How to See Videos on Spotify: Unlocking Spotify’s Visual Layer

So, you want to watch videos on Spotify? The short answer is: you can’t watch full-fledged music videos on Spotify in the traditional sense like you would on YouTube or MTV. Spotify’s video feature is more nuanced and focused on enhancing the audio experience rather than replacing it with visual content. Think of it as a carefully curated addition, not a complete takeover. You’ll find it primarily in the form of Canvas loops, short video snippets (Clip Previews), podcasts with video components, and behind-the-scenes content from select artists. Let’s dive deeper into how to actually find and experience these visual elements within the Spotify ecosystem.

Exploring Spotify’s Visual Landscape: Where to Find Videos

While a dedicated “Video” tab might be missing, Spotify has cleverly integrated video elements across various sections. Here’s your guide to discovering them:

Canvas Loops: The Art of Visualizing Music

Canvas loops are arguably the most prevalent form of “video” on Spotify. These are short, looping visuals that play in place of static album art while a song is playing. They are designed to complement the music, offering a dynamic and engaging visual experience.

• How to Find Them: Canvases are automatically displayed (if the artist has enabled them) when you play a song. You don’t need to do anything special.
• Troubleshooting: If you’re not seeing Canvas loops, ensure that the feature is enabled in your Spotify settings. Go to Settings > Playback and make sure “Canvas” is toggled on. Mobile data usage can be affected by Canvas, so you can disable it to save data.

Clip Previews: Snippets of Song Goodness

Clip Previews are short, curated video excerpts from songs, designed to give you a quick taste before you commit to listening to the entire track. They are rolling out and expanding at the time of writing, so stay on the look out.

• How to find them: When looking at a playlist, some songs will have a little “preview” icon. Tapping this will play a short video clip.
• Why they exist: To help people discover new music and make the platform more exciting to use.

Podcasts with Video: More Than Just Audio

Spotify has significantly invested in podcasts, and many now feature a video component. This allows you to watch the podcast recording while listening.

• How to Find Them: Look for podcasts with a video camera icon next to their title. You can also filter your podcast search to specifically show podcasts with video.
• Viewing Options: When playing a video podcast, you can choose to watch the video in full screen, resize it, or minimize it to just listen to the audio.

Artist Content: Behind-the-Scenes Access

Some artists and record labels upload exclusive video content directly to Spotify, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or special performances.

• How to Find Them: Navigate to the artist’s page on Spotify. Look for a “Video” or “About” section. Sometimes, these videos are integrated into playlists created by the artist.
• Explore Curated Playlists: Keep an eye out for playlists curated by artists. They often include visual elements along with the audio tracks.

The Future of Video on Spotify

Spotify is constantly evolving, and we can expect the integration of video to become even more sophisticated in the future. Look for new features and functionalities that further bridge the gap between audio and visual experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Videos on Spotify

Here are some of the most common questions users have about accessing video content on Spotify:

1. Why can’t I watch regular music videos on Spotify like I can on YouTube?

Spotify’s primary focus remains on audio streaming. While they incorporate video elements, they are designed to enhance the audio experience, not replace it. Full-fledged music videos would compete directly with platforms like YouTube, which isn’t Spotify’s strategic goal. Spotify’s Canvas and other video features also differentiate it from other platforms.

2. How do I enable or disable Canvas loops on Spotify?

To enable or disable Canvas loops, go to Settings > Playback in the Spotify app. Toggle the “Canvas” option on or off.

3. Does watching Canvas loops use a lot of data?

Yes, Canvas loops can consume mobile data. If you’re concerned about data usage, especially when streaming on a mobile network, consider disabling Canvas loops when not on Wi-Fi.

4. Can I watch video podcasts offline on Spotify?

If you have downloaded a video podcast for offline listening, the video component will also be available offline, provided you downloaded the video version specifically.

5. How do I find podcasts that have video on Spotify?

Look for podcasts with the video camera icon next to their title. You can also use the search filter to specifically display podcasts with video. Some podcasts may offer both audio-only and video versions, so make sure you select the correct one.

6. Are Clip Previews available for all songs on Spotify?

No, Clip Previews are not available for all songs. They are currently being rolled out and are typically curated by Spotify or the artists themselves. As the feature matures, more songs may have available clips.

7. Can I upload my own videos to Spotify?

Currently, only artists and rights holders can upload video content (Canvases, artist videos, etc.) to Spotify through their artist accounts. Standard users cannot upload their own videos.

8. I used to see a “Behind the Lyrics” feature with video clips. Where did it go?

“Behind the Lyrics,” which often incorporated video elements, has evolved over time and may be integrated into other features like Canvas or artist-specific content. Check the artist’s page or curated playlists for similar content.

9. Does Spotify Premium offer any advantages for watching videos?

Spotify Premium doesn’t directly unlock more video content. However, it does provide an ad-free listening experience, which extends to video podcasts.

10. Can I cast video podcasts from Spotify to my TV?

Yes, you can cast video podcasts from Spotify to your TV using Chromecast, AirPlay, or other compatible devices. Ensure that both your device and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

11. How can I suggest that an artist add Canvas loops to their songs?

While you can’t directly contact Spotify to request specific Canvas loops, you can reach out to the artist through their social media channels or official website and express your interest in seeing them utilize Canvas loops.

12. What is the future of video integration on Spotify? What can we expect?

Spotify is likely to continue expanding its video integration, potentially exploring interactive video formats, live streaming events, and more immersive visual experiences tailored to music discovery and artist engagement. Keep an eye on updates and new features as they are rolled out. Think enhanced visualizers, more in-depth artist documentaries embedded within the app, and potentially even interactive live performances within the platform. The audio-visual boundary is blurring, and Spotify is positioning itself to be a key player.