[Android][Podcasts] Disable video for planmembers

[ZeitRapha]

Hi, 

I want to disable the videos altogether (at least for plan members).

My kids watch video podcasts instead of listening to music. Perhaps there can be a switch next to "Remove explicit content" in the plan member options. Something like "lock videos and canvas"

[ZeitRapha]

This has been driving me nuts, too.  I just submitted a request to the idea board:

https://community.spotify.com/t5/Idea-Submissions/Community-Other-Add-quot-remove-video-podcast-content-quot/idi-p/5467310#M161928

If you vote for it, maybe it'll get some traction.

[OscarDC]

Hey @ZeitRapha,

Thank you for reaching out to the Community. We moved your post from Ideas to the help boards as its content fits better here.

If you want more control over the content that is available for your kids, and you're the owner of a Family plan; we'd recommend using the Spotify Kids app. With this playground of sound, your kids can:

• Have their own account
• Discover and listen to family-friendly audio
• Play their favorites offline and ad-free
• Select an avatar and color theme
• And, you can control their settings.

You can find all the info in this article.

Hope this helps. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[christof-kr]

I'm using Google Family Link to limit the smartphone usage of my kids. I've added an exception for Spotify because my kids are allowed to use Spotify for Music and Podcasts. However, recently Spotify introduced video podcasts and my kids started using Spotify for literally hours and hours. It took me a while until I realized what was going on. My kids started hiding their phone when they heard me or my wife coming up the stairs and pretended to be doing something else.

Currently, I only have the option to limit Spotify usage with Google Family Link, but then Spotify will be completely blocked for the whole day when the kids use their time, leaving them with no music/podcasts when they are going to bed.

Please realize that audio and video consumption is a totally different thing when it comes to raising children and allowing them "media time". Please introduce a new option next to "Remove explicit content" named "Remove video content".

Using "Spotify Kids" is not an option. My children are way out of kindergarden age. We are totally fine with them listening to all music and podcasts they like and find interesting. It's only the video usage that totally breaks the game here. Our kinds started becoming video-adicted zombies, not leaving their rooms any more, and that was the point where we had to intervene. Spotify should give parents the settings to prevent that.

[gmenhard]

Christof-kr, I am absolutely with you. Same here with my kids.

[ZeitRapha]

Exact what I mean! Thank you

[hayds79]

Yes I agree. A switch to disable video podcasts for specific family plan members is desperately needed. 

[StefHH]

We have the exact same issue, too. I just talked with my wife about switching the family plan to TIDAL MUSIC, so that we can be sure that our kids have their music, without constant worry about them watching whatever videopodcast there is. 

It is really nothing more needed that the aforementioned "remove video podcast content" switch!

[Smccroskey002]

There are numerous requests from families on multiple message boards about removing explicit video content and pornography from the phones of our kids. I can remove explicit content from songs, but simply search “Music Video” and pornographic pictures and podcasts are available without any ability to remove from my children’s accounts. 

I’ve been a member of Spotify for many years and love the service. I will drop it all by the end of this year if this problem is not resolved. Spotify users need to be emboldened to do the same since the whole “500 likes” concept is clearly manipulated. Leave it to families whether they want that content. 

[b4mboo]

---

Please realize that audio and video consumption is a totally different thing when it comes to raising children and allowing them "media time". Please introduce a new option next to "Remove explicit content" named "Remove video content".

Using "Spotify Kids" is not an option. My children are way out of kindergarden age. We are totally fine with them listening to all music and podcasts they like and find interesting. It's only the video usage that totally breaks the game here.

---

This is exactly the point. Right now, all I can do is to prevent my kids from accessing Spotify altogether. If that doesn't change, there's no reason for me to keep paying for a family plan.

[lentil_maps]

This has been driving me nuts, too.  I just submitted a request to the idea board:

https://community.spotify.com/t5/Idea-Submissions/Community-Other-Add-quot-remove-video-podcast-cont...

If you vote for it, maybe it'll get some traction.

[lauramckenziewaters]

SPOTIFY KIDS IS TERRIBLE!!! ALLOW PLAN OWNERS TO DISABLE OTHER MEMBERS FROM VIEWING VIDEO PODCASTS!!! THIS IS NO FREAKING DIFFERENT THAN YOUTUBE!!!!!!!!

[caffeinejolt]

I am going to have to switch to Tidal if Spotify does not fix this soon.  Too bad since we all like Spotify - but this just causes too many issues for parents.  Luckily Tidal supports transferring playlists.

[Ubozkurt]

Spotify Kids app is not available in Switzerland

[evolver]

Same here. I came here looki g for help and happy to see that I'm not the only parent on a family plan finding their kids bypassing parental controls via spotify. Please allow family members to control at a family member account if videos can be watched. 

[Alex433]

+1

Same problem here. I blocked youtube for a reason and I don't want my kids to use spotifay as youtube replacement.

They are allowed to listen to any music and podcasts they want to. But not video content. 

Spotify Kids is no alternative.

[tv2023]

Fully agree with these folks. Spotify Kids is not a solution. What I want is to give access to music but no video. It’s really simple.

[FlatballMatt]

I just discovered my kids can watch videos on Spotify.  We need an audio only option.  This is a serious problem, between TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, FB, the list goes on, so many video apps that distract and become addictive.

[the-wro]

This is an absolute must have. My son watches video podcasts without end. In times of screen sharing for various media, it should be clear that such a feature can be turned off.
Please do not refer to the Spotify Kids app now, it is simply not usable for children over the age of 4. It doesn't even have all the episodes of popular children's radio plays that are available in the normal Spotify app. In addition, the UI/UX design is a single disaster.

[ukutoomet]

No improvement? Will have to cancel the subscription, as my kid discovered video as well.

[Kalimom]

Yes.  We will need to cancel our Spotify subscription if this issue isn’t resolved.  Our kid also discovered the podcast videos- was spending hours and hours on it.