Spotify has expanded its AI DJ feature, an AI-powered guide that curates personalized song selections, to include its first language outside of English. On Tuesday, Spotify announced the launch of an AI DJ that speaks Spanish, confirming earlier reports by TechCrunch about the feature’s development. The Spanish-language voice is modelled after Olivia “Livi” Quiroz Roa, a senior music editor at Spotify based in Mexico City, similar to how the original AI DJ “X” was based on Spotify employee Xavier “X” Jernigan.
Introduced last year, Spotify’s AI DJ serves as a smart audio guide, offering music recommendations through a highly realistic voice. This feature is designed not only to showcase Spotify’s advancements in AI technology but also to increase music consumption on the app. According to Spotify’s internal data, DJ users tend to listen to more music, with usage of the feature growing by over 200% in the past year.
The AI DJ is powered by technologies from OpenAI and Sonantic, an AI voice platform acquired by Spotify in 2022. The original voice of DJ X mimics Jernigan’s voice, incorporating his slang and expressions.
After an extensive casting call, Spotify selected Roa as the newest voice for the AI DJ feature because her voice resonated strongly with listeners, who described it as relatable and friendly. Spotify noted that users felt as if they were receiving music recommendations from a friend. With the launch of “Livi,” users can choose between the original DJ X and the new Spanish-speaking DJ.
“We have millions of Spanish-speaking listeners on Spotify, many of whom have been actively asking about DJ on social media,” Spotify stated in its announcement. “Over the last few months, we’ve seen a 215% increase in social conversation about DJ in Spanish.”
TechCrunch previously reported on the development of the Spanish-speaking AI DJ feature in May when references to DJ “Livi” were discovered in the app’s code, along with indications that the feature would debut in Mexico. However, Spotify’s announcement confirms that “Livi” will be available to Premium listeners not only in Mexico but also in other Latin American markets where DJ X is offered, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
For now, “Livi” will be available as a “beta” test, allowing Spotify to refine the feature based on user feedback and engagement.
Main Image: Spotify