Spotify Canvas Guide
Spotify Canvas is a short looping video that plays in the background when someone streams a track on the mobile app. It replaces the static album cover with a moving visual. In 2025, Canvas is still one of the easiest ways for artists to add more style to their songs and keep listeners interested.
What is Spotify Canvas?
A Spotify Canvas is a 3–8 second vertical video that shows in the “Now Playing” screen on the mobile app. Think of it as short looping art. It can be an animation, a clip from a music video, or a simple moving background. Unlike album artwork, you can upload a different Canvas for every song.
Spotify says Canvas helps artists grow. Data shows tracks with Canvas get more shares, more playlist adds, and more profile visits. For example, artists report up to 145% more shares and 20% more playlist adds when they use Canvas.
Build a Stronger Profile
Canvas gives fans another way to connect with your music. Album art is static, but Canvas adds movement. Fans who see a strong visual are more likely to remember the song and come back.
Boost Engagement
Spotify’s stats show Canvas can help increase streams and saves. Even a small 5% increase matters over time. More streams can help with playlist placement and overall visibility.
Show Your Style
Canvas lets you extend your brand. For example, Billie Eilish asked fans to submit art for her Canvases. Gorillaz used custom cartoons. Indie artists use simple loops like nature clips or abstract patterns. Each approach adds personality to the track.
What Canvas Specs You Need to Follow?
File Requirements
Content Rules
How to Upload Spotify Canvas?
You can’t add Canvas from desktop. Use the Spotify for Artists app on iOS or Android. Here is the complete step by step procedure :
Creative Tips for the Best Spotify Canvas
Tell a Short Story
3–8 seconds isn’t much time. Keep the clip simple. For example, show a hand striking a guitar chord or a loop of an animated logo.
Use Smooth Loops
Spotify supports three loop types:
Keep Focus on the Safe Area
“Keep focus in the safe area” means placing the main part of your video or image in the center, where it won’t be blocked by controls or screen edges. This ensures your Canvas looks clear on all devices.
Don’t Sync Lyrics
Canvas doesn’t sync with music. If your clip shows someone singing, it will look off. Use abstract or performance clips without lip sync.
Regular Update
Canvas isn’t fixed like album art. Change it to mark events. For example, Tycho updated his Canvases during Pride month with rainbow visuals. You can also refresh old tracks to make fans revisit them.
Tools to Create Spotify Canvas
There are following some ways that you may use for canvas creation:
DIY apps
If you want to make Canvas yourself, try free or cheap editing apps like InShot, Splice, or CapCut. They export vertical videos in the right size.
Online Tools
Sites like Rotor Videos let you choose templates and styles. Good for beginners who want a quick option.
Hire a Designer
If you have budget, use SoundBetter or freelance sites. Many designers specialize in short looping visuals. For example, some have worked with Kanye West, Pop Smoke, and Zedd.
Spotify Canvas for Ads
Spotify expanded Canvas-like visuals to ads in 2025. Brands can now show short vertical clips with audio ads. This means artists can reuse strong Canvas visuals for marketing campaigns. It’s another reason to invest time in creating quality loops.
How to Track Performance
Spotify for Artists shows data on how Canvas affects streams and shares. Compare a track before and after you add Canvas. Look for changes in:
If one style works better, keep testing. Small edits, new colors, or different loops can shift results.
Examples of Canvas Use
Conclusion
Spotify Canvas is a small feature, but it can make a big difference. Short visuals keep listeners interested, make tracks more shareable, and add personality to your music. With the right clip, even an older song can feel fresh again.
