Spotify is empowering playlist enthusiasts with a novel Mix feature (now in beta), enabling Premium subscribers to craft DJ-style transitions that make their playlists flow effortlessly.
Available through the playlist toolbar, Mix lets users choose between an “Auto” blend or tailor transitions using presets like Fade or Rise, while adjusting volume, EQ, and effect curves, aided by visual waveform and beat data for precision.
Open an existing or new playlist.
Tap the Mix button in the toolbar.
Choose Auto for quick blending, or customize transitions with Fade, Rise, and more.
Adjust technical settings (volume, EQ, effects) using waveform visuals and beat matching.
Save your mix, toggle it on or off, and share or collaborate with other Premium users.
This upgrade elevates personal listening—be it during workouts or parties—by turning playlists into dynamic musical journeys, without requiring advanced software tools.
With nearly nine billion playlists created on the platform to date, Spotify recognizes music isn’t just about the tracks but also their progression. The Mix feature enhances the emotional arc of a playlist, helping users curate energy flow and genre coherence—ideal for dance, ambient, or mood-specific sets.
Apple Music, too, is entering the mix game with AutoMix, debuting in iOS 26. AutoMix employs AI to analyze song attributes—like tempo and beat structure—to orchestrate smooth, DJ-style transitions via time-stretching and beat matching. This feature is part of Apple’s broader iOS 26 revamp and can be enabled under Settings > Music.
Early reactions back its potential, though some users report it prematurely cuts into song beginnings or endings—skipping verses unintentionally.
In 2025, Spotify is continuing its focus on user-centric features, with a major push toward giving listeners more creative control over their music experience. The most notable new addition is a DJ-style mixing tool that allows for seamless, personalized playlist transitions.
Playlist "Mix" Tool: Now in beta for Premium subscribers, the new "Mix" feature lets you add and customize transitions between tracks on your playlists. You can use preset styles like "Fade" or "Rise" or manually adjust volume, EQ, and effects using waveform and beat data. The tool also automatically displays each song's key and beats per minute (BPM) to help you create a smooth, natural-sounding flow. This feature is a direct competitor to Apple Music's new AutoMix.
AI Enhancements: Spotify is expanding its AI capabilities to make music discovery and curation more intuitive.
AI Playlist Generator: This feature, now available in more than 40 new markets, uses generative AI to create a playlist based on a simple text prompt. You can use phrases like "upbeat pop music for my European summer vacation" or "chill vibes for a rainy day" to get a tailored list of songs.
AI DJ: The AI DJ feature has received an upgrade that allows it to take voice requests. You can now verbally ask the DJ to play a specific genre or mood.
Snooze and Hide Features: To give you more control over your recommendations, Spotify has introduced a "Snooze" feature that temporarily removes a track from your recommendations for 30 days. The "Hide" button has also been improved, allowing you to hide a track from a specific playlist.
New Podcast Features: The platform has launched a dedicated "Following" feed for podcasts and added a new "In this episode" section, which creators can use to link to songs or content they mention in their episodes.
Playlist Management and Social Features: You can now add custom cover art to your mixed playlists using stickers and labels. The "Mix" feature also supports collaborative playlists, allowing other Premium subscribers to contribute to the mix.
Whether you prefer hands-on control with Spotify’s Mix or the AI-driven simplicity of Apple’s AutoMix, streaming apps are transforming how playlists are experienced—moving from tracks to transitions.