By Mike Romero
As one of the leading music streaming platforms, Spotify has always been ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and providing the best user experience. One of the ways it has done so is by introducing the Canvas tool, which allows artists to add looping visual elements to their tracks on Spotify. The feature has been a game-changer for artists, allowing them to showcase their creativity and engage their fans on a deeper level.
Canvas is an immersive experience that enables artists to tell their stories in a more dynamic way. It’s a 3-8 second video or animation loop that plays while the music is playing. It provides a unique opportunity for artists to express themselves beyond just their music. The visuals can include anything from live concert footage, behind-the-scenes clips, lyric videos, or animated graphics.
One of the major benefits of using the Canvas tool is that it has a significant impact on the way listeners engage with the music. According to Spotify, tracks with Canvas have seen an increase in shares and streams, with a 145% increase in track saves and a 5% increase in overall streams. Additionally, users who engage with tracks with a Canvas stay on the platform longer and are more likely to stream multiple songs by the same artist. They’re also able to share the song in a cool way: when you or a listener shares your track from the Spotify app to an Instagram story, your Canvas will loop in the background along with track details and a link back to stream your music on Spotify.
Another advantage of using the Canvas tool is that it provides a way for artists to stand out in a crowded market. With over 70 million tracks on Spotify, it can be challenging for artists to grab the attention of listeners. However, with the visual element of Canvas, artists can make their music more memorable and increase the likelihood of fans remembering their songs.
Getting started with the Canvas tool is relatively easy. First, artists need to ensure that they have access to the tool by going to their Spotify for Artists account and selecting the release they wish to add the Canvas to. From there, they can create the Canvas by uploading a video or animation file in the correct format. Make sure yours uses a 9:16 aspect ratio, .mp4 or .gif file format, and a maximum file size of 8MB. Artists should also keep in mind that the Canvas tool is only available to use for original music tracks, and not covers.
When creating a Canvas, it’s essential to keep the visuals engaging and aligned with the mood and theme of the track. The video or animation should be eye-catching and help tell the story of the song in a visually compelling way. It’s also important to remember that the Canvas should loop seamlessly, so the viewer doesn’t become distracted by a sudden change or interruption.
One of the critical things to keep in mind is that the Canvas tool is not just for established artists with large followings. It’s an opportunity for emerging artists to stand out and reach new audiences. According to data from Spotify, artists with fewer than 1000 followers who use the Canvas tool see an average of 80% more streams and saves than those who don’t use the feature. This statistic shows that the Canvas tool can be a valuable asset for artists of all sizes and can help them grow their fan base.
In conclusion, the Canvas tool is a valuable addition to Spotify’s already impressive set of features. It provides artists with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and engage their fans in a more immersive way. With its impact on streaming numbers and user engagement, it’s clear that the Canvas tool is something that all artists should consider using. For emerging artists looking to break through in a crowded market, it could be the difference between being just another artist on the platform and standing out as a creative force.
Check out the YouTube video below for a side-by-side comparison of the Spotify listening experience with Canvas versus without it.
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