Spotify is releasing a Spanish-language version of its AI DJ feature (the first time in a language other than English).
AI DJ is the app’s AI guide that introduces personalized song selections to users. On Tuesday, Spotify announced the launch of a Spanish-speaking AI DJ. Like the original AI DJ “X,” whose voice was based on an existing Spotify employee (Xavier “X” Jernigan), the Spanish-speaking voice is also based on a real person: Olivia “Livi” Quiroz Roa, the company’s senior music editor.
See also: Spotify: Users can now leave comments on podcasts
Spotify’s AI DJ first launched last year and serves as an intelligent audio guide that introduces music using a realistic voice. According to Spotify’s internal data, DJ users listen to a lot of music, and usage of the feature has continued to grow (200%) over the past year.
The feature itself was built using technologies from OpenAI and Sonantic (an AI voice platform that Spotify acquired in 2022). DJ X was initially chosen to use his voice for the AI.
Now, Spanish-speaking Roa has been chosen as the newest voice for the AI DJ after a long casting and extensive testing. Spotify found that the voice was the most acceptable to listeners. Listeners said the voice sounded familiar, like they were hearing music recommendations from a friend. X won’t disappear with the release of “Livi,” but customers will be able to logically choose which AI DJ they prefer.
See also: Spotify to host 250,000 video podcasts by 2024
“We have millions of Spanish-speaking listeners on Spotify, many of whom have taken to social media to ask about AI DJ,” Spotify said in a statement. “In fact, in the last few months, we’ve seen a more than 215% increase in social conversations around AI DJ in Spanish,” the company said.
According to Spotify’s announcement, the Spanish-speaking AI DJ will be available to Premium in markets where DJ X is already offered and in other markets across Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. “Livi” is considered a “beta” test, for now.
See also: Spotify Jam may soon get a chat feature
Benefits for users
The introduction of 'Livi' will offer a more personalized listening experience for Spanish-speaking users, allowing them to interact with the app in their native language.
Additionally, 'Livi' can improve its understanding and recognition of users' musical preferences, offering recommendations and playlists that better match their preferences. This can lead to greater user satisfaction and engagement.
Users will be able to discover new music from Spanish-speaking artists, enhancing cultural diversity and the visibility of the Spanish-speaking music scene.
Finally, 'Livi' can help improve Spotify's accessibility for Spanish-speaking users, making the platform more friendly and accessible to a wider audience. This could lead to an increase in the number of users and the expansion of the service's global reach.
Source: techcrunch.com
