Spotify, the popular audio streaming platform, on Wednesday, announced that it is rolling out full-screen music videos in beta for Spotify Premium users across 11 markets with a “limited catalog” to enhance artist-to-fan connection.
“Spotify is where fans go to dive deeper into an artist’s music. So whether you’re a superfan who wants to rewatch the videos you love and share them with friends, or a casual fan on the lookout for new releases, music videos create a new point of connection with artists,” Spotify explained about the new feature in a blog post.
The new music video feature in beta will be accessible via the “Now Playing” screen on iOS, Android, desktop, or TV devices. Premium users can select the “Switch to Video” toggle for supported music tracks, which will appear above the song title.
On tapping it, the music video will start playing from the beginning within the “Now Playing” view.
If the user wants to return to background listening, they can press “Switch to Audio” at any time.
Further, users can also watch the music video in full screen by turning their iOS or Android device in landscape mode.
The limited catalog of music videos includes hits from global artists like Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice, as well as local favorites like Aluna and Asake.
“So many times in my own experience and for countless others, music videos play a key role in hooking you: taking you from being a listener to leaning in and becoming a fan,” said Charlie Hellman, Vice President and Head of Music Product at Spotify.
“They’re an important part of so many artists’ tool kits, and it’s a natural fit for them to live in the same place that more than half a billion people choose to listen to music.”
The new music video feature is currently available as a beta test in 11 countries: the U.K., Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya.
The company plans to expand it to more countries over time.
“In this beta launch, we’ll continue to innovate and iterate based on feedback from both users and artists. Stay tuned as we hope to expand the catalog of music videos and bring the feature to more users and countries,” Spotify concluded.
