Music apps add AI DJs, but some listeners say the talk ruins songs

In short: Music streaming apps are adding optional AI DJs that talk between songs, and some listeners say the fake banter and shaky facts get in the way.

What's going on

YouTube Music and Spotify have been testing “AI DJ” features, which are computer-made hosts that speak between tracks. Think of it like a radio DJ, but generated by software. The goal is to set the mood and share context about what you are hearing.

In a Wired report, writer Reece Rogers describes YouTube Music’s experimental AI DJ, called “Beyond the Beat,” as interrupting playlists with about 30 seconds of commentary. Rogers says the feature often gives long, vague explanations and even mispronounces artist names. In one example, it introduced a Charli XCX song but said the name wrong and added a long speech that Rogers felt had little substance.

Rogers also describes an example where the AI DJ offered detailed commentary about a remix that was not actually played next. That mismatch made the feature feel unreliable. Spotify’s AI DJ works a bit differently, since it also picks songs based on what you have listened to before, like an automated mixtape that talks.

Spotify recently expanded its AI DJ with more voice options and more controls over how much it speaks. Spotify also said in a launch post that “80 percent of listeners” return to DJ week after week.

What to watch

Both companies keep these AI DJs optional, which matters if users decide the talking is more annoying than helpful. The next question is whether streaming apps can make these hosts accurate and brief, or whether more people will simply switch them off.

Source: Wired