Spotify today announced new controls that give users more authority over how video content appears in the app, expanding its push toward a more customizable listening experience.
Starting today, Spotify is rolling out the ability for Family Plan managers to turn video content on or off for any member directly from subscription settings. This feature was previously limited to managed accounts for users under 13, but this capability is now expanding to all Family Plan members.
Additionally, the company mentioned that new video control settings will be available to all users globally this month. This includes Premium and Basic subscribers across Individual, Duo, Family, and Student plans, as well as users on the free tier.
Users can change video behavior by going to Settings > Content and display, where they can toggle options such as Canvas looping visuals and video playback for music and podcasts. The preferences set by users will be applied across all supported Spotify apps on mobile, desktop, web, and TV.
Spotify highlighted that free users may still see video ads and limited visual elements on some audio ads, even if the new video playback options are disabled. The company mentioned that these changes are aimed at making time spent on the platform more intentional and personalized, allowing users to choose between an audio-first experience or a more video-enhanced one.
Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Spotify, wrote the following regarding the new video controls:
Our latest feature is simple. Parents on the Family plan can already switch off video for users under 13, and now we’re expanding this so the controls apply to any account on the Family plan. But even more, we’re also rolling this out to all users across Free, Premium, and Basic accounts. We believe that for families who prefer a music-focused, distraction-free environment, these tools allow them to bring the experience back to Spotify’s audio-first roots.
Early this week, Spotify announced the expansion of the Prompted Playlist feature to now include podcasts. This feature allows users to steer the algorithm by creating playlists based on their listening history and real-time signals on Spotify, including trends and charts. This innovative feature is available in English to all Spotify Premium users in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.
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