Spotify is cranking up the personalization dial and giving music lovers a whole new way to vibe. The streaming giant has just launched a fresh, interactive update to its AI-powered DJ feature — and now, you can literally talk to it.
In essence, your Spotify DJ isn’t just a playlist generator anymore; it’s your personal music buddy who’s ready to take requests on the fly.
DJ has already become a fan favorite, acting like that one friend who always knows the perfect track for every mood. Whether you’re powering through a workout, setting the tone for a romantic night in, or throwing a last-minute kitchen dance party, DJ’s been there with the goods.
In fact, Spotify says DJ listener engagement has nearly doubled over the past year. Now, they’re upping the game.
How does it work?
Premium users in more than 60 markets can now make real-time, voice-powered music requests through DJ. No more scrolling endlessly or settling for what’s next in the queue — just press a button, say what you want, and DJ takes care of the rest.
To try it out, head to the Search tab, type in “DJ,” and press play. When it’s time to mix things up, press and hold the DJ button in the lower right corner until you hear a beep — that’s your cue to speak your request. And feel free to get specific. You can ask for things like:
- “Play me some electronic beats for a midday run.”
- “Surprise me with some indie tracks I’ve never heard before.”
- “Give me K-pop hits with strong choreography vibes.”
- “Play something chill for a rainy afternoon.”
Or get a little extra with, “Play me some cry-in-the-car songs.”
If you’re unsure what you’re craving, a quick tap of the DJ button will skip you to a new vibe — no awkward requests necessary.
The voice of DJ?
Still the charismatic Xavier “X” Jernigan, whose smooth commentary and curated picks have made him a virtual companion for many. Now, you can actually chat with him (sort of) and steer your session wherever you want.
Sure, voice recognition in apps isn’t exactly new tech, and there might be a few quirks in this beta version, especially with super-niche requests.
But Spotify’s leaning into a bigger trend: turning music streaming from a passive background activity into an interactive, AI-powered, voice-led experience.
