Spotify (News - Alert) is working on a new feature allowing users to create AI playlists, as found in the platform’s backend code.
Spotify is the world’s undisputed leader in audio streaming. And the Swedish provider is reportedly going all in on artificial intelligence, according to the discovery of product consultant and hashtag inventor Chris Messina. The American blogger recently posted screenshots of the streaming service’s backend on Threads, which show lines of code hinting at a brand-new feature called “AI Playlist.” A leaked line of text also reads “Get playlists based on your prompts.” The tech veteran hypothesized that this algorithmically generated functionality could be part of Spotify Blend, allowing multiple users to mix their music tastes with AI.
The streaming giant refused to elaborate further. Approached by the design and technology website Gizmodo, a spokesperson for the company steered clear of any comment on the speculation surrounding these possible features. “We are constantly iterating and ideating,” they simply added. However, such new elements would be on par with the streaming service’s latest fiddling with artificial intelligence.
Earlier in February, Spotify rolled out an AI-powered DJ feature. Only available to Premium subscribers in Canada and the U.S., this computerized song-spinner combined the company’s own personalization technology with OpenAI’s generative AI. This robotic DJ can scan new releases based on a user’s music taste profile and come up with songs that a user has repeatedly listened to in the past. Apart from creating auto-generated playlists, Spotify’s DJ intermittently provides facts and insights about any of the tracks, artists, and genres.
While innovative, this music curation tool caused backlash among even tech-savvy circles. News outlets like Wired bluntly stated that the company’s AI DJ had no soul, while other observers deemed the feature rather unnecessary. And the controversies around AI kept going online. In May 2023, Spotify cracked down on tens of thousands of AI-generated songs. 7% of the tracks created through the AI music service Boomy were removed from the platform due to suspicions of artificial streaming.
Yet, this didn’t stop users from procedurally generating tracks, some using the voices of real-life artists without their consent. Titled Heart on My Sleeve, a fake duet between Drake and The Weeknd took the internet world by storm. The track amassed tens of millions of views online in days. This viral – and unauthorized – song mimicking the two Canadian superstars even resurfaced lately as its human creator submitted it for Grammy consideration, prompting the Recording Academy chief to clarify that the track was not eligible, for its vocals were not obtained legally.
The music industry is far from the only sector to struggle with AI and its far-reaching implications. The screenwriter’s strike that shook Hollywood made it clear that the human factor in the movie industry refused to surrender to artificial intelligence. In a recent development, writers secured a significant win by successfully negotiating strong regulations over the use of generative AI. However, more controversies have hit Hollywood A-listers lately, including deep fake ads using AI versions of actor Tom Hanks without permission.
That said, not all industries are reluctant to promote artificial intelligence. Ever the trailblazer, the gaming industry has been pioneering many computerized tools to enhance player experience. For instance, AI algorithms can generate content seamlessly while adding depth and complexity to non-playable characters and the interactions players have with them. Artificial intelligence also works wonders to offer a secure and fair environment. Incidentally, numerous online platforms offering games of luck use AI to detect and prevent fraud.
That’s why users can safely visit the best online casinos. For newcomers hesitant about which platform to pick, reviewers publish thorough guidelines going over various decision-making factors. Online recommendations pay extra attention to fair terms and conditions, putting only licensed and reputable websites front and center. Hence, users can browse through hundreds of machine slots, tabletop classics, and live dealer games risk-free.
Arguably, developers and gamers are more used to embracing artificial intelligence than many other mediums. Yet, the AI controversies marring the music industry are not painting an accurate picture either. Using machine learning and algorithms is crucial for streaming services like Spotify to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of their listeners. Despite vehemently denouncing fraudulent AI songs hijacking their artists’ library, even Universal Music Group (News - Alert) leaned into the controversial technology with the launch of an AI music incubator. New AI-centric features will, therefore, keep emerging on platforms like Spotify. And they most definitely are here to stay.
