Spotify is joining the ranks of tech titans by rolling out in-app parental controls designed specifically for young listeners. Announced on Friday, these “managed accounts” cater to those under the age of 13. Initially, this feature will be piloted for Family plan users in select regions, including Denmark, New Zealand, and Sweden.
Once activated, parents gain the power to manage their child’s account like never before. They can block explicit content, restrict access to videos, and even disable Canvas videos—those looping visuals that accompany songs. Additionally, a new control feature lets parents decide which artists or tracks are accessible, offering a nuanced way to curate their child’s listening experience. This is a less restrictive alternative to the more kiddie-centric Spotify Kids app, allowing tweens a bit more freedom in their music choices.
Spotify’s move is part of a broader trend among tech companies like TikTok, Meta, Snap, and YouTube, all of which are under mounting regulatory pressure to give parents more oversight. Streaming competitors like Netflix, Max, and Hulu have long offered parental controls, underscoring the growing demand for such features.
While Spotify isn’t a video streaming service or a full-fledged social media platform, it does host a vast array of content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parents currently sharing accounts with their kids might find the Family plan particularly appealing, as it allows each user their own set of recommendations. This separation ensures that parents’ and tweens’ musical preferences don’t get mixed up, leading to more accurate end-of-year Wrapped results, says Spotify.
To activate these controls, parents can navigate to the Accounts page within the Spotify app and select the option to “Add a listener aged under 13,” then follow the guided setup to fine-tune the settings.
Spotify’s latest feature aims to offer a balanced approach, ensuring that young listeners enjoy a rich musical experience while parents maintain peace of mind.
