Spotify’s AI DJ Will Let the Recommendation Engine Explain Itself
The weird and wonderful AI projects are start to come fast and furious. Spotify got a mic drop moment today announcing a personal AI DJ. It’s a product I feel like I should have predicted, but also find completely shocking. Here’s how Spotify describes it:
Ready for a brand-new way to listen on Spotify and connect even more deeply with the artists you love? The DJ is a personalized AI guide that knows you and your music taste so well that it can choose what to play for you. This feature, first rolling out in beta, will deliver a curated lineup of music alongside commentary around the tracks and artists we think you’ll like in a stunningly realistic voice.
Watch the video below for a taste of what the AI DJ experience will be like. Personally, my first impression is that I’m blown away. Spotify has long worn the crown for music recommendation, and it looks like DJ will provide more insight into why certain music is served up. That’s always something I’m curious about, wondering, “Why this song?” What a useful idea to use the AI to “explain itself”.
However, I think it was intentional that the listener in Spotify’s video was wearing headphones. I see this a solo way to experience music. To me, music is deeply personal and emotional. I can’t imagine I’d love “X”, the DJ, sharing commentary about my listening history with others at house party or on a road trip.
Every so often, Spotify releases features that tempts me away from Apple Music. AI DJ is another one.