Trusting Instincts and User Testing in Product Innovation

We’re back! And today we dig into Spotify’s AI DJ. Since its inception, radio provided a music format that was convenient and simple, but far from personal. Spotify’s solution? AI DJ, a bespoke experience that provides listeners with the content they want through generative AI technology.

After years of experimentation, we created a product that captures the fun and usefulness of a radio DJ, but builds on it to make it a personalized experience meant just for you. From tackling the gap between “mind free” listening and “mind busy” listening, to relentless weekly user testing, the path to the AI DJ took many twists and turns before it landed in the lap of listeners. When the concept of the product was ready, we just had one more question: Who would become the first-ever “Voice of Spotify?” Follow along and hear the full story as we dive into AI DJ’s journey, from conception to launch.

This episode features interviews with Ziad Sultan (Spotify’s VP of Personalization), Xavier “X” Jernigan (Spotify’s head of cultural partnerships and the voice of AI DJ), Emily Galloway (Spotify’s Head of Personalization Design).