Spotify Expands Music Video Support to 85 More Markets

Spotify, the music streaming giant, is expanding its music video feature to 85 additional markets, following a successful initial rollout in 11 countries earlier this year. The company first introduced music videos in March, initially targeting regions such as the U.K., Germany, and Brazil, and later added Egypt to the list. This expansion aims to enhance the user experience for premium subscribers, as the feature remains exclusive to paid users. The music video service is accessible on both mobile and desktop platforms, allowing users to switch seamlessly between audio and video. Spotify has improved the user interface by adding video indicators next to track names, making it easier for users to identify which songs have accompanying videos. Additionally, users can view videos in full-screen mode by rotating their devices. Research indicates that users who watch music videos on the app are significantly more likely to stream the associated songs again, with a 34% increase in repeat streams observed. This statistic highlights the potential for music videos to drive engagement and retention among listeners. Despite the expansion, Spotify has not confirmed whether the U.S. is included in the new markets, which raises questions about its strategy in one of its largest markets. The move to incorporate music videos is seen as a response to the popularity of platforms like YouTube, which has long been favored for its extensive music video library.