[FAQ]

I’m looking to add a “Canvas” (the short looping video) to my tracks on Spotify to make them more visually interesting and hopefully increase shares.

What are some of the best practices in 2025 for creating one that is actually engaging and adds to the listener’s experience? I’m thinking about what kind of visual works best, how it should loop, and if there are any “don’ts” I should be aware of.

Any tips would be great, thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

That is an excellent point to focus on. A great Spotify Canvas can be a powerful tool to make your track more memorable and increase engagement metrics like shares and playlist adds.

The key is to create a short, looping visual that enhances the mood of your song without distracting from it. There are a few best practices to keep in mind when creating one.

First, you must create a seamless loop. A Canvas is a short video, typically between three and eight seconds long, that plays continuously in the mobile app. To avoid a jarring cut at the end, the last frame of your video should flow perfectly back into the first frame. A smooth, continuous visual is much more effective than one with an obvious jump.

Second, you should not include any text like the song title or artist name on the Canvas itself. That information is already visible on the Spotify player interface. The Canvas is for pure visual storytelling, and adding text just creates unnecessary clutter.

Third, the visual should match the mood and tempo of your song. A fast-paced, energetic track might be paired with more dynamic visuals, while a slower, atmospheric song would benefit from a smooth, continuous motion. The visual should always complement the audio experience, not compete with it.

Fourth, you should avoid very rapid, strobing cuts or flashing effects. These not only loop poorly but can also be jarring for the listener.

And fifth, remember to design for the “safe zones.” You must keep your key visual elements away from the areas of the screen that are obscured by the player controls, particularly at the bottom, to ensure they are fully visible to the user.

In summary, an effective Spotify Canvas tells a micro-story or sets a mood that enhances your music. By focusing on a seamless loop, avoiding text, and matching the visual to the vibe of your song, you can create a much more immersive experience for your listeners.

Cheers,

Jeff

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