Spotify AI DJ Adds 9 Voices and Commentary Controls – TechRepublic

Spotify’s AI DJ can now play music without constantly talking over it. The streaming service is adding a switch to silence most between-song commentary, alongside nine new voices for listeners who prefer a more talkative DJ.

The changes began rolling out Nov. 10 to Spotify Premium subscribers in countries where DJ is already available. Seven new English voices and two Spanish voices join the original DJ X, giving listeners more choice over how the feature sounds.

Spotify says 80% of DJ users return to the feature each week. The company hasn’t disclosed how it calculated that figure, but the update gives those regular listeners something they’ve lacked: a way to keep the personalized recommendations without all the commentary.

How to change Spotify AI DJ voices and turn off commentary

According to Spotify’s announcement, the new English voices cover five accents, with different personalities and delivery styles.

Here’s the lineup:

• Casey (US): Relaxed and warm, with a slight drawl.
• Tess (US): Direct, confident, and conversational.
• Lane (US): Youthful energy with a Southern accent.
• Sam (Australia): Playful and outgoing.
• Nell (UK): Mellow and knowledgeable.
• Declan (Ireland): Enthusiastic and passionate about music.
• Nisha (India): Friendly and energetic.
• Nico (Mexico): Calm and attentive, speaking Spanish.
• Fabi (Mexico): Witty and upbeat, speaking Spanish.

The new voices join DJ X, Spotify’s original English-speaking AI host. The company hasn’t announced additional languages as part of this rollout.

Changing voices or turning off commentary takes just a few taps:

1. Open the Spotify mobile app and search for DJ.
2. Tap the three-dot menu on the DJ card.
3. Choose your preferred voice and commentary setting.
4. Press Play to start listening.
5. Tap the DJ button to change the music whenever you want something different.

Switching off commentary doesn’t make DJ completely silent.

Spotify says listeners will still hear brief acknowledgments when they start a session or press the DJ button to change the music. Regular between-song commentary disappears, though, leaving fewer interruptions during a listening session.

That gives the feature two distinct uses. Listeners can keep the commentary when they want help discovering music, then switch it off when they’re working, relaxing, or hosting friends.

Spotify has been expanding those listening controls throughout 2026. Its Playlist Notes feature lets users add explanations to their playlists, giving them another way to personalize their music experience.

Who can use Spotify’s new AI DJ controls?

The new settings are available to Spotify Premium subscribers in existing DJ markets. They’re not part of the free subscription tier, and the November update doesn’t expand DJ into additional countries.

DJ launched in 2023 and has gradually gained more language options.

In May, Spotify expanded DJ into four additional languages: French, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

That release also brought the feature to more countries, including Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, South Korea, and Switzerland. Spotify said DJ had reached 94 million Premium users and was available in more than 75 markets at the time.

The November announcement doesn’t provide updated figures.

For listeners, the distinction between DJ’s voice and its music recommendations is straightforward. Changing the voice affects the presentation, while turning off commentary reduces interruptions. Neither option is described as changing how Spotify selects songs.

The recommendations still draw on listening habits, including favorite tracks, older songs, and new releases. Listeners can also use voice or text requests to steer DJ toward particular genres, moods, or activities.

Spotify has separately been adjusting how AI-generated material appears across its platform. Its AI Persona badges are designed to identify synthetic artist identities and keep them out of editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default.

For anyone who already uses DJ, the new commentary switch is the easiest change to try. Open the three-dot menu, disable commentary, and keep listening without the regular interruptions.

Spotify says the rollout began Nov. 10, so the settings may not appear for every eligible subscriber immediately. Updating the app can help ensure the latest features are available, but it won’t unlock DJ in unsupported markets.

Also read: YouTube Music has introduced labels for AI-generated songs, giving listeners additional information about AI-created music before they press play.