Photo Credit: Spotify
Spotify has started the beta launch of music videos to premium users across the U.S. and Canada after launching in dozens of other markets worldwide.
Music streaming giant Spotify is finally rolling out music videos in a beta launch to premium subscribers across the U.S. and Canada after launching them in dozens of other markets worldwide. The initial video catalog is relatively limited, but Spotify promises that availability will grow quickly in the coming months.
“This expansion gives millions more listeners access to a catalog of official music videos, and also introduces new video formats like live performances and covers,” said Spotify in a blog post on Tuesday.
“When we introduced music videos in beta to nearly 100 markets last year, we saw how video can elevate the listening experience—and users agree,” the blog post continued. “A recent Burson survey found that more than 70% of users say more video content would enhance their experience on Spotify.”
“Music videos join a suite of features like Countdown Pages, Canvas, and Clips that help artists connect with their fans on Spotify. With this launch, fans can continue experiencing the full world of an artist, beyond just their sound.”
To check out music videos on Spotify, premium subscribers can open the app on iOS and Android devices, TV, and desktop, select a supported track, and tap “Switch to video.” The music video will start playing where the song left off. To return to background listening, just press “Switch to audio.” The functionality works much like YouTube Music’s ability to swap between audio-only and music videos.
“Music videos are often the moment when an artist’s world really clicks for a listener—when the song and the visuals come together and turn a stream into fandom,” says Charlie Hellman, Head of Music at Spotify. “By bringing official music videos to Premium listeners in the U.S. and Canada, we’re bringing a richer discovery experience to fans, and providing additional revenue for publishers and songwriters.”
Spotify said the initial video catalog features artists like Ariana Grande, Olivia Dean, babymonster, Addison Rae, Tyler Childers, Natanael Cano, and Carín León, but more will be released in the coming weeks. The company also said it will expand video functionality to additional markets, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Uganda, and Venezuela.
