The latest player to join this AI revolution currently being led by Open AI chatbot ChatGPT is Spotify with an AI DJ. The AI DJ, according to the company, curates and commentates on an ever-changing personalized playlist.
In a demonstrative video (see below), the AI DJ talks like a radio presenter, giving some information about the artists and songs that are about to be played as the songs transition smoothly from one to the next.
The playlist the DJ plays from is endless and customized for you based on your listening patterns. However, you can still switch genres or actors by hitting a DJ button that appears on the screen. The AI DJ will also play new releases that you might like based on your taste, as well as go back in time to play those bangers you used to listen to a few years back if you have been a long-term Spotify user.
The commentary in between songs is made possible by Sonantic AI, a company Spotify purchased last year. Spotify, however, does not let the AI do all the heavy lifting, as it has also put in place a group of music experts, culture experts, data curators and scriptwriters to keep the AI in check.
“While the DJ is launching in Beta, we have a high element of human touch to ensure commentary is accurate, culturally relevant, and matches the personality of the DJ. We’re working with some very emerging technology, so we’re definitely going to be evolving this process as we go on,” explains Emily Galloway, the Head of Product Design for Personalization at Spotify
When asked whether the output from the AI will be unique for every user, Spotify clarified that the commentary around each artist will be similar. However, the order in which listeners receive the commentary will be unique and based on their listening habits.
If you do not like the current voice of the AI DJ, Spotify says that there will be more virtual hosts to select from later on. This might come in useful for people who would prefer a more laid-back DJ or one who is more upbeat and energetic
Unfortunately, as the product is still in Beta, the AI DJ has been restricted to Premium Spotify subscribers in the US and Canada. Once it is matured enough and the kinks have been ironed out, it will hopefully make its way to the rest of the world.
