Spotify

How Spotify works

Spotify is a music, podcast and audiobook streaming service that provides access to an online library of content. It is available on:

• Windows
• MacOS 
• Linux computers
• iOS 
• Android
• digital media players
• smart home devices 

Spotify can recommend content based on a user’s listening history. Users can make playlists or on their own or invite friends to make them with them.

A basic ad-supported version of Spotify is available for free. Other versions with additional features are offered via a monthly subscription. Only the ‘Premium’ version provides parental controls. This includes the explicit content filter.

Minimum age requirements

Users must be aged 13 or older, although there are no checks to verify a user’s age. Children under 13 can have a managed Spotify account under a Premium Family plan.

Features and terms

Audiobooks 

A feature allowing users to listen to books being read aloud.

Download 

Music or audio content copied within a Spotify account to be played offline. 

Friend Activity 

This feature allows users to show each other what they are playing in Spotify in real time to create a shared listening experience. 

Library 

Everything a user has saved in Spotify. This can include songs, artists, albums, podcasts, and playlists. 

Messages

A messaging feature that allows users to send messages, songs, podcasts, and audiobooks directly to friends.

Playlist 

A collection of Spotify content created by users or curated by the Spotify algorithm. 

Podcast 

An on-demand audio programme, usually focused on a specific topic, theme or subject. Some podcasts also have video versions on the app.

Spotify Kids 

A child-friendly version of Spotify available as part of a Premium Family Subscription. 

Wrapped 

An end-of-year roundup of a user’s activity on Spotify. It provides information on a user’s listening trends throughout the year. 

What Spotify offers

Learning and interests

Users can find podcasts and audiobooks that cover a wide range of subjects. This can help young people discover new books and learn about different topics.

Creativity and self-expression

Users can create their own playlists and share them with friends. This allows them to express themselves through music. They can also collaborate with their friends to create a joint playlist.

Managing risks

Inappropriate content

Spotify includes some explicit content in the form of: 

• song lyrics
• adult-orientated conversations
• videos
• images 

Content identified by Spotify as suitable only for users aged over 18 is marked with an ‘Explicit content’ or ‘E’ label.

You can take the following steps to reduce the risk of inappropriate content.

Adjust settings

If you have a Spotify Family Plan with your child’s account linked to it, you can disable explicit content for their account. This will restrict most but not all content that is inappropriate for under 18s. Some content won’t be labelled, and explicit content can appear in titles or cover art. These will continue to appear in search lists.

Curate algorithm

Users have the option to remove artists and songs from their playlists and recommendations. Doing this will help reduce the chance of similar content being recommended for your child in the future.

Monitor listening activity

Ask about what your child listens to on Spotify. Doing this casually, showing that you are interested in their music taste, can help you learn about your child’s listening and allow you to act if they listen to inappropriate content. With a managed account for under 13s, you can see their listening activity on the Spotify website.

Talk about inappropriate content

Ensure your child knows they can come to you for support if they see or hear anything that makes them confused or uncomfortable on Spotify.

Harmful contact

Some Spotify users have used the cover art, name and description fields of playlists to communicate with followers in a way that is open to abuse. There have been reports of users being groomed or coerced to share inappropriate content in this manner.

Users can also message each other on the app, which could lead to them moving the conversation to a different platform.

These steps can help your child avoid harmful contact.

Adjust settings

It is advised that your child keeps their playlists set to private. You can also disable the messages feature within the account settings.

Talk about online safety

Teach your child not to accept follow requests or playlist collaborations from strangers. Encourage them to choose a Spotify username that keeps their identity private rather than using their real name. Explain to them what information is and isn’t ok to share online. Ensure they know they can come to you if they need support.

Settings to protect your child

These settings can keep your child safe while using Spotify.

Set up a managed account (only with Premium Family Plan)

•  Go to your Family Plan account.
• Select ‘Add listener under 13’.
• Select ‘Add account’.
• Tick the checkbox and select ‘Next’.
• Create a PIN and select ‘Next’.
• Enter your child’s name and date of birth and select ‘Next’.
• Choose whether to allow explicit music and videos and select ‘Next’.
• Scan the QR code with your child’s device to log them into their account.

Disable messaging

• On your child’s Spotify account, select their profile picture in the top left.
• Select ‘Settings and privacy’.
• Select ‘Privacy and social’.
• Scroll down to ‘Social features’.
• Toggle off ‘Messages’.

Reporting and blocking tools

Reporting a playlist

• On the playlist you want to report, select the 3 horizontal dots at the top.
• Select ‘Report’.
• Choose the reason for reporting.
• Select ‘Submit’.

Reporting a user

• On the profile of the user you want to report, select the 3 horizontal dots.
• Select ‘Report’.
• Choose the reason for reporting.
• Select ‘Submit’.

Blocking a user

• On the profile of the user you want to block, select the 3 horizontal dots.
• Select ‘Block’.
• Select ‘Block’ again to confirm.