Spotify now allows anyone to turn off all videos in its app

Spotify is introducing new controls that allow users to block all videos in the app, the company he announced Thursday. The controls can be used to select the app’s first audio or video add-on, Spotify says.

Starting today, Family Plan administrators around the world can turn videos on or off for each plan member directly from their dashboard. Previously, this feature was only available to managed accounts for users under the age of 13. Spotify records that 60% of users were blocked by the account manager (parent or guardian).

The company will also allow Premium and Basic users of its Individual, Duo, Family, and Student plans, as well as users of its free service, to control how videos appear in their app.

To access video controls, users must go to their settings and select “Contents and features”. There, they can switch the app of “Canvas” looping pictures or videos music or Podcasts on or off. When users choose their preferences, they will be used on mobile, desktop, web, and TV.

The update will begin rolling out to users worldwide this month, the company says.

“Listeners can now choose exactly how they want to interact with videos that enhance music, podcasts, and audiobooks on Spotify,” the company wrote in a statement. blog post. “Control changes everything.

Spotify says users will still see video ads, as well as Canvas-like videos for some audio ads.

Spotify has been embracing video more and more over the past few years after launching its Canvas video streaming service in 2018. 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 video content on the app, the company wants to appease regulators and policymakers who are closely monitoring the impact of gaming and video content on young users. Those who just want their music to be based on music will also benefit.