A survey of more than 8,400 Spotify users across 19 markets found that 93% want more control over their experience on the platform. In response, Spotify is rolling out a set of video controls that let listeners switch off visual content.
The new feature, rolling out to all users globally this month, includes controls for Canvas looping visuals and videos for music and podcasts.
The settings apply to both Premium and Basic users, covering Individual, Duo, Family, or Student plans, across mobile, desktop, web, and TV, Spotify announced Thursday (April 9).
Users who want to find the toggle can navigate to Settings > Content and display.
The survey, conducted by Burson between August and October 2025 across 19 markets and 8,400 respondents, also found that 92% of Spotify users say the platform brings them closer to things they love, according to Spotify.
A separate Edison Research study found that 86% of Gen Z listeners use music or podcasts to boost their mood. Spotify says it offers “a more intentional experience that people can actively shape around what they love.”
The controls come as Spotify has invested significantly in video. It launched music videos in beta for Premium users across the US and Canada in December 2025.
The streaming giant has offered music videos in beta since March 2024, when it introduced the product across 11 markets, excluding North America. The company expanded the test to 85 additional countries in October 2024.
In November, Spotify and the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) struck a deal that saw the launch of an Opt-In Portal for NMPA members to “enter into a direct license agreement for expanded audiovisual rights in the US”.
In June last year, Spotify partnered with indie music distribution platform DistroKid to allow artists to upload music videos to Spotify via the USD $99-per-year DistroVid service. The videos can only be viewed in markets where Spotify rolled out its music video feature, the companies said at the time.
To further bolster its video strategy, Spotify in October signed a partnership with Netflix. As part of the deal, Netflix started streaming video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer in early 2026.
According to Spotify’s latest announcement, more than 70% of users say additional video would improve their experience on the platform.
Under the new update, Family Plan managers can now toggle video on or off for any member of their plan. Previously, video controls for managed accounts were limited to users under 13.
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