Spotify has introduced settings allowing users on free and paid plans to turn off videos, including Canvas looping visuals, music videos, and podcasts. The update, rolling out globally this month, also lets family plan managers adjust video settings for all members. Users can now choose an audio-first experience across mobile, desktop, TV, and web platforms.
Spotify announced the new video controls on Thursday, enabling listeners to opt out of unwanted visuals. The toggles cover Canvas—short looping videos on the Now Playing screen—music videos, video podcasts, vertically scrolling videos, and artist clips. These settings apply universally to Premium, Basic, and free accounts, with the family plan manager option starting immediately for all members, expanding from previous limits to those under 13 on managed accounts only. Spotify stated the controls allow users 'to maintain an audio-first experience or layer in a richer, video-enhanced one.' The company noted that disabling videos will still show video ads and Canvas-like visuals on some audio ads. The features appear under Settings > Content and display. Spotify has gradually added video elements over the years, starting with Canvas in 2018, followed by video podcasts in 2020, music videos in 2024—reaching the US late last year—and artist clips. Over 70 percent of users reportedly favor more video content, though the toggles address preferences for audio-only listening.
