Spotify Introduces Option to Disable Music Videos

New Delhi, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Spotify, it’s fair to say, has made some weird user-experience choices.

There are a number of panels in the app, and the layout is confusing. The service constantly tracks your activity. The app also seems to have an odd hostility to playing actual albums. This all works to create a general feeling that Spotify’s designers are trying to push you into using the service in a particular way.

It’s understandable, then, that some people are annoyed with the way music videos have been added to the platform. For the most part, they would start to play by default, in the background, whenever an artist had uploaded a video for the song. Some music videos have very different audio from the original tracks, particularly if they include sketches or sound effects, which can prove distracting if you prefer the album version of the song. And even if you enjoy music videos (which I do), the decision to have videos play by default—using up bandwidth and battery power—upset a lot of people.

There are a few other quirks. On Spotify’s desktop app, the videos are barely visible; they stay contained in the tiny album art panel until you manage to find the hidden, extremely small Now playing button that enlarges them. Also, the selection of videos that are on the platform, and the ones that are mysteriously absent, seems totally random. Because of this, I check YouTube first when I really want to watch a music video.

The most annoying thing, though, had been a lack of any obvious way to disable all videos. That changed recently—there’s now a toggle in the settings to disable music videos in Spotify entirely, alongside controls that disable the Canvas feature (animated album art) and video podcasts.

On mobile, you can do this by tapping your user profile icon in the top-left to bring up the side panel. Then tap Settings and privacy, followed by Content and display.

In the Videos and Canvas section, you will see three toggles: one for music videos, one for Canvas, and one for all other videos. This last toggle disables video podcasts, meaning you’ll get the audio-only version of podcasts instead. Turn all these off, and Spotify will use a lot less bandwidth.

On the desktop app, it’s a little different. Click your user profile icon in the top-right corner, then click Settings. Scroll down to the Videos and Canvas section to find the options to disable music videos and Canvas.

I tested this and it worked. The music video icon in playlists and albums disappeared, as did the collection of music videos on Artist pages. The only remnant of the disabled feature is a Switch to video button in the Now Playing sidebar, which appears below the album art. Click it and you’ll be told the video can’t play unless you turn videos back on in the settings. Odd, for sure, but for the most part turning this off means you don’t have to think about music videos in Spotify anymore.

I sincerely wish that Spotify would roll out music videos with more care. Sometimes I really do want to see a video—just not every time I play a track. Playlists of music videos might be welcome if they ran separately from the audio-only playlists. I just don’t want to get a music video when I’m looking for the album version of a song, and I don’t think I’m alone in that. I can only hope that Spotify’s future interface design choices will keep things more clearly separated.

The introduction of the option to disable music videos marks a significant shift in Spotify's approach to user experience. Historically, Spotify has been a platform primarily focused on audio content, with its music library being the cornerstone of its service. However, as video content has become increasingly prevalent across various streaming platforms, Spotify has attempted to integrate video features into its ecosystem. This move reflects a broader trend in the industry where music streaming services are competing not just on audio quality and catalog size, but also on the richness of the overall user experience.

In recent years, the rise of video content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and even Instagram has changed the way consumers interact with music. Many users now expect a visual component to their music consumption, whether it be through official music videos, lyric videos, or user-generated content. As a result, Spotify's decision to incorporate music videos into its platform seemed like a natural progression. However, the execution has drawn mixed reactions.

The feedback regarding the automatic playback of music videos is indicative of a larger conversation about user agency in digital services. Users often seek control over their experience, particularly in environments where bandwidth and battery life are concerns. The ability to toggle video features on and off empowers users to tailor their experience according to their preferences, which is essential in an age where personalization is highly valued.

Moreover, the confusion surrounding the placement and visibility of video content within the app highlights ongoing challenges in app design and user interface (UI) development. As Spotify continues to evolve, it must address these usability concerns to ensure that users can navigate the platform intuitively. The hidden nature of certain features can lead to frustration and disengagement, ultimately impacting user retention.

As Spotify navigates the complexities of integrating video into its platform, it must also consider the implications for artists and content creators. Music videos can serve as a powerful promotional tool, allowing artists to connect with their audience in a visually engaging way. However, if the user experience surrounding these videos is not optimized, it could diminish their impact. Artists may find that their videos are not receiving the attention they deserve if users are not inclined to engage with video content due to poor implementation.

Looking ahead, Spotify has the opportunity to refine its approach to music videos. One potential avenue is to develop curated playlists that specifically feature music videos, allowing users who are interested in visual content to explore it separately from their audio playlists. This could create a more satisfying experience for users who enjoy music videos while still catering to those who prefer an audio-only format.

Additionally, enhancing the discoverability of music videos and improving the quality of the video library could encourage users to engage more with this content. By providing a more comprehensive selection of videos and ensuring that they align closely with the audio tracks, Spotify can enhance the overall value of its service.

In conclusion, while the introduction of the option to disable music videos is a welcome change for many users, it also underscores the need for Spotify to continuously adapt and refine its user experience. As the landscape of music consumption continues to evolve, so too must the platforms that deliver this content. By listening to user feedback and making thoughtful design choices, Spotify can position itself as a leader in the music streaming industry, balancing the demands of both audio and video content in a way that enhances the user experience.