A Canvas is a short looping video that plays instead of your cover art on the Now Playing screen of the Spotify mobile app. It is added in Spotify for Artists, not delivered by your distributor, so it is something you can do yourself on any track.
The specs
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 to 8 seconds |
| Shape | Vertical, 9:16 |
| Height | 720 to 1080 pixels |
| File | MP4 or JPG |
Who can add it, and when
- Who. The first main artist on the track, or a main artist on both the track and the release, with an Admin or Editor role in Spotify for Artists.
- Where. On the web, open the Music tab, choose the track and select Add Canvas. In the app, open the track and edit Canvas.
- When. Any track, including upcoming releases. You can have it ready before release day.
What Spotify advises against
- Talking, singing or rapping on screen: a loop of a few seconds will not stay in sync with the song.
- Rapid cuts and intense flashing graphics.
- Important details near the edges, because some phones crop them.
- Your name and song title on the video: Spotify already shows them on the same screen.
Make it work as a loop
Pick one loop style and design for it: a seamless continuous loop, a deliberate hard cut, or a rebound that plays forward and back. Tie the look to your cover art so the release feels like one piece, and change it over time as the campaign moves on.
With Mazufa
Releasing with Mazufa is free: no upload fee, no subscription and no per-release fee, with the revenue share set out in your written agreement. Once your release is scheduled, you can add the Canvas in Spotify for Artists before it goes live. Apply at mazufa.com/apply.
Sources
- Spotify for Artists, Canvas guidelines — https://support.spotify.com/artists/article/canvas-guidelines/
- Spotify for Artists, Adding a Canvas — https://support.spotify.com/artists/article/adding-a-canvas/
On the limits of this guide. Spotify can change Canvas specs and availability. The figures above are as published on the date of this guide.