Spotify’s AI DJ Adds Nine Voices and a Mute Button to Silence the Chatter

Spotify has rolled out a significant update to its AI-powered DJ, giving Premium subscribers the ability to select from nine new voices and, more importantly, to silence the commentary that has long divided users. The feature, which launched in 2023, now offers a level of customization that mirrors the personality settings found in modern AI assistants.

  • Nine new voices: Seven English options with British, American, Irish, Australian, and Indian accents, plus two Spanish voices with Mexican accents.
  • Mute option: A toggle that removes commentary between songs, leaving only brief acknowledgments at session start and when the DJ button is pressed.
  • Wide rollout: Available to Premium subscribers in more than 95 markets where DJ is already offered, with over 94 million users.

A Voice for Every Listener

The new lineup includes seven English-speaking voices, each with a distinct personality. American options include Casey, described as laid-back and warm with a bit of a drawl; Tess, direct but inviting with an edge; and Lane, who brings a Southern accent and youthful energy. Sam offers an Australian accent with a fun, gregarious tone, while Nell provides a mellow British delivery. Declan, with an Irish accent, is straightforward and passionate, and Nisha brings an Indian accent with contagious energy.

Spanish speakers gain two new options: Nico, described as down-to-earth and present, and Fabi, witty and friendly. These replace the previous Spanish voice, Livi, and become the only Spanish-language options. The original English voice, X, which was based on real recordings of a Spotify employee, remains available.

To access the new settings, users can search for “DJ” in the Spotify app and tap the three-dot menu to choose a voice and adjust commentary preferences. The update began rolling out on Tuesday, November 10, and availability may vary as it reaches more users.

Less Talk, More Music

The most impactful change may be the commentary toggle. When activated, the DJ skips its spoken introductions between sets of songs, limiting itself to a quick acknowledgment when a session starts or when the listener taps the DJ button to change the mood. Spotify positions this as ideal for situations like a dinner party, where background music is desired without interruptions.

“DJ users will have the option to toggle off commentary between songs, so the music can keep playing with fewer interruptions. Perfect for moments like hosting a dinner party, when you want a seamless soundtrack in the background, without chatter competing with the conversation.”

This addresses a long-standing complaint: many listeners appreciated the DJ’s personalized recommendations but found the constant commentary intrusive. The option gives users control over how much the AI speaks, making the feature more flexible for different listening contexts.

Spotify’s AI Evolution

The DJ remains Spotify’s most popular AI feature, used by more than 94 million Premium listeners, with 80% engaging with it weekly. Since its launch, Spotify has added an interactive version in May 2025 that allows voice requests, and expanded the feature to Spanish speakers. The company has also introduced AI-generated playlists and personalized recommendations, though reactions have been mixed.

This update reflects a broader industry trend toward letting users customize the voice, tone, and personality of AI assistants. By giving listeners control over both the voice and the amount of commentary, Spotify acknowledges that the DJ’s appeal lies in its music selection as much as its presentation. The move also comes as Spotify works to manage its catalog amid a flood of synthetic audio, having recently removed 50 million spam or “slop” tracks from recommendations.

Ultimately, the addition of a mute button may be more significant than the new voices themselves. It signals that Spotify recognizes the value of silence—and that sometimes the best AI is the one that knows when to stay quiet.

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