YouTube has introduced a generative AI playlist feature for Premium subscribers on iOS and Android. It lets users create custom listening queues via text or voice prompts entered directly into the app.
Functionality sits within the Library tab. Subscribers selecting New and then AI playlist can input descriptive phrases related to mood, genre, activity, or sonic reference points. An algorithm generates a corresponding playlist in response.
This feature places YouTube in direct competition with rival streaming platforms that have already commercialized AI assisted curation.
Spotify introduced its AI Playlist feature for Premium users in select markets in 2024. Amazon Music and Deezer have since launched comparable generative radio and playlist tools.
This playlist trial coincides with broader efforts to increase the value proposition of YouTube’s paid subscription bundle.
YouTube characterized the change as a small scale experiment and said the vast majority of ad supported users retain access to lyrics.
Google has consistently flagged subscription revenue growth in recent earnings reports. YouTube Premium, together with YouTube TV and Music, functions as a key driver within that consumer subscription portfolio.
