YouTube Introduces AI-Powered Music Playlist Creation for Premium Users
YouTube Adds AI Playlist Creation for Music Lovers
YouTube is expanding its use of artificial intelligence by introducing a new feature that automatically creates music playlists based on simple text prompts. The feature is now rolling out to YouTube Premium users on both iOS and Android.
Instead of manually searching and adding tracks, users can now describe the type of music they want to hear, and YouTube’s AI will instantly curate a playlist that matches the request.
How the AI Playlist Feature Works
Using the feature is straightforward. Users can head to the Library tab, tap the New button, and select AI Playlist. From there, they can type or use voice input to describe the mood, genre, or scenario they want music for.
Prompts can range from specific genres like raging death metal or sad post-rock to situational requests such as a progressive house mix for a chill party. The AI then analyzes the request and assembles a playlist in seconds, removing the friction of discovery and manual curation.
A Natural Evolution of YouTube’s AI Strategy
This move builds on YouTube’s earlier experiments with AI-driven music discovery. In mid-2024, the platform began testing AI-generated personalized radio stations in the United States. Expanding that concept into full playlist creation is a logical next step, especially for users who want deeper control without extra effort.
The goal is clear: help listeners discover new music while keeping them engaged longer inside the YouTube ecosystem.
Competing in the AI Music Streaming Race
The timing is no coincidence. Major competitors like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer have already introduced their own AI-powered playlist and discovery tools.
By launching AI playlist creation, YouTube signals that it intends to stay competitive in the increasingly crowded music streaming market, especially as personalization becomes a key differentiator.
Strengthening the Value of YouTube Premium
Beyond convenience, the feature also plays a strategic role in making YouTube Premium more appealing. At the same time as these AI tools are being introduced, YouTube has been experimenting with limiting certain music-related features for free users, according to statements given to TechCrunch.
While the company says those tests affect only a small group, the broader message is clear. Premium subscribers are increasingly positioned as the audience that receives the most advanced and flexible features.
Subscription Growth Drives Faster Innovation
YouTube is a major driver of Google’s subscription business, which now reportedly includes more than 325 million paying users across services like Google One and YouTube Premium.
As competition intensifies, rolling out AI-powered features like playlist generation is becoming essential not just for innovation, but for retaining subscribers who expect smarter and more personalized experiences.
AI Becomes the New DJ
With this update, YouTube is effectively turning AI into a personal DJ that responds instantly to taste, mood, and context. For Premium users, music discovery is no longer about searching and sorting but simply asking and listening.
Origin: Techcrunch
