Is Spotify DJ Available on Desktop?
Spotify, the global music streaming giant, has launched another innovative feature to enhance personalized music experiences: Spotify DJ. This new addition uses artificial intelligence to create customized playlists and provide engaging commentary, much like the human DJs or radio personalities we've enjoyed on FM and satellite radio for years.
Initially launched in February 2024, Spotify DJ began as a Beta feature. It was limited to Premium members in the United States and Canada and was available only in English. Additionally, it was restricted to Android and iOS smartphones, requiring users to cast from their mobile device to the desktop.
However, these limitations have been mostly removed. You can now enjoy Spotify DJ directly on your computer or over the web without needing to cast from a mobile device.
### How Does Spotify DJ Work?
Spotify DJ leverages three core technologies to deliver a personalized playlist with lifelike commentary. First, Spotify uses its extensive data on your listening habits to suggest music, craft mixes, and compile your Wrapped insights. This personalization is the foundation of the DJ feature.
Next, generative AI creates the DJ's commentary, enriched with insights from music editors who add trivia about the songs, artists, and genres. The final touch of authenticity comes from AI voice technology developed by Sonantic, a company acquired by Spotify in 2022. This technology transforms text into speech that sounds remarkably human. The AI voice closely resembles Xavier “X” Jernigan, Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships, adding a personal touch to the experience. Through this blend of technology and human-like expression, Spotify DJ offers playlists that combine new musical discoveries with your unique listening history.
### How to Get Spotify DJ
To access Spotify’s AI DJ, you must be a Premium subscriber, which costs $9.99 per month for a single account. You can subscribe via Spotify’s official website.
Before proceeding, ensure your Spotify app, whether on desktop or mobile, is up to date. You can check for updates in your app store or by clicking on your profile picture and selecting ‘Update Spotify Now’ for the desktop version.
1. Open Spotify on your preferred device and go to the Home screen.
2. Navigate to the ‘Music’ tab at the top of your screen.
3. Look for a blue box with a green circular icon and a friendly greeting—this is your entry to the DJ experience.
4. Tap the Play button on the DJ card to start.
5. If you want to save this feature for later, tap the Plus sign next to the box to add DJ to Your Library for easy access.
### What to Do If Spotify DJ Isn't Showing Up
If you can’t find the DJ feature on your device, several factors could be affecting this:
1. Ensure your Spotify account is up to date. Check for updates in your app store or within Spotify under your profile picture if you’re on a desktop.
2. Verify that you have a Spotify Premium subscription since the AI DJ feature is exclusive to Premium members.
3. The availability of the AI DJ feature may vary by region. It’s accessible in select markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
4. Confirm that the AI DJ feature is enabled in your account settings. Go to the “Playback” section and ensure the “AI DJ” option is toggled on.
5. If issues persist, try logging out and back into your Spotify account to refresh your settings and access new features.
### How to Use Spotify DJ
To make the most of Spotify AI DJ, follow these steps:
1. Open Spotify and go to the Music Feed tab on the Home screen.
2. Press the Play button to start immediately, or click the Plus icon to save the feature to your Music Library.
3. After a brief introduction, the feature will curate music based on several themes:
* **From Your Past**: Rediscover nostalgic songs.
* **New Releases**: Stay updated with the latest music.
* **Based on Recent Listening**: Enjoy tracks inspired by your recent listening history.
* **Recommended for You** and **Editor’s Picks**: Get personalized recommendations and editor-curated selections.
4. To change the theme, tap the circular blue icon at the bottom left of your screen. The DJ will select new music based on your preference.
5. The more you interact with the DJ by indicating your likes and dislikes, the better it tailors recommendations to your taste.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Is Spotify DJ available on desktop?**
Yes, Spotify DJ is now available on desktop. Ensure your Spotify app is up to date. You may need to update or reinstall the app to enable this feature. Alternatively, you can use Spotify Connect to cast Spotify DJ from your phone.
**What is the name of the DJ on Spotify?**
The AI DJ on Spotify is based on the voice of Xavier “X” Jernigan, Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships, adding his charismatic persona to the AI experience.
**Is Spotify DJ only available to Premium members?**
Yes, Spotify DJ is exclusive to Premium subscription members, offering algorithmically driven music recommendations with AI-generated commentary.
### Conclusion
Spotify’s venture into AI DJing adds an exciting dimension to the music streaming experience. Through a combination of personalization, generative AI, and the unique voice of Xavier “X” Jernigan, Spotify DJ delivers playlists with commentary that feels remarkably human. As this feature continues to improve, it will make music streaming even more enjoyable and tailored to your tastes.