Spotify has announced the launch of music videos in beta for its Premium users across 11 markets. This exciting development aims to provide yet another avenue for artists to connect with their fans, adding a visual dimension to the already immersive world of music.
For those unfamiliar, Spotify has long been the go-to platform for music enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into the soundscape of their favorite artists.
Whether you’re a die-hard superfan eager to rewatch beloved music videos or a casual listener on the lookout for fresh releases, the addition of music videos promises to forge a deeper bond between artists and their audience.
Charlie Hellman, Vice President and Head of Music Product at Spotify, emphasizes the pivotal role that music videos play in the journey from a mere listener to a devoted fan.
“So many times in my own experience and for countless others, music videos play a key role in hooking you: taking you from being a listener to leaning in and becoming a fan,” says Hellman. “They’re an important part of so many artists’ tool kits, and it’s a natural fit for them to live in the same place that more than half a billion people choose to listen to music.”
This innovative move by Spotify is not an isolated feature but part of a suite of tools aimed at enhancing the artist-fan relationship. Artists have at their disposal features such as Canvas, Clips, Artist Bios, Live Events, and Merch, all designed to foster meaningful connections with both new fans and dedicated listeners.
Of particular note, Canvas visuals have proven to significantly boost engagement, with users sharing, saving, or adding songs to playlists at higher rates.
The beta version of music videos on Spotify is set to kick off today, offering a curated selection of music videos from a diverse catalog. Fans can expect to enjoy hits from global sensations like Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice, as well as local favorites such as Aluna and Asake.
How to watch music videos on Spotify
The rollout of music videos will initially be available to Premium users in the following 11 markets: U.K., Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya.
Here’s how you can tune in:
- Choose Your Device: Whether you’re on iOS, Android, desktop, or TV, Premium users in these markets can access music videos.
- Toggle to Video: Simply select the “Switch to Video” option for supported music tracks. The music video will seamlessly begin playing from the start within the Now Playing view.
- Switch Back to Audio: Should you wish to return to background listening, just hit “Switch to Audio” for uninterrupted playback.
- Full-Screen Viewing: For an immersive experience, rotate your mobile device to landscape mode to enjoy the music video in full screen.
This beta launch is just the beginning of Spotify’s foray into music videos. The platform promises to continuously innovate and improve based on feedback from both users and artists. Stay tuned for updates as Spotify aims to expand its catalog of music videos and extend this exciting feature to more users and countries.
