STOCKHOLM, April 9, 2026, 19:07 CEST 1
Spotify said on Thursday it is rolling out controls that let users switch off all video across its app, giving music and podcast listeners a clearer audio-first option. The company is also expanding family-level settings so plan managers can disable video for any member, not just child accounts. 2
The timing is notable. Reuters reported in December that Spotify broadened music videos to premium subscribers in the United States and Canada to take on YouTube and sharpen its position against Apple Music and Amazon Music, and in January the company lowered the bar for creators to monetize video podcasts. 3
Dustee Jenkins, Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, wrote in a company post on Thursday that families wanting a “music-focused, distraction-free” experience could use the new tools to bring the service back to its “audio-first roots.” Spotify said 60% of managed account users under 13 already have video turned off by a parent or guardian. 4
According to Spotify, users will find the controls under Settings > Content and display. The switches cover Canvas — Spotify’s short looping visuals — music videos and all other videos, including video podcasts and vertical clips; 9to5Mac said turning music videos off can also push live performances back to audio-only playback. 2
Spotify said the settings will work across mobile, desktop, web and TV. All Premium and Basic users on Individual, Duo, Family and Student plans, along with free listeners, will get the controls as the rollout expands this month, and The Verge reported that once video is disabled at plan level those users cannot switch back to video inside the app. 2
The company is still talking up video growth. In January, Roman Wasenmuller, Spotify’s global head of podcast, said monthly video podcast consumption had “nearly doubled” since the partner program launched, and Brian Berner, its global head of advertising, said last month that fans come to Spotify to “listen, watch, and engage.” 5
Still, the update has limits. Spotify said video ads will continue to appear, some audio ads will keep Canvas-like motion visuals, and the controls are being released in stages, meaning not every user will see them right away. 2
Spotify said the update is meant to let listeners choose between a video-enhanced app and an audio-only one. The company is now giving users that switch even as it keeps investing in music videos and video podcasts. 2
