’t heard yet”. Or, you could request “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.”

Once the playlist is generated, Spotify provides context explaining each choice, making the experience feel more curated and transparent.

Spotify adds that the feature will evolve as the experience grows out of the beta stage. 

Image credits: Spotify

Why it matters

This update is another part of Spotify’s larger strategy to give listeners more control over what they hear and reduce the friction that sometimes comes with algorithmic discovery. Prompted Playlists offer the greatest level of personalization yet.

Throughout the year, Spotify has rolled out multiple tools designed to give users more control and make listening feel more personal. These include: a refreshed Shuffle button, the ability to exclude tracks from your Taste Profile, Smart Filters for your library, and the ability to Snooze tracks you’re tired of for a while. 

Wrapping up

Spotify has long positioned itself as a personalization-first streaming service. However, Prompted Playlists takes that promise to a new level, letting users shape their listening experience in as much detail as they wish. For listeners, that means fresher playlists and a more tailored listening experience.

And notably, Spotify isn’t the only platform doubling down on personalization. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have also recently introduced new tools to help users guide the content they see. 

Perhaps a more customizable and personalized experience is the next focus for platforms in 2026. Whatever comes next, Spotify says they can’t wait to share the new features on the way.

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