In February, Spotify debuted DJ in beta. DJ is a personalized AI guide that knows you and your music taste so well it can choose what to play for you. DJ provides a new and different way for fans and artists to connect. Since launch, DJ has become the most discussed Spotify feature on social media among users.*

Fans across the U.S. and Canada jumped at the opportunity to hear commentary alongside personalized music recommendations. Then, in May, we brought the experience to the U.K. and Ireland, continuing the excitement about our latest innovation. Now, the moment fans have been waiting for has arrived: We’re rolling out DJ in beta to even more countries around the world.  

Starting today, Spotify Premium users in select markets** in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as those in Australia and New Zealand, can access DJ in the English version of the app. Tune in for a chance to hear more about the music you’ve been listening to and to get recommendations for artists you’re bound to love but have yet to discover.

The initial voice model for DJ is based on Spotify’s Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan. Now, listeners in select markets around the world will have the option to hear commentary in English and get recommendations from their personal DJ.

At its core, DJ is all about connection and discovery. DJ’s powerful combination of our personalization technology, generative AI in the hands of our music experts, and a dynamic AI voice makes it possible for listening to feel even more personal, and fans keep coming back for more.

We’ve found that when DJ listeners hear commentary alongside personal music recommendations, they’re more willing to try something new (or listen to a song they may have otherwise skipped). And as we bring DJ to new markets, we’re seeing users tune in even more, with fans spending nearly one-third of their listening time with DJ.***

How To Access Your DJ

As long as you’re using Spotify Premium in a market where DJ is available, you can find your personal DJ by simply opening the Spotify mobile app on your iOS/iPhone or Android device. From there, head to the Music feed on Home and tap DJ, or find it in the Made for You hub within the Search tab. Then let Spotify do the rest!

DJ will serve up a lineup of music picked just for you, alongside short English-language commentary on the songs and artists. And if you’re not feeling the vibe, just hit the DJ button at the bottom right of the screen to be taken to a different genre, artist, or mood.

Since DJ is still in beta, we’ll continue to iterate and innovate to evolve the experience over time, so stay tuned for more.

*Results based on posts on X (previously Twitter) between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023, from users with a publicly identifiable location globally.

**Available markets as of August 8, 2023: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Botswana, Burundi, Canada, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, Spotify has partnered with leading Filipina creators to amplify their voices and stories. The music, lyrics and voices coming from these Filipinas are complex and vibrant, and Spotify champions women in audio through its programs and playlists all through the year.

Through Spotify’s      , a year-round initiative dedicated to women in music, female artists have collectively received nearly half a billion streams within their first month of joining the program. EQUAL Philippines amplifies artists like chart-topping singer-songwriter mrld and the Cebuana hip-hop hitmaker Karencitta, while Pinay Voices spotlights podcasts from creators including Paano Kung…, Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM, and Free Yourself Podcast,

With this year’s IWD theme ““DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”, Spotify shares an exclusive glimpse into the perspectives of these trailblazing Filipina audio creators.

Breaking Boundaries through Audio

Filipinas have diversified the creative ecosystem through courage and determination. For some, pursuing a dream means inspiring others to become better versions of themselves. RADAR ambassador, Meriel de Jesus, more popularly known as mrld and the voice behind hit songs including “Ligaya” and “Ikaw Pa Rin,” recounted how her journey as a budding artist took perseverance: “I remember staying up late, researching how I can share my craft to the world.”

For Ria Ramirez of Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM, becoming a creator meant breaking through her sense of self-doubt. “Starting a podcast was something that I considered doing, but was afraid to pursue. But people around me made me realize that I had a voice that was worth being heard.”

Other voices in the field are driven by passion and purpose to inspire others. “It’s a powerful feeling because you can make a huge imprint onto someone’s life instantly,” said EQUAL ambassador Karen Ann “Karencitta” Rodriguez Cabrera, who famously made waves with the release of her debut song “Cebuana” which proudly champions her Bisaya roots.

Gayle de Chavez of Free Yourself Podcast creates content with the hope of inspiring others. “I enjoy being a creator, pursuing the things that I love, and at the same time helping people love themselves.”

Technology Powering Gender Equity

Beyond the drive to thrive, these inspiring Filipinas leveraged technology as a partner in their creative journey.

Spotify EQUAL artist Karencitta, who started recording her own music at the age of 13 and now has over 220,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, shared that she learned through exploring tech with many trials and errors. Radio DJ and Creator of Paano Kung… podcast Joelle shared, “I am grateful that technology and a platform as special as Spotify enables us to share our stories more openly and find other people who inspire us!”

mrld highlighted how Spotify helped her flourish on the local and global stage. “Through Spotify, a lot of people were able to discover my craft, and it paved the way for me as a female artist. EQUAL is very uplifting as it gives the spotlight to female artists.”

Although platforms and initiatives have unlocked a wealth of opportunities, the journey for female creators is not without its challenges.

Joelle opens up. “I feel the challenge when I have to double or triple check what I say just to make sure it’s right. I’ve been afraid to speak up because people would talk over me, or make me feel like my feelings and thoughts weren’t valid.” mrld also noted how there is room to give more visibility for women in the creative field.

At the same time, creators express their optimism and appreciation for the positive changes in the industry. “Nowadays, I think there is a space for both men and women to create freely,” Ria points out.

Unlocking the Creator in Everyone

Spotify Creators, Joelle, Ria, and Gayle, mrld and Karencitta, share their advice with the hopes of inspiring young Filipinos out there.

1. Celebrate Individuality and Authenticity

• EQUAL ambassador mrld: “Always believe in yourself. No one is going to be there for you till the end except yourself. So don’t be too hard on yourself and continue to trust the process.”
• EQUAL ambassador Karencitta: “Kung bisag asa pa ta e butang sa kalibutan, di gyud natu malimtan ang Filipino traditions and values. Ayaw kalimot kung asa ka gikan. E taas gyud na ang bandila.”

1. Embrace Vulnerability

• Ria of Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM: “There’s no need to hide the broken parts of yourself because it is in this brokenness that you have grown to be who you are. Let that process not only inspire you but others too.”- Ria, Creator of
• Joelle of Paano Kung…: “It can be scary for anyone to be vulnerable, but the exciting possibilities in opening up and connecting with others outweigh the fear. I get to do this now, because the younger me took a chance, opened her heart, continued to hope and try, despite the uncertainty, fear, and worries.”

1. Invest in Oneself

• Gayle of Free Yourself Podcast: “Continue investing in yourself and being curious about everything. Don’t seek validation in the form of other people’s opinions, and don’t be afraid to speak your mind and your truth.”
• EQUAL ambassador Karencitta: “Embrace learning”

Keen to discover and support female creators? Tune in to Spotify’s EQUAL hub and Pinay Voices.

This year, Spotify Wrapped is injecting more fun into its annual year-end traditions with its creators. With never-before-heard conversations with leading Filipino podcasters, these special spin-offs will give you the ultimate download to 2022’s highlights, challenges, and learnings from various vantage points.

From life’s hugots to digital marites-ing and self-care 101s, Spotify Wrapped 2022 also revealed that podcasts spanning Love & Relationships, Pop Culture, and Self-Help genres resonated the most with Pinoy listeners.

“With Wrapped this year, we are proud to say that podcast has been diving into the hearts of Spotify listeners. Evidently, we’re seeing that the most-streamed podcasts are from local creators and across various genres. Moving forward, we believe that the podcast industry in the Philippines has huge potential and we’re excited to be here for our listeners and creators to drive that growth,” said Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios for Spotify, Southeast Asia.

Ang Ganda Academy Awards (Wake Up with Jim & Saab): Oscars is *shaking* because the Ang Ganda Academy Awards are back! Join Jim & Saab as they recognize the worst and the best pop culture content and moments of 2022 — from TV shows to home budols, and WATDASPRAK moments. Episode 1 will look into the dance trends of the year — from Tu Tu to Na Na Na — with gorgeous girl Nana Silayro as one of the first guests!

The Rewind (Adulting with Joyce Pring): Join Joyce Pring and her slate of incredible guests to ring in the new year by looking back at 2022’s highlights. In the first episode, Joyce is joined by actor-slash-beauty queen tandem Mikael Diaz and Megan Young as they discuss a timeless topic: What does true love really mean? From haranas to kundimans and video calls to dating amidst “social distancing” — the three navigate Pinoys’ ever-changing pursuit for love and soulmates.

Happy Ending (Punchline with Alex Calleja): End 2022 with a bang and a good laugh with Alex Calleja’s Happy Ending podcast. Self-proclaimed “Internet Action Star” Ramon Bautista joins Alex for the first episode as they find answers to “Ano ang nagpapasaya sayo, ngayong patapos na ang 2022?” On the theme of his year-end special, Alex Calleja shares, “Through the stories shared by my guests in the Happy Ending podcast, I hope to give inspiration and convey a message of hope that regardless of the hardships they’ve experienced this 2022, there’s always a reason to be happy and end the year on a good note.”

Don’t Go There (KoolPals): Stand-up comedians from Comedy Manila GB Labrador, Nonong Ballinan, Muman Reyes, Ryan Rems and James Caraan come together for a KoolPals special that turns absolutely any topic into extra comedic banters — from controversies, plot twists, and  unexpected revelations. Episode 1 reveals memorable jokes for the five that ~almost~ stripped them of their ‘comedian’ badges.

C’Mon Guys, it’s 2022 (Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast): JP Habac and Antoinette Jadaone count down the best and the worst of 2022 with their correspondents Milo Elmido, Jr, Yani Villarosa, Hyro Aguinaldo, and Inah Evans. Tune in to the first episode as they talk through 2022’s breaking breaking news!

skydive (skypodcast): The end of the year is a special time to reflect, celebrate and look forward to better days ahead. Reflect with the internet’s favorite couple, Slater and Kryz, as they deep dive into their top 2022 topics — from marriage to parenthood, and memorable misadventures in between. Their first episode is dedicated to budding families as they share lessons they picked up throughout their journey from being girlfriend and boyfriend to being married and having kids — and ultimately becoming better partners.

The Year-End Originals are now available for streaming for free on Spotify. For more information about this special podcast series and other exciting content from Spotify, visit www.spotify.com or follow Spotify on Facebook, Twitter  and Instagram.