Spotify Finally Lets You Turn Off Music Videos and Canvas Loops: Here’s How

Are you tired of pressing play on a Spotify song only to be overwhelmed by a music video you never asked for? You are not alone. Spotify has finally introduced controls that give users more power over video content. This change follows a survey revealing that 93% of Spotify users want features offering greater control. In response, the company added a series of toggles that let you disable video content entirely.

How to Disable Videos in Spotify

On the mobile app, navigate to Settings and Privacy > Content and Display. You will see a section labeled “Videos and Canvas.” Here, you can toggle off:

• Music videos

• Canvas (short video loops accompanying certain songs)

• Other videos from podcasts and content creators

Note: Spotify confirms that video advertisements cannot be turned off.

On the desktop version, the toggles are located slightly differently. In the PC app, open the Settings menu and scroll down to the “Videos and Canvas” section to find the same three toggles. These settings are easy to miss unless you know where to look, making them among those hidden Spotify features that can improve your playlists and tailor the experience to your preferences.

Why Did It Take So Long for Spotify to Add Video Toggles?

When Spotify made its major push into video content, media outlets saw it as an effort to compete with YouTube. As a platform already known for music and podcasts, adding video was a logical step to attract users seeking a visual element alongside audio. This explains why videos were not optional until now—Spotify wanted users to see the platform as an alternative to YouTube and TikTok.

However, Spotify’s video efforts encountered difficulties from the start. In a blog post for Amplifi Media, CEO Steven Goldstein shared insights from the NYU Business of Podcasting class he teaches. The students, whom Goldstein considers representative of “Spotify’s core Gen Z audience,” indicated they would rather watch videos on YouTube and use Spotify for audio‑only multitasking. Combined with concerns over Spotify’s payment models and AI issues, many users feel little motivation to use the platform more than necessary.

Interestingly, Spotify’s decision to allow video toggles coincides with the introduction of free fitness videos for Spotify Premium users. This suggests Spotify has not given up on video entirely. Instead, the company may be hoping to build goodwill by giving loyal users control over their experience, while presenting video as added value rather than a mandatory feature.