Spotify launches 'Taste Profile' in US, allowing users to fine-tune recommendations

Taste Profile Arrives in the US

Spotify has launched its "Taste Profile" feature for Premium subscribers in the United States. This tool provides users with insight into how Spotify's AI understands their listening habits across music, podcasts, and audiobooks. It allows for direct interaction to refine recommendation algorithms.

Functionality and Customization

Users can now request changes to their recommendations using natural language commands. This enables them to ask for more variety, adjust genre or artist preferences, or modify the overall 'vibe' of suggested content. The feature is designed to give listeners more control over their personalized feeds, including Discover Weekly and Made for You playlists.

Addressing Recommendation Limitations

Previously, Spotify offered limited options for users to influence their recommendations, primarily allowing the exclusion of specific tracks or playlists. The new Taste Profile addresses common issues such as repetitive recommendations or suggestions based on passively consumed audio, like sleep sounds or music played by others on a shared account. This expands on recent additions like the toggle to prevent kids' music from affecting parent recommendations.

Access and Impact

To access the feature, users navigate to their profile picture in the mobile app, select 'Taste Profile,' and then use the 'Tell us more' section to input their desired adjustments. The changes are typically reflected in recommendations within a few hours. This rollout to Spotify's largest market follows an initial beta phase in New Zealand and represents a significant update to user control over the platform's core recommendation system.