Spotify is taking a major step towards enhancing the artist-to-fan connection by introducing music videos on its platform. In a recent announcement, the streaming giant revealed that it would start showing official music videos alongside audio tracks, but only in select countries during the initial beta rollout.
The new feature allows Spotify Premium users to switch seamlessly between audio and video while listening to a song. With a simple tap of the “switch to video” button on the Now Playing screen, users can immerse themselves in the official music video for the currently playing track.
Also Read: Spotify Superpremium tier appears ready for launch for $19.99/mo
Quoting Spotify’s statement, “They’re a powerful way for fans to discover and connect with music, and a natural fit to live on Spotify. That’s why we’re excited to launch music videos in beta for Spotify Premium users across 11 markets, adding another way to enhance the artist-to-fan connection.”
Initial Catalog and Availability
The beta version of music videos on Spotify started rolling out yesterday with a limited catalog of music videos, including hits from global artists like Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice, as well as local favorites like Aluna and Asake.
The feature is available across various platforms, including Android, iOS, and Spotify’s apps on TVs and desktops. Users can switch between audio and video while the song is playing, and on mobile devices, they can simply rotate the device to landscape orientation to activate the video.
Limited Regional Availability (For Now)
While Spotify’s announcement suggests the company will eventually bring the feature to more countries, it’s only available for Premium subscribers in the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya for now as part of its limited public beta.
Spotify has indicated plans to expand the availability of music videos to other regions in the future, promising a more immersive and engaging listening experience for users worldwide.
As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, Spotify’s move to incorporate music videos demonstrates its commitment to delivering a comprehensive and enriching experience for both artists and fans alike.