Spotify has officially expanded its repertoire by introducing support for music videos, as announced by the streaming service’s administration. Currently accessible in 11 countries, the new feature comes with a “limited catalogue” showcasing artists such as Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Ice Spice, Aluna, and Asake. According to Sten Garmark, Spotify’s head of consumer experience, the full catalog is set to include “thousands” of songs.
Access and Functionality
If a music video is available for the current song, users will notice a “Switch to Video” icon positioned above the track name on the Now Playing screen. Clicking on this icon initiates playback of the song from the beginning, while the video simultaneously appears in the center of the screen. This feature is accessible via both Android and iOS applications. Users can rotate their devices for a full-screen viewing experience or opt to revert to audio mode by selecting the “Switch to Audio” icon.
Availability and Scope
Music videos are exclusively available to Spotify Premium subscribers in select countries, including the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines. The selection of these countries was based on various factors, such as market size and the availability of local content. Beyond mobile devices, users can also enjoy music videos through the web interface and on smart TVs.
Enhancing the Streaming Experience
While Spotify remains primarily focused on audio streaming, the addition of music video support complements existing features such as video podcasts and short videos, facilitating direct artist-fan interactions.
Spotify’s incorporation of music videos enriches the platform’s offerings, providing users with a more immersive and diversified streaming experience, concludes NIXsolutions. Whether enjoying music on-the-go or relaxing at home, subscribers can now seamlessly transition between audio and visual content, further enhancing their enjoyment of their favorite tunes.