Turn Your Playlist into a DJ Set: Spotify's New Mix Feature

Spotify is rolling out a new feature called Mix. It’s aimed at people who don’t just want to press play, but want a little more control over how their playlists sound. Instead of abrupt song changes, Mix creates smooth transitions, the kind you’d expect from a DJ set.

The idea is simple but clever. You can pick how songs blend, tweak the effects, and even adjust the volume curve between tracks. It’s not full DJ software, but it does make playlists feel less like a shuffled list and more like a crafted experience.

Inside the app, the feature is easy to find. Open any playlist and tap Mix. From there, you get two paths.

One is “Auto.” That’s the quick option—Spotify instantly generates transitions so you can hear how it works. The other is “Custom.” This is where the fun begins. With Custom, you can start with presets like Fade or Rise. Or you can dig deeper and adjust things yourself: how the volume changes, which EQ curve is used, even which effects fade in or out. The app also uses beat and waveform data, which helps line up tracks more naturally.

I tried it on a playlist that jumps from electronic to indie rock. Some blends were seamless. Others felt slightly off. But the mix never sounded broken, and honestly, experimenting was half the enjoyment.

Once you save a Mix, it sticks to the playlist. You can switch it off with a single tap if you’re not in the mood for transitions. The standout feature, though, is collaboration. Friends with Premium can join in and add their own tweaks. That turns an ordinary shared playlist into something more alive. Picture a road trip where everyone builds not just the tracklist but also the flow of the entire set.

Is this update essential? Not for everyone. Many people just want shuffle and go. For them, Mix could feel like extra work. But if you’ve ever felt your playlist lacked rhythm—or you’ve wanted it to rise and fall like a live set—then this is worth a try. Spotify isn’t trying to replace DJ gear. It’s simply giving listeners more ways to shape their music.

And perhaps more importantly, it gives Premium users one extra reason to stay subscribed.

Mix is still in beta, so it’s not perfect. Some genres flow more smoothly than others. Ambient and electronic tracks worked nicely for me. Heavy rock didn’t always land, even with the beat detection. But that’s also true for real DJs—it’s part of the craft.

Still, the feature feels refreshing. Most recent Spotify updates have leaned on recommendations and algorithms. This one shifts control back to the listener. That change, however small, is worth noticing.

The result? A playlist that feels more alive, even if you only use Mix occasionally.