Spotify is now launching music videos in the United States, Canada, and several other markets. This follows the feature’s initial beta release in select overseas markets last year. The videos, provided by music labels under new agreements, are available exclusively to paying subscribers on Spotify’s Premium plan. They can be streamed on the iOS, Android, desktop, and TV apps.
Listeners will see a new “Switch to video” option while playing a song. The video will begin playing from the current point in the track, an improvement from the earlier beta. Users can return to audio-only at any time by selecting “Switch to audio.” When a phone is turned to landscape orientation, the videos can be played in full-screen mode.
Once switched, the music video replaces the short, looping visual artwork that typically accompanies tracks, unless that feature has been disabled in settings. By the end of the month, Spotify will offer video-specific playlists for subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. These will include playlists like 90s Video Hits, Hip-Hop Throwbacks, Latin Party Hits, Country Music Video Hits, and Pop Music Video Hits. Users will also receive personalized video recommendations on the app’s home screen.
Introducing music videos to the key U.S. market helps Spotify better compete with YouTube, which offers its own music service and has expanded into podcasts. Spotify has countered by adding support for video podcasts and other social features like comments, Q&As, and polls, making the app feel more like a social network.
News of the feature’s U.S. arrival was leaked last month, following Spotify’s deal with the National Music Publishers’ Association in November. This expanded partnership includes an opt-in portal for NMPA members to enter direct license agreements for audiovisual rights in the U.S., a move Spotify says will increase revenue for songwriters and independent publishers. Throughout 2025, Spotify also forged deals that included audiovisual rights with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, and Warner Music Group.
The company has not shared the total number of videos available at launch, which specific labels are participating, or deal specifics. However, a spokesperson stated that music video streams of at least 30 seconds will be reported and generate royalties, consistent with existing agreements.
In addition to the U.S. and Canada, Spotify is bringing music videos to Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Uganda, and Venezuela. A full list of beta markets is available on Spotify’s support site. Notably, in the beta markets of Brazil and Colombia, music videos are also offered to listeners on the free tier.