Spotify’s foray into artificial intelligence began with the introduction of its AI DJ feature, which curates bespoke song recommendations for its users. Building on this innovation, the company is now in the process of developing a Spanish-speaking variant of the AI DJ.
Tech expert and reverse engineer Chris Messina discovered references to this new AI DJ in the app’s code. His findings indicate that users will have the option to switch the AI DJ’s language from English to Spanish. Additionally, the code reveals the new DJ’s name, “DJ Livi.” Preliminary code analysis also suggests that this AI DJ will be accessible in Mexico.
If implemented, DJ Livi would mark the inaugural language expansion for this feature, following the global launch of the original AI DJ, DJ X, which was available exclusively in English.
Spotify did not contest these findings when approached for comment.
A Spotify representative stated, “At Spotify, we routinely conduct various tests designed to allow users to express themselves through the music they love. Some of these tests inform the development of our overall user experience, while others provide valuable insights. Currently, we have no additional information to share regarding future plans.”
In essence, Spotify has yet to solidify any concrete plans for launching an AI DJ specifically for Spanish-speaking users, as the feature is currently in the experimental phase. However, targeting this demographic would be a strategic move for Spotify, considering the global prominence of the Spanish language, which is second only to English, Mandarin, and Hindi. Additionally, Spanish holds significant sway in the U.S. market — an essential area for Spotify — where over 42 million individuals speak Spanish at home. Should this feature be released, it’s likely that users would have the option to set their AI DJ to Spanish.
Exploring AI DJ capabilities is just one facet of Spotify’s broader experimentation with AI technologies. The company has been delving into AI-generated host-read ads for podcasts and crafting personalized AI playlists based on user prompts. Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has also hinted at broader applications of AI within the company, encompassing areas such as personalized user experiences, targeted advertisements, and podcast summarization.
