November 15, 2025, 8:01 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Spotify is introducing a new feature for audiobook lovers to help them pick up the story after long breaks. The so-called Recap feature offers brief summaries of the plot so far and automatically adapts to the individual listening progress without providing spoilers.
Technology Behind the Recap Feature
According to a Spotify blog post, the new feature uses artificial intelligence to track the listener’s progress. After just 15 to 20 minutes of listening time, the AI creates an initial summary. This updates continuously as users continue to listen.
If a listening session is interrupted, the AI captures the last content heard and offers a summary if needed. The feature is accessible via a special “Recap” button in the app.
Current Development Status
Spotify assures that it does not use listening histories and recordings to train AI systems. The voices of the narrators are also not simulated. The feature is similar to the recaps known from TV series, briefly explaining the story so far.
Currently, this feature is in the beta phase and is initially available for the iOS version of the app. At present, the AI only supports English-language content, but more languages are expected to follow in the future. A specific timeline for the wide rollout is not yet set.