Spotify is introducing new controls that allow users to turn off all videos in the app, the company was announced on Thursday. The controls can be used to choose an in-app audio experience or an enhanced video experience, Spotify says.
Starting today, Family Program administrators around the world can enable or disable video content for any program member directly from their subscription settings. Previously, this feature was only available in managed accounts for users under 13 years of age. Spotify notes that 60% of these users had their video blocked by their account manager (parent or guardian).
The company will also allow Premium and Basic users on Individual, Duo, Family and Student plans, as well as users on its free service, to control how video content appears in their app.
To access the video controls, users must navigate to their settings and select the ‘Content and Appearance’ option. From there, they can turn the Canvas app graphics or videos on or off for music or podcasts. Once users select their preferences, they will be applied to mobile, desktop, web and TV.
The settings update will begin rolling out to all users worldwide this month, the company says.
“Listeners can now choose exactly how they want to interact with music-enhancing videos, podcasts and audiobooks on Spotify,” the company wrote in blog post. “Control changes everything. Time stops feeling wasted and starts feeling owned.
Spotify notes that users will still see video ads, as well as canvas videos in some audio ads.
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Spotify has increasingly embraced video in recent years after first launching its Canvas videos in 2018 and launching video podcasts in 2020. Spotify added support for music videos in 2024 to better compete with YouTube.
By giving users the option to turn off in-app videos, the company likely wants to appease regulators and lawmakers who are closely monitoring the effects of social media and video apps on younger users. Those who just want their music app to focus on music will also benefit.
