Spotify Adds New Control to Disable All Videos in the App

Spotify is rolling out new features that will allow users to disable all videos in the app, the firm revealed on Thursday. Spotify said the controls allow users to choose between an audio-first or video-enhanced app experience.

Beginning today, Family Plan managers throughout the world can turn on or off video content for any plan member straight from their subscription settings. Previously, this capability was limited to managed accounts for individuals under the age of 13. According to Spotify, the account manager (a parent or guardian) turned off the video for 60% of these users.

The firm will also now allow Premium and Basic users on its Individual, Duo, Family, and Student plans, as well as free users, to customize how video content appears in their app.

To access the video controls, users must go to their settings and select the “Content and display” option. From there, consumers can enable or disable the app’s “Canvas” looping visuals or videos for music or podcasts. Once customers have chosen their preferences, they will be applied to mobile, desktop, web, and television.

According to the firm, the setting update will be available to all customers globally this month.

“Listeners can now choose exactly how they want to engage with the videos that amplify music, podcasts, and audiobooks on Spotify,” the firm stated in a blog post. “Control affects everything. Time no longer feels wasted; rather, it feels owned.

Spotify notes that consumers will continue to encounter video advertising, as well as Canvas-like videos in select audio ads.

Spotify has aggressively embraced video in recent years, having launched Canvas videos in 2018 and video podcasts in 2020. Spotify will provide functionality for music videos in 2024 to better compete with YouTube.

By allowing users to turn off videos on the app, the business is likely hoping to appease regulators and lawmakers concerned about the effects of social and video apps on younger users. Those who only want a music app that focuses on music will profit.