Have you ever switched to a music video on Spotify only to have it disappear the moment you started browsing other songs? It is a common frustration for many users who enjoy visual content on the platform. Spotify is reportedly testing a new feature that keeps music videos large and visible while you navigate the app. This update aims to fix a long-standing usability flaw and make multitasking much smoother for music fans.
Solving the Disappearing Video Problem
Spotify has aggressively pushed into the video market over the last year. They expanded music videos to premium users in over 97 markets. The goal was simple. They wanted users to watch content inside Spotify instead of jumping over to YouTube. The transition from audio to video in the “Now Playing” screen is seamless. You just tap a button and the video starts.
However, the experience breaks down when you try to do anything else. If you minimize the player to search for a new song or check an artist’s profile, the video shrinks. It becomes a tiny, thin strip at the bottom of the screen.
The video becomes so small that you can barely see what is happening.
This defeats the purpose of having music videos in the first place. Users are forced to choose between watching the video or using the app. You cannot comfortably do both at the same time. This design flaw has been a major complaint since the feature launched. It disrupts the connection users feel with the artist and the visual story they are telling.
spotify smartphone app displaying music video interface on screen
What the New Update Reveals
Tech journalists recently discovered evidence that a fix is on the way. A deep dive into the code of the latest Spotify Android version revealed hidden settings. This process is known as an “APK teardown” and it often hints at features coming in future updates.
The code specifically mentions a new option labeled “Larger video in Now Playing Bar.”
This setting comes with a clear description. It states that enabling this feature will “show larger videos in the Now Playing Bar while you browse.” This confirms that Spotify is aware of the issue and is actively building a solution.
Here is a breakdown of what the code suggests is coming:
- Expanded View: The mini-player will likely increase in height to show a standard 16:9 video format.
- Toggle Switch: Users might have the choice to turn this larger view on or off in the settings.
- Seamless Browsing: The video will continue playing in a watchable size while you scroll through playlists or charts.
It is important to note that this feature is currently in internal testing. It is not yet available to the public. However, the presence of specific text strings usually means the feature is in the final stages of development.
Why Video Matters in the Streaming War
This potential update is about more than just a bigger screen. It is a strategic move in the battle for your attention. Spotify is no longer just an audio app. They are competing directly with video giants.
YouTube Music has offered a robust mini-player for years.
When you minimize a video on YouTube, it stays visible. You can even move it around the screen in some versions. This flexibility keeps users engaged for longer periods. Spotify needs to match this level of usability to compete effectively.
The company has added several visual features recently to keep up:
- Canvas: Short looping visuals for tracks.
- Clips: Stories from artists similar to Instagram Reels.
- Video Podcasts: Full-length video episodes for popular shows.
Improving the mini-player is the logical next step. If users can watch a music video while adding tracks to their “Liked Songs” playlist, they spend more time in the app. This increases the value of the Premium subscription. It also helps artists who spend thousands of dollars producing high-quality music videos.
When Can You Expect This Feature?
Spotify has not officially announced a release date for the larger video player. Since the feature was found in the beta version of the app code, it could roll out in a few weeks or a few months.
Updates like this usually follow a standard testing pattern:
- Internal Testing: Employees test the feature for bugs.
- A/B Testing: A small group of random users get the feature to provide feedback.
- Global Rollout: The feature becomes available to all Premium subscribers.
This update will likely be exclusive to Premium users.
Currently, full music video playback is a paid feature. Free users can only hear the audio or see short clips. If you are a heavy user of music videos, keeping your app updated is the best way to ensure you get the feature as soon as it drops.
Until then, users will have to deal with the tiny bar at the bottom. But knowing a fix is in the works is good news for anyone who loves watching music as much as listening to it.
The move to fix the mini-player proves that Spotify is listening to user feedback. A larger video player bridges the gap between passive listening and active watching. It transforms the app from a music player into a true multimedia hub. By removing the friction of a shrinking screen, Spotify ensures that the music video remains the star of the show, no matter where you navigate.
What do you think about this potential update? Do you watch music videos on Spotify, or do you stick to YouTube? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you are excited about better multitasking, share this news on social media using #SpotifyUpdate and tag your friends!
