Spotify, the popular music streaming company, announced today that it is expanding its music video feature to premium users in 85 new markets. This decision comes after a successful video experiment conducted in select markets back in March.
Initially introduced as a beta feature in 11 countries, including the U.K., Germany, and Brazil, Spotify has gradually rolled out music videos to more regions over time. Most recently, Egypt was added to the list, bringing the total number of countries with access to music videos to 85.
While the U.S. was not included in the first wave of regions with music video availability, Spotify has not confirmed whether the new markets encompass the U.S. yet. Despite the expansion, the feature remains exclusive to paid subscribers.
Users can seamlessly switch between audio and video playback on both mobile and desktop platforms through a toggle switch. The company has also improved the transition process to ensure a smoother experience for users.
In addition to the video feature, Spotify has added indicators next to track names in search results for easy identification of videos. Users can also enjoy a full-screen video experience by simply rotating their phones to landscape mode.
Studies have shown that users who watch music videos on Spotify are more likely to revisit the songs in the following week, indicating a positive response to the new feature. By introducing music videos, Spotify aims to compete with platforms like YouTube, known for their extensive music video library.