Spotify DJ Has Changed the Way I Discover and Enjoy Music
Spotify has been gradually enhancing its AI features since 2023, starting with the introduction of its personalized DJ. At first, it felt more like a novelty than a truly useful tool. While spotify DJ occasionally surprised me with hidden gems and old favorites, it lacked the customization I really wanted.
That started to change in 2024 with the launch of AI-generated playlists, and now in 2025, Spotify’s AI tools — especially the DJ — have evolved into something I use almost every day.
A Slow Start, but a Strong Finish
When Spotify’s DJ first launched, I didn’t take it too seriously. It would occasionally recommend music I liked, but it couldn’t respond to real-time preferences or adapt to my mood. Things improved with AI playlists in 2024, but I still used them casually — more as an experiment than a habit.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Spotify has made some meaningful changes. Most importantly, the DJ can now take specific requests. This has transformed it from a passive assistant into an interactive music companion. Whether I’m working out, cleaning, or just relaxing, I can ask for something new — and usually get it.
Do you use Spotify’s DJ and AI Playlist features?
Why Spotify DJ Works for Me
Everyone experiences music differently. Some listeners are extremely precise — they know exactly what they want to hear and in what order. My daughter is one of them.
I’m the opposite. My tastes bounce from country to heavy metal, then screamo, pop, and indie — all in the span of 15 minutes. I love variety, and I love discovering new music.
In the past, I relied on radio, live events, or word of mouth to find new songs. Eventually, Spotify’s recommendations became my go-to:
- Hearing music in public, then looking it up later.
- Recommended playlists on Spotify’s Home tab.
- Creating radio stations based on artists or songs I already liked.
- Exploring user-made playlists in different genres.
Then came the DJ in 2023. It played five-song segments tailored to my taste, mixing in new tracks, old favorites, and forgotten hits. It worked — to an extent. But I hated when it played calm instrumental tracks while I was doing cardio.
AI Playlists Made Discovery Smarter
In 2024, AI-generated playlists added a layer of control. I could enter detailed prompts to build custom playlists — but specificity was key. Telling it “no 80s music” didn’t always work. But saying “only music from the 60s, 90s, and 2000s onward” gave me far better results.
These playlists helped me discover more new music in months than I had in years. My library, once dominated by songs from the 80s to early 2010s, now includes dozens of tracks released after 2020. Even my daughter is annoyed we now share a few favorites — thanks, Spotify!
2025: Real-Time Requests and Smarter Suggestions
With this year’s update, the DJ now allows direct song requests. This is a game-changer. If I’m in the mood for reggae or smooth jazz, I can just ask. It’s faster than swapping playlists and more personal than algorithmic guesswork.
Just today, I asked for songs like Sharks by Imagine Dragons. While some tracks were familiar, others like Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man were new to my playlists. Yes, it even played Sharks again — but I didn’t mind.
Combined with AI playlists, this new version of DJ has completely changed how I discover and enjoy music on Spotify Dj.
But It’s Not Perfect Yet
Despite the improvements, there’s still room to grow.
- Interactivity is still limited. You have to manually press the Request button. That means pulling out your phone every time you want to change the vibe.
- No voice control yet. I’d love to see integration with Google Assistant or Gemini, allowing voice prompts like “Play chill lo-fi jazz” or “Give me 2000s pop-rock.”
- Recommendations need more context. Sometimes the DJ repeats songs I’ve overplayed in the past. If I’ve stopped listening to a track for a reason, the AI should catch on.
- Prompt handling in AI playlists can be shaky. Occasionally, it misunderstands instructions or returns too few options. A simple prompt like “Please clarify” would go a long way in improving the experience.
Spotify Is Leading the AI Music Race — For Now
Spotify isn’t the only player exploring AI-powered music discovery. YouTube Music now has its own AI-driven radio tool. But Spotify is clearly ahead, with deeper integration and more useful features.
That said, the AI still needs tuning. At times, it nails my taste. Other times, the results are completely off. The more I interact with it — skipping tracks or making direct requests — the better it gets. It’s not perfect on day one, but it improves quickly.
Final Thoughts
Spotify’s AI features have genuinely reshaped my music habits. They help me explore more, rediscover lost favorites, and stay current with less effort. If Spotify can fine-tune its customization and expand voice control or assistant integration, it could soon become the gold standard for music discovery.
