YouTube is using AI to create custom playlists for users, but there is a catch

By Admin

12 Feb, 2026

The world of content streaming is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence is at the center of this transformation. Now, YouTube is stepping deeper into AI innovation by introducing AI-generated playlists. While the feature sounds exciting, there is one important catch users should know about.

What Is the New AI Playlist Feature?

YouTube is rolling out AI-generated playlists that allow users to create custom playlists using simple prompts. Instead of manually selecting songs or videos, users can now type or speak a request, and AI will handle the rest.

For example, you can ask for:

• “Death metal”
  
  

• “Sad post-rock”
  
  

• “House mix for a chill party”
  
  

• “Indie pop”
  
  

• “90s Bollywood classic hits”
  
  

Within seconds, the AI generates a personalized playlist tailored to your request. This feature works across both standard YouTube videos and YouTube Music, offering a seamless entertainment experience.

But Here’s the Catch

The AI-generated playlist feature is not available to everyone.

It is exclusively available to paying subscribers   specifically those subscribed to YouTube Premium or Google One. In other words, free users will not have access to this AI-powered tool.

The feature is available on both Android and iPhone devices, but only if the user holds an eligible subscription.

How to Use YouTube’s AI Playlist Feature

If you are a YouTube Premium subscriber, here’s how you can access it:

1. Open the YouTube app.
   
   

2. Go to the Library tab.
   
   

3. Tap the “New” button.
   
   

4. Select “AI playlist.”
   
   

5. Enter your request via text or voice.
   
   

The AI instantly analyzes your prompt and creates a customized playlist based on your preferences.

YouTube Joins the AI Race

YouTube is not the first platform to adopt AI-based playlist generation. Competitors like Amazon Music and Spotify already offer AI-powered playlists and radio features.

However, this move signals that YouTube is serious about expanding its AI-driven ecosystem.

This is also not YouTube’s first experiment with AI. In July 2024, the platform tested a feature that allowed users to create custom radio stations using prompts. The new AI playlist generator builds on that earlier test, offering a more refined and polished experience for a wider group of paying subscribers.

A Bigger Strategy Behind the Move

This rollout is part of Google’s broader strategy to integrate AI tools across its platforms. By offering more personalized content, YouTube aims to improve user engagement and strengthen its premium ecosystem.

Interestingly, the update comes at a time when YouTube is actively working to make its premium subscription more appealing. Recently, it was spotted testing a feature that removes lyrics access for some non-subscribers   hinting that certain features may soon become Premium-only benefits.

Earlier this month, the company revealed it has reached 325 million paying subscribers across its platforms, including Google One and YouTube Premium. This milestone highlights the growing importance of subscription-based revenue in its business model.

Final Thoughts

YouTube’s AI-generated playlists mark another step toward hyper-personalized streaming experiences. The ability to generate custom playlists with simple prompts makes music and video discovery easier than ever.

However, the exclusivity of the feature to Premium subscribers shows that AI innovation is increasingly becoming a paid advantage. As competition intensifies among streaming giants, AI-powered personalization may soon become the new standard   but only for those willing to pay for it.

For users who value convenience and curated content, YouTube Premium just became a little more attractive.