Amazon Music’s New AI “Explore” Feature Digs Deep Into Your Favorite Artists

The streaming service bets on AI-driven discovery to keep users hooked

Amazon Music is rolling out a slick new trick for superfans and casual listeners alike: an AI-powered “Explore” feature designed to unpack the DNA of your favorite artists. Tapping into the same tech that powers its Maestro AI playlist generator, the tool serves up everything from collabs to discography deep cuts—all with a focus on keeping you glued to the app.

“This isn’t just a Wikipedia scrape—it’s a dynamic deep dive,” says an Amazon insider familiar with the project. “Think of it as a backstage pass to how artists connect.”

Here’s how it works. Tap “Find,” search an artist like Jelly Roll, and hit the new “Explore” tab. You’ll instantly see curated details: duets (like his haunting “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson), Amazon-exclusive tracks (his T-Pain-assisted “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” cover), and even algorithmic playlist suggestions. The goal? To transform passive listening into an interactive rabbit hole.

AI as the New A&R

The move doubles down on Amazon’s AI ambitions after last year’s Maestro launch, which let users generate playlists via text prompts. Now, “Explore” takes that a step further by auto-generating context around artists—a clear shot at Spotify’s AI DJ. But there’s a catch: the beta, live today for select U.S. iOS subscribers, only covers 10,000 artists (Bad Bunny and BLACKPINK made the cut).

“Streaming isn’t just about songs anymore—it’s about stories,” notes a music-tech analyst. “Amazon’s betting that AI can tell those stories better than humans.”

Timing is key. The test follows Amazon Music Unlimited’s $1 price hike to $11/month, pushing the service to justify its cost. By weaving AI into discovery, Amazon hopes to boost engagement—and maybe even outflank rivals relying on static artist pages. One thing’s certain: in the algorithm wars, curiosity might be the ultimate weapon.