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MTV’s heyday may be long gone, but streaming platforms are quietly reviving the visual side of music. On December 9, 2025, Spotify began showing select full-length music videos to some Premium subscribers in the US and Canada. The move marks a test run that could reshape how listeners experience songs on the world’s top audio app.
Spotify’s new video test: what’s happening now
Spotify is rolling out full music videos inside its app for a subset of Premium accounts. This is not the tiny animated clips users have seen in sidebars. Spotify is testing actual videos, similar to what made music TV networks famous.
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The feature is currently in beta and the available catalog is small. Spotify says the collection will expand in the coming months.
Who can see the videos and how to qualify
Access is limited. Key points about eligibility:
- You must be a Premium subscriber to view the videos.
- The current test is available to users in the United States and Canada.
- Spotify is selecting test participants; there is no user-controlled opt-in.
- New users can claim a promotional period: four months free if they’ve never had Premium.
- The promotional offer expires at the end of the year, on December 31, 2025.
- Former Premium subscribers whose plans lapsed are not guaranteed access through the promotion.
Premium is the gatekeeper for this beta. If you don’t pay for Premium, you won’t see the videos during this test.
How the video experience differs from past snippets
Spotify previously showed short, looping clips or animated album art next to songs. Those were seconds long and often ornamental.
The new tests deliver complete music videos inside the player. Expect the following:
- Full-length official videos when available.
- A limited initial library that will grow.
- Embedded playback that stays inside Spotify’s app.
Think MTV-style viewing inside a streaming app, not tiny sidebar teasers.
Rollout history and future expansion plans
Spotify first trialed music videos in about 100 markets last year. The US and Canada were not part of that initial run.
The December 9 expansion is still a limited beta. Spotify plans to broaden availability over time, but no firm public timetable has been announced.
- Initial catalog: small, curated selections.
- Gradual growth expected: months, not weeks.
- Geographic expansion will likely follow user testing results.
What creators and listeners stand to gain
Reintroducing music videos inside a major streaming service changes several dynamics.
- Artists get another place to showcase visual work.
- Listeners can watch official videos without leaving the music app.
- Labels may see new revenue or promotional angles tied to video plays.
For users, the benefit is simple: a more cinematic way to consume music on a platform that previously focused on audio.
Common questions about the test
Will ads or extra charges appear?
Spotify has not detailed monetization for these videos. For now, access is tied to Premium status.
Can I force the feature to appear?
No. Spotify chooses which Premium users receive the test. Updating the app or switching plans won’t guarantee access.
When will the full rollout happen?
There’s no confirmed date. Spotify says availability will expand quickly, but specifics are pending.
