Spotify rolls out Prompted Playlist beta in New Zealand — write a prompt, get a custom playlist

Spotify is testing a new feature called Prompted Playlist that lets users type a custom instruction and have Spotify generate a playlist based on that prompt plus their complete listening history. The beta begins in New Zealand on December 11 and is available in English at launch.

Unlike earlier AI playlist efforts, Prompted Playlist emphasizes user control: you can tell Spotify exactly what mood, era, or vibe you want, set a cadence for auto‑updates, and use an “Ideas” tab for inspiration. Spotify also says it will draw on your entire listening history “back to day one,” making recommendations that blend prompt intent with long‑term taste signals.

How it works

• Custom prompts: Type free‑form instructions (broad or specific) to describe the playlist you want.
• Auto updates: Playlists can refresh on a schedule so new tracks that match your prompt are added automatically.
• Explainability: Each track includes a short note explaining why the algorithm selected it — useful for refining prompts.

Why this matters

Prompted Playlist shifts some of the curation effort from Spotify back to users — but with more precise control than previous features. It follows a broader trend where platforms (like Meta and TikTok) give users tools to shape recommendation algorithms, acknowledging that one‑size‑fits‑all feeds don’t satisfy every listener.

The explainability feature is particularly notable: showing why a song appears can help users refine future prompts and learn how the service interprets their tastes. That transparency may reduce frustration when a playlist contains unexpected picks and can teach users how to guide the algorithm more effectively.

Limitations & considerations

• Prompted Playlist is English‑only at launch and is limited to a New Zealand beta. Wider rollout timing is uncertain.
• Relying on “your entire listening history” raises privacy and freshness trade‑offs — some users may prefer a clean slate or partial history options.
• As with any algorithmic recommendation, results depend on metadata quality and the model’s training; some prompts may need iteration to get ideal outcomes.

Practical tips

• Start with concise, example prompts (mood + era + tempo) and use the Ideas tab if you’re unsure what to ask.
• Use the explainability notes to tweak phrasing — e.g., “more lo‑fi jazz, less vocal” — until the playlist matches your taste.
• If privacy is a concern, review Spotify’s data settings and whether you can limit how much historical listening is applied.

Prompted Playlist sits alongside Spotify’s other playlist tools rather than replacing them, offering another way to discover music that fits a specific vision. Watch for broader availability as Spotify expands the beta beyond New Zealand and adds more language support.

Discussion: Would you rather have Spotify craft playlists from your listening history or write detailed prompts to steer recommendations — what prompt would you try first?