YouTube Music is once again venturing into the realm of generative AI. However, this time the focus is not on generating music but rather the images that accompany it. The platform is rolling out an experimental feature for English-language users in the US that uses generative AI to create customized playlist cover art. This feature, according to T. Jay Fowler, Director of Product Management, provides a guided experience for users, offering various visual themes and options to craft unique cover art that reflects the individuality of their playlists.
While currently limited to English-speaking US users, Fowler has hinted at the potential expansion of this feature to other regions and languages in the future. This move is part of YouTube Music’s broader effort to enhance user experiences and offer innovative features. In the same blog post, Fowler summarized several recent additions to the platform, such as the Samples tab, user-generated radio stations, comments, and timed lyrics.
In addition to the generative AI experiment, YouTube Music has also revealed plans to introduce a new section at the top of its app’s home tab. This section will highlight “the songs and artists you’ve got on repeat,” similar to features offered by rival music streaming services like Spotify. By continuously innovating and providing users with more personalized experiences, YouTube Music aims to remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital music landscape.
While the focus has traditionally been on music streaming and recommendations, YouTube Music’s expansion into generative AI for cover art and features like “on repeat” playlists demonstrates a broader commitment to enhancing user engagement and satisfaction within the platform.