Spotify is introducing a new pilot feature that gives parents more control over the content their children under 13 can access on the platform. As part of the Premium Family plan, this new “managed accounts” feature is being tested in select markets, including Denmark, New Zealand, and Sweden. It allows parents and guardians to create customized listening experiences for younger users.
With managed accounts, parents can control what content their children can interact with, blocking explicit songs, videos, and even Canvas videos (the looping visuals accompanying songs). The feature also allows parents to restrict certain artists or tracks, giving them more granular control over their kids’ music exploration without forcing them to use the Spotify Kids app, which offers a more limited, child-friendly experience.
This update follows a trend seen among other tech giants like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta, who have implemented more robust parental controls in response to increasing pressure from regulators to ensure children’s online safety. Although Spotify is primarily a music and podcast platform, it includes a wide range of content that may not always suit younger listeners, making these controls a timely and welcome addition for families.
One key benefit of this feature is that it helps separate musical tastes. With individually managed accounts for children, parents don’t have to worry about their recommendations being influenced by their children’s favorite songs. This ensures that both adults and kids receive accurate suggestions based on their own listening habits. This also makes the popular end-of-year Spotify Wrapped feature more accurate for everyone in the family.
Parents can access these new parental controls via the Accounts page in the app. From there, they can select the option to “Add a listener aged under 13” and customize the account settings for their child. The feature is expected to be a game-changer for families looking for a safer, more tailored experience for young listeners.
In addition to this feature, Spotify also reminds users of the Spotify Kids app, a more curated music experience for children under 13, already available in 14 markets, including the countries participating in the pilot. This gives parents more options to choose the best experience for their family, whether through the fully managed accounts or the dedicated Kids app.
As Spotify tests this feature, it’s clear the platform is responding to the growing need for enhanced parental control features. It aligns with other tech platforms in prioritizing family-friendly tools while allowing children to explore music in a safe environment.
