Spotify is adding more AI gunk for podcasts and audiobooks

Source: Engadget

Investor Day announcements

Premium users in the US will soon be able to generate personal podcasts that explain certain topics and provide daily briefings.

Spotify held its latest investor day event on Thursday, unveiling several updates for podcasts and audiobooks, many of which involve generative AI.

AI‑enhanced podcast features

Spotify says you’ll soon be able to ask a chatbot questions about a podcast episode you’re listening to in order to get clarification, more context, or recommendations related to a host or guest. Premium users in the US, Sweden, and Ireland are the first to receive this feature, which launches today.

The company explains that the tool lets you “delve deeper without leaving Spotify,” echoing other tech firms’ efforts to keep users inside their ecosystems—similar to Google’s AI‑powered Search enhancements.

Personal podcasts

Spotify is expanding a tool that lets users generate “personal podcasts.” Announced last month, the feature lets you use AI agents such as OpenClaw and Claude Code to create synthetic audio. After entering a prompt, the system generates audio that draws from your Spotify taste profile, world knowledge, and any additional context you provide (text, PDFs, or links). A new desktop app called Studio by Spotify Labs integrates with this workflow.

These personal podcasts can serve as:

• Explainers on specific topics
• Daily briefings
• Updates on local concerts featuring artists you like

Generated episodes are saved privately in your library, and you can schedule daily or weekly creation. Eligible Premium users in the US will gain access next month, receiving a set number of credits each month. Additional credits can be purchased if needed.

Audiobook updates

Spotify is also introducing new add‑on tiers for Audiobooks+. Premium members currently receive 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with the option to buy more via Audiobooks+ top‑ups. This summer, higher‑limit Audiobooks+ options will become available, followed later in the year by family and student plans.

The platform is extending its Prompted Playlists feature—already used for music and podcasts—to audiobooks. This tool can generate a playlist based on your description, listening history, and broader contextual cues about what’s happening in the world. Prompted Playlists for audiobooks are slated for release this summer.