Spotify has officially launched music videos for its Premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, marking a significant expansion of its platform. This rollout follows a successful beta phase in several other overseas markets last year. The new feature allows users to seamlessly switch between a song's audio and its accompanying music video at any point, positioning Spotify to directly challenge platforms like YouTube in the audio-visual streaming space.

Exclusively available to Spotify Premium members, these music videos are accessible across the platform's iOS, Android, desktop, and TV apps. The content is provided through new agreements with major music labels, ensuring a growing library of official music videos.

Seamless User Experience

When listening to a track, Premium subscribers will now see a new "Switch to video" option. Tapping this will immediately start the music video from the song's current playback position—an improvement over the earlier beta version. Users can easily revert to audio-only mode at any time by selecting "Switch to audio." For mobile users, the videos can be enjoyed in full-screen when the device is in landscape orientation. This new feature will replace the short, looping "Canvas" videos that typically accompany tracks, unless users opt to disable it in their settings.

Enhanced Discovery and Playlists

To further enhance discovery, Spotify plans to introduce dedicated video playlists for U.S. and Canadian subscribers by the end of the month. Examples include 90s Video Hits, Hip-Hop Throwbacks, Latin Party Hits, Country Hits, and Pop Music Video Hits. Additionally, users can expect to see personalized music video recommendations directly on their app's home screen.

Strategic Move Against YouTube

Bringing music videos to the crucial U.S. market is a strategic move for Spotify, intensifying its competition with YouTube, which offers its own music streaming service and has expanded into podcasts. Spotify has been bolstering its own offerings by adding video podcasts and social features such as comments, Q&As, and polls, transforming its app into a more comprehensive social network.

Licensing Agreements and Royalties

The introduction of music videos in the U.S. was anticipated after a leak last month, following Spotify's November deal with the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA). This expanded partnership established an opt-in portal for NMPA members to enter direct licensing agreements for audio-visual (AV) rights in the U.S., a move Spotify stated would "increase revenue for songwriters and independent publishers." Throughout 2025, Spotify also secured AV rights deals with major players like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, and Warner Music Group. While the company did not disclose the total number of videos available at launch or specific deal details, a spokesperson confirmed that music video streams lasting at least 30 seconds will be reported and generate royalties, consistent with existing agreements.

Broader Global Rollout

Beyond the U.S. and Canada, Spotify is also extending music video availability to Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Uganda, and Venezuela. A comprehensive list of beta markets can be found on Spotify’s support site. Notably, in existing beta markets like Brazil and Colombia, music videos are also accessible to users on the free tier.