Spotify has introduced a new feature called “smart filters”, designed to give users greater control over how they organize and discover content within their libraries. The feature enables filtering by activity, mood, or genre, making it easier for users to locate music suited to specific situations or preferences. Beyond music, these filters can also be applied to playlists, and to a limited extent, audiobooks and podcasts. Additionally, applying a filter can initiate a session with Spotify’s AI DJ, further enhancing personalization.
The rollout of smart filters began on Friday and is initially available to Premium subscribers on mobile devices and tablets in select markets. These include the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa, with a broader release expected in the coming weeks.
This update continues Spotify’s trend of introducing new personalization tools; In recent months, the company has implemented several features aimed at strengthening user engagement. In April, Spotify launched tools allowing users to create personalized playlists using AI-generated prompts. In May, it followed with new playlist management options and the ability to design custom cover art. Users can also interact with the AI DJ to tailor music selections or rely on long-standing features like the revamped Discover Weekly playlist.
While these innovations expand customization, they have also contributed to growing concerns about Spotify’s user interface. Some users argue the app is becoming cluttered due to the introduction of numerous social features, including messaging, podcast comments, polls, Q&As, stories, and video content such as music videos and video podcasts. Critics suggest the design is beginning to resemble platforms like TikTok or YouTube, which may not align with user expectations for a streamlined music experience.
Complaints about an overly complex interface and heavy reliance on algorithmic suggestions have, in some cases, prompted users to leave the platform. Nevertheless, Spotify continues to see growth. According to its latest quarterly report, the company’s total user base increased 11% year over year, reaching 696 million, while paid subscribers rose 12% to 276 million. These figures suggest that despite criticism, the platform’s continuous investment in personalization and engagement features is contributing to overall expansion.
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