YouTube rolls out an AI playlist generator for Premium users
Source: TechCrunch
In Brief
Posted: 3:52 AM PST · February 10, 2026
Image Credits: Thiago Prudêncio / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images
YouTube is rolling out a new AI‑powered playlist‑generation feature that allows Premium users on iOS and Android to create playlists from text prompts.
How to use the AI playlist feature
- On Android or iOS, tap the New button in the Library tab of YouTube Music.
- Select AI… (see tweet for illustration).
- Enter a prompt via text or voice, such as “raging death metal,” “sad post‑rock,” “progressive house mix for a chill party,” “indie pop,” or “90s classic hits.”
- The app builds a personalized playlist based on the prompt.
“YouTube Premium and @YouTubeMusic Premium users can now instantly turn an idea, mood or genre into a personalized playlist using our new AI playlist feature 🎧” – Updates From YouTube (@UpdatesFromYT) (February 9, 2026)
Background
YouTube has been experimenting with AI‑generated playlists for some time. In July 2024, the company tested a feature that let users create custom radio stations using prompts in the U.S. TechCrunch article.
Other streaming services have launched similar AI‑driven tools:
- Spotify – personalized AI playlists built from prompts TechCrunch
- Amazon Music – AI playlist generator “Maestro” TechCrunch
- Deezer – AI playlist and radio creation TechCrunch
Recent Premium changes
YouTube is working to make its Premium plan more attractive. Earlier this week, the company began restricting free users from viewing song lyrics on the YouTube Music app 9to5Google. The restriction is described as an experiment affecting a small percentage of ad‑supported users; lyrics remain available to the vast majority of free users.
Subscription growth
Google has seen an uptick in its subscription business, with YouTube playing a key role. Earlier this month, Google reported 325 million paying users across Google One and YouTube Premium TechCrunch.