Spotify Video Expansion and Music Licensing Shifts Reshape Streaming in November 2025

Major changes are hitting the music industry this month. Spotify is launching music videos for U.S. and Canadian users. A new publisher portal could alter how songwriters get paid.

These moves signal a pivotal shift toward video integration and new licensing models. The changes aim to boost creator payouts and reshape user discovery.

Spotify’s U.S. Video Rollout Aims to Rival YouTube

Spotify confirmed the expansion of its music video feature. The rollout begins in the United States and Canada. This follows a limited beta test in select markets last year.

Listeners can now toggle between audio and video tracks. This directly challenges YouTube’s dominance in music video streaming. The feature is integrated directly into the Spotify app.

According to Reuters, this strategic move aims to increase user engagement. Longer watch times could lead to new advertising revenue streams. It also keeps users within the Spotify ecosystem.

New NMPA Licensing Portal Opens for Publishers

The National Music Publishers Association launched a new opt-in portal. It went live on November 11. Publishers can now directly license audiovisual rights to services like Spotify.

This streamlined process could mean faster royalty payments. It particularly benefits independent songwriters and publishers. The system offers a new path for audiovisual licensing deals.

Billboard reports this could shift bargaining power toward publishers. It may result in improved financial terms for music creators. The long-term impact on the industry could be substantial.

Streaming Growth and Awards Season Amplify Changes

Spotify’s recent subscriber growth supports this video push. The platform added five million premium subscribers last quarter. Total paying users now stand at 281 million globally.

Monthly active users reached 713 million. This massive user base provides a ready audience for video content. The scale allows Spotify to experiment with new features confidently.

Awards season is also influencing music trends. The Hollywood Music in Media Awards nominated “Wicked: For Good” for six awards. Soundtrack visibility typically increases during awards periods.

The convergence of video expansion, licensing changes, and subscriber growth creates a unique moment for music streaming. These developments will likely influence how fans discover music and how creators earn from their work in the coming year.

Info at your fingertips

When will Spotify videos be available in the U.S.?

The rollout begins in November 2025. It is starting with users in the United States and Canada. The feature will become widely available in the coming weeks.

How does the NMPA portal help songwriters?

It allows publishers to opt into direct licensing deals for audiovisual content. This could lead to higher royalty payouts for songwriters. It also streamlines the payment process.

Will Spotify videos require a premium subscription?

Initial reports suggest videos will be available to all users. Both free and premium subscribers will have access. The feature integrates seamlessly into the existing app interface.

How might this affect YouTube Music?

Spotify’s video expansion creates direct competition with YouTube. It offers an alternative for music video streaming. The impact on market share will become clearer in coming months.

What are the key Spotify subscriber numbers?

Spotify reported 281 million premium subscribers in their latest earnings. Monthly active users reached 713 million globally. The platform added five million paying users last quarter.