Spotify adds music videos: fun or annoying? | Music News

Spotify is officially adding support for music videos. The audio streaming service describes the feature as a “beta” with only a “limited catalog” available as of today in 11 markets. Supported artists include Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Ice Spice, Aluna, and Asake, with Spotify’s global head of consumer experience Sten Garmark saying that Spotify’s full music video catalog will eventually include “thousands” of songs. The music video feature is accessible via the Now Playing screen on supported tracks, where a “Switch to Video” icon will appear above the song title. Tapping it will restart the song, and start playing its music video in the centre of the display. You can rotate an iOS or Android device to play the music video fullscreen, and tap “Switch to Audio” to return to the more traditional Now Playing interface. The feature is currently available in a limited number of markets; the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya. Garmark says these markets were chosen “based on a number of criteria including market size and the availability of local content support.” As well as iOS and Android, Spotify says the music videos feature is also available on desktop and TV devices. You’ll need to have a Premium subscription to watch them. This feels like a natural progression for Spotify, after expanding to video podcasts and audiobooks in recent years. Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe for more content. Like Homebrewed on ⁠Facebook⁠ Follow Homebrewed on ⁠Instagram⁠ Watch our content on ⁠YouTube⁠ Check out our Spotify Playlists ⁠here⁠ Catch up on everything ⁠Homebrewed⁠ Homebrewed is a radio program and podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.