Spotify Smart Filters: Find Music by Activity, Genre & Mood

Spotify Enhances User Experience with New Filtering Options

Spotify is expanding the options available to listeners for customizing their audio experience. A new feature has been introduced that enables users to categorize their music library based on activities, moods, or preferred genres.

These filtering capabilities extend beyond music, encompassing playlists and, to a degree, audiobooks and podcasts. Furthermore, the filters can initiate a new listening session with Spotify’s AI DJ.

Rollout and Availability

The implementation of these intelligent filters commenced on Friday. Initially, access will be granted to Premium subscribers utilizing mobile devices and tablets within specific regions.

These markets include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa. Spotify anticipates completing the global rollout within the coming weeks.

Focus on Personalization

This new feature aligns with Spotify’s recent emphasis on incorporating more personalization tools into its platform. Such additions, though appearing minor, serve to distinguish Spotify from its competitors.

They also increase user retention by making it less appealing for customers to switch to alternative services.

Recent Personalization Features

In April, Spotify launched tools allowing users to generate personalized playlists through AI prompts. Subsequently, in May, new playlist management functionalities were added.

Users can now also design custom cover art for their playlists. Direct voice interaction with the AI DJ is available to refine music selections, and the flagship Discover Weekly playlist has been revamped.

Interface Concerns

Despite these improvements, some users express concern that Spotify’s interface is becoming overly complex. This is particularly noticeable as the company integrates social networking elements.

These additions include messaging, podcast comments, polls, Q&A sessions, stories, and a design reminiscent of platforms like TikTok or YouTube, following the introduction of music and video podcasts.

User Feedback and Growth

Spotify has historically received feedback regarding a cluttered user interface. The continuous introduction of new features has led to frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed for some users.

Combined with a strong reliance on algorithmic recommendations, this has prompted a segment of the user base to seek alternatives.

However, Spotify continues to demonstrate growth, reporting an 11% increase in total users to 696 million in the last quarter, year-over-year. The number of subscribers also rose by 12%, reaching 276 million.