Spotify is giving listeners something they’ve been asking for: more control over how the app actually behaves. And this time, that means the option to turn off videos entirely.
Rolling out globally, the new feature lets users decide whether they want a purely audio experience or one layered with video elements like Canvas loops and podcast visuals.
It’s a small tweak on paper. However, it could make a big difference for anyone who just wants to press play without distractions.
The new controls live under Settings > Content and display. There, users can toggle video elements on or off across music, podcasts and audiobooks. Once set, those preferences apply across devices. This covers listening on mobile, desktop or even a smart TV.
Importantly, this isn’t limited to paying subscribers. Spotify says the update will reach all users, including those on free, Premium, Duo, Family and Student plans.
There’s also expanded control for households. Family Plan managers can now disable video content for any member on the plan. This extends a feature that was previously limited to younger, managed accounts.
While the option to disable videos is welcome, it’s not a complete return to the simpler Spotify of old. Video ads will still appear, and some audio ads may retain visual elements similar to Canvas.
That means the experience isn’t entirely distraction-free, just more customisable than before.
Spotify has been steadily pushing beyond pure music streaming, investing heavily in podcasts, audiobooks and video-first content. That shift hasn’t always landed well with users who preferred the app’s original, music-focused identity.
This latest move suggests Spotify is aware of that tension. Additionally, giving users the ability to dial things back, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all experience, feels like a step in the right direction.
Still, it raises an obvious question: if users can now switch off videos, could podcasts be next?
For now, that remains wishful thinking. However, if Spotify is serious about putting listeners “in the driver’s seat”, more granular controls like that don’t feel entirely out of the question.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
