Spotify Rolls Out New Controls to Customize Video Experience
Spotify is introducing significant new controls that empower users to disable various forms of video content within its application. This feature is being deployed globally across all platforms and devices, offering users the crucial option to select either an audio-first or a video-enhanced experience. The rollout of these new settings is scheduled to commence this month for all users.
"The new controls offer users the option to select either an audio-first or a video-enhanced experience."
Introduction of Controls
The update includes new toggles specifically designed to manage video playback. These controls will allow users to disable specific categories of video content. This expansion of user control applies universally to all Spotify users, including those on Premium, Basic, Individual, Duo, Family, and Student plans, as well as those utilizing the free service.
Availability and Access
The new controls are easily accessible under the "Settings" menu. On mobile devices, users will find them within the "Content and display" section, while on desktop applications, they appear under "Display." Once these preferences are set, they will be applied consistently across all platforms, including mobile, desktop, web, and TV.
Granular Control Options
The new settings augment existing functionalities and introduce several new toggles:
- Canvas Clips: An existing toggle for Canvas clips, which are short, looping autoplay videos displayed on the Now Playing screen, remains in place.
- Music Videos: A new toggle has been added to specifically disable music videos.
- All Other Videos: Another new toggle manages "all other videos." This comprehensive category includes video podcasts, vertically scrolling videos, and artist clips (30-second vertical promotional videos).
Family Plan Management & Safeguards
For Family Plan managers, these new controls offer an additional layer of oversight. They can now restrict video content for any member on their subscription. Once video controls are deactivated at the plan level, those specific users will not have the option to switch to video versions of songs or podcasts. This capability was previously limited to managed accounts for users under 13, where 60% of those accounts already had video disabled by account managers.
Exclusions from Controls
It is important to note that the new controls do not affect all video content. Users will continue to encounter video advertisements and Canvas-like visuals on certain audio advertisements, as these are not managed by the new settings.
The Evolution of Video on Spotify
Spotify has progressively integrated video features into its platform over several years, enhancing its content offering:
- 2018: Canvas video loops were first introduced.
- 2020: Video podcasts became available.
- 2024: Music videos were added, following a late 2023 introduction in the US.
- Ongoing: Artist clips, consisting of 30-second vertical promotional videos from creators, are also present on the platform.
The company has previously stated that over 70 percent of its users have expressed that more video content would enhance their experience. Despite this strong user preference for video, the introduction of these toggles provides crucial options for users who prefer to limit or remove video content entirely. This development may also address concerns from regulators and lawmakers regarding the impact of video applications on younger users and ultimately caters to users who prefer a predominantly audio-focused experience.