Spotify is testing a new way to take control of its algorithm, just in time for anyone building a holiday soundtrack.
The company has begun rolling out Prompted Playlists, an AI-powered feature that lets users describe the exact vibe they want, then generates a custom playlist built around those instructions and their listening habits.
The feature, now in beta and launching first in New Zealand, essentially flips the concept behind Discover Weekly. Instead of waiting for Spotify to guess your taste, you can type as much or as little detail as you want, anything from “cosy Christmas jazz for baking cookies” to “chaotic Yuletide pop with zero slow songs.” Spotify’s AI then pulls together a tailored mix based on the prompt and your personal history on the app.
What makes Prompted Playlists even more interesting is the option to have them refresh automatically using the same prompt. It turns the feature into a user-controlled version of Discover Weekly, giving listeners a way to shape their own algorithm rather than simply react to it. Spotify did introduce more customisation for Discover Weekly earlier this year, allowing users to prioritise genres, but this level of direct control is new territory.
It’s also part of a broader strategy. Spotify’s AI DJ gained similar voice-prompt abilities in May, and the company has been steadily adding tools that offer more intentional, personalised listening. The trend isn’t unique to Spotify either, Instagram recently announced its own prompt-based controls to help fine-tune the feed algorithm, reflecting a wider shift toward giving users more say in what they actually see and hear.
For now, Prompted Playlists remain in testing, but it’s shaping up to be a compelling addition to Spotify’s growing AI toolkit, and, potentially, the easiest way to build the perfect Christmas playlist without scrolling through endless holiday hits yourself.
If (or when) Spotify expands this globally, your next festive mixtape might start with nothing more than typing a few words.
