Spotify’s 'Clips' feature allows creators to share short, vertical videos up to 30 seconds long, offering a dynamic way to engage fans while keeping their music at the forefront. This innovative tool gives musicians the opportunity to provide glimpses into their creative process, share behind-the-scenes moments, and promote their music in a more interactive format.
What Makes Clips Unique?
Unlike other short-form video platforms that prioritise viral trends and often anonymise artists, Spotify’s Clips are directly attached to an artist’s profile and can be linked to specific tracks or albums. This keeps the focus on the artist and their music, fostering deeper fan engagement rather than a fleeting moment of viral fame.
Designed for longevity, Clips don’t disappear after 24 hours, unlike traditional social media stories. This evergreen approach allows artists to tell deeper, more meaningful stories without constantly creating new content to stay relevant. The format encourages lasting connections with fans and supports continuous engagement over time.
Artists can also schedule Clips to launch alongside new releases, strategically timing their visuals to drop on the same day. This synchronisation enhances visibility and excitement, offering fans a cohesive experience by engaging with both the music and related visuals simultaneously.
Who Can Use Clips?
Currently in beta, Spotify Clips are gradually being rolled out to thousands of artists. However, not all artists and labels have access yet. Those interested can join the waitlist through Spotify for Artists to be notified when the feature becomes available to them.
How to Upload Clips
Uploading Clips is a simple process for artists using Spotify for Artists. Here’s how:
- Access the "Create a Clip" card or navigate to the "Video" tab.
- Upload a vertical video (3-30 seconds) in MP4 format with a minimum resolution of 1280px tall and 1080px wide.
- Add details like captions, tags, and thumbnails.
- Accept the terms and conditions to submit the Clip.
Once uploaded, Clips will appear on the artist’s profile and can be tagged to specific songs or albums. Fans can easily stream the artist’s music after watching a Clip, creating a seamless viewing and listening experience.
Best Practices and Creative Ideas for Clips
Spotify encourages artists to use Clips creatively to build stronger connections with their audience. Here are some ideas:
- Share the story behind a song: Give fans an exclusive look into your creative process.
- Announce new releases: Hype up your upcoming songs or albums directly through Clips.
- Introduce yourself: Let new listeners get to know you as an artist.
- Feature collaborations: Highlight joint efforts with other artists or producers in collaborative Clips.
- Showcase merchandise: Promote your merch and drive sales through Spotify.
From pre-show rituals to deep dives into your music, the possibilities for Clips are endless. This feature enables artists to engage with fans in a unique way, all while driving streams and promoting their work.
As the beta expands, Spotify Clips are poised to become a key tool for musicians to grow their fanbase and share their story—all within the Spotify ecosystem.