YouTube Music has begun rolling out a new AI-based playlist generator for Premium subscribers on Android and iOS, marking a major step in Google’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into its consumer services. The new feature allows users to create customised playlists by simply describing what they want to hear, offering a faster and more personalised way to discover music.
The update also highlights YouTube Music’s increasing focus on Premium-only enhancements, as competition intensifies among streaming platforms to deliver smarter and more tailored listening experiences.
In an X post, the company said YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscribers can now build personalised playlists simply by describing an idea, mood, or genre.
The feature is accessible directly within the Library tab of the YouTube Music app. Users need to tap the New button, select AI Playlist, and then enter a prompt using either voice or text. Prompts can be as general or as specific as the listener wants.
Examples range from broad requests like “indie pop” or “90s classic hits” to more detailed prompts such as a "progressive house mix for a chill party." The AI then generates a playlist based on the description provided.
Google has not yet clarified how much control users will have over the generated playlists or how flexible the tool will be when it comes to editing, refining, or regenerating results. Despite the lack of detailed technical explanation, the integration of AI Playlist directly into playlist creation suggests a more hands-on and intentional experience compared to earlier experiments.
Previously, YouTube Music tested features like Ask Music and prompt-based AI radio generation, which leaned more toward continuous playback. The new AI Playlist tool feels closer to a dedicated playlist builder, giving users more ownership over their listening sessions.
The rollout comes at a time when music streaming platforms are rapidly adopting AI-driven discovery tools. Spotify launched a similar prompt-based playlist feature just last month, while rivals such as Amazon Music and Deezer have also introduced AI-assisted playlist and radio functionalities.
By adding AI Playlist as a built-in feature for Premium users, YouTube Music is positioning itself more competitively in the evolving streaming landscape, where personalisation and ease of discovery are becoming key differentiators.
The AI playlist generator also aligns with YouTube’s broader strategy to make Premium subscriptions more attractive. In recent months, the company has expanded paid-only features while testing limitations for free users, including restricted access to song lyrics on some ad-supported accounts.
Google recently said it now has 325 million paying users across Google One and YouTube Premium, underlining the company’s push to grow subscription-based revenue through exclusive tools and enhanced experiences.
With AI Playlist, YouTube Music Premium users gain a faster, more intuitive way to build playlists without manually searching or curating tracks. As AI becomes more central to music discovery, features like this could redefine how listeners explore genres, moods, and new artists—while further separating Premium experiences from free tiers.