Spotify is rolling out new user controls allowing individuals to disable videos within the app, enhancing the experience for those prioritising audio content. The announcement was made on Thursday, with the changes aiming to provide users with the choice of either an audio-focused experience or one augmented by video.
From now on, managers of Family Plans worldwide can toggle video content on or off for any family member through their subscription settings. This function was previously exclusive to accounts managed for users under the age of 13, with Spotify revealing that around 60% of such accounts had their video features disabled by guardians.
The new settings extend to all categories of users, including those on Premium and Basic plans—a move designed to increase flexibility across the platform. This includes Individual, Duo, Family, and Student plans, in addition to the free service offered by Spotify.
To adjust video settings, users can access the “Content and display” option in their settings. From there, they have the ability to enable or disable the app’s looping visuals, known as “Canvas,” which accompany music and podcast playback. These choices will be synchronised across devices including mobile, desktop, web, and TV.
The rollout of these settings is expected to commence globally this month. Spotify emphasised the benefit of user choice in how they experience content, stating, “Listeners can now choose exactly how they want to engage with the videos that amplify music, podcasts, and audiobooks on Spotify.” The company also mentioned that this kind of control helps users feel more in charge of their time whilst using the app.
It’s important to note that users will continue to encounter video ads, alongside certain Canvas-style videos associated with audio advertisements.
In recent years, Spotify has increasingly embraced video content, having introduced its Canvas features in 2018 and video podcasts in 2020. In 2024, the platform began supporting music videos to compete more effectively with YouTube.
By allowing users to deactivate videos, Spotify may be addressing concerns from regulators regarding the impact of video content on younger audiences. This flexibility is likely to appeal not only to parents wanting to limit visual distractions for their children but also to users who prefer a straightforward music listening experience without the added visual element.
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