YouTube is rolling out a new AI-powered playlist generation feature that lets Premium users on iOS and Android create playlists using simple text prompts.
To access the feature, users can head to the Library tab, tap the “New” button and select the “AI playlist” option. From there, they can enter a text or voice prompt describing the kind of music they want, with examples ranging from “raging death metal” and “sad post-rock” to “progressive house mix for a chill party,” “indie pop,” or “90s classic hits.”
YouTube has been experimenting with AI-driven playlist creation for some time. In July 2024, the company tested a feature in the US that allowed users to generate custom radio stations using prompts.
Rival streaming platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer have also introduced AI-powered playlist or radio creation tools.
The new feature is part of YouTube’s broader effort to make its Premium subscription more appealing. Earlier this week, the company began limiting access to song lyrics for some free users on the YouTube Music app. YouTube said the change was an experiment affecting a small percentage of ad-supported users, adding that lyrics remain available to the majority of free listeners.
Google has reported growing momentum in its subscription business, with YouTube playing a central role. Earlier this month, the company said it now has 325 million paying users across Google One and YouTube Premium.
