diff --git a/mopidy/backends/despotify.py b/mopidy/backends/despotify.py
index 85f5abee..dc786d64 100644
--- a/mopidy/backends/despotify.py
+++ b/mopidy/backends/despotify.py
@@ -38,8 +38,9 @@ class DespotifyLibraryController(BaseLibraryController):
     def search(self, type, what):
         query = u'%s:%s' % (type, what)
         result = self.backend.spotify.search(query.encode(ENCODING))
-        if result is not None:
-            return self.backend.translate.to_mopidy_playlist(result.playlist)
+        if result is None:
+            return Playlist()
+        return self.backend.translate.to_mopidy_playlist(result.playlist)
 
 
 class DespotifyPlaybackController(BasePlaybackController):