Spotify is introducing a significant update aimed at giving parents greater control over their children’s music listening experience. The new feature, called managed accounts, was initially tested in select countries and is now expanding to major markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. These managed accounts offer a safer, more personalized way for children under the age of 13 to enjoy Spotify while providing parents with tools to regulate what content their kids can access.
The introduction of managed accounts represents a thoughtful response to a long-standing challenge faced by families using streaming platforms: how to balance kids’ freedom to explore music with parents’ desire to shield them from explicit or inappropriate content. Unlike the existing Spotify Kids app, which provides a separate, limited experience, managed accounts operate within the main Spotify app. This means children benefit from the familiar interface and features of Spotify—such as Discover Weekly playlists and Daylist collections—but with robust content restrictions tailored to their age group.
Parents who subscribe to Spotify’s Premium Family plan can easily create managed accounts through their account settings. Within the Family Plan dashboard, they select “Add a member” and then choose “Add a listener aged under 13.” From there, parents gain control over what their children can listen to by setting filters that block explicit lyrics, restrict certain artists or songs, and disable video content or looping visuals known as Canvas. This separation ensures that while kids enjoy a personalized music experience, parents’ own playlists and recommendations remain unaffected by their children’s listening habits.
The new feature also allows children to build their own playlists and receive music recommendations based on their individual preferences, fostering a sense of independence within a safe environment. Because these managed accounts are integrated into the main Spotify app, kids experience a seamless music discovery process without exposure to unsuitable material. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that the content their children access is appropriate, and families can enjoy music together without worry.
One of the major advantages of managed accounts is that they make family streaming simpler and more secure. Spotify’s update enables parents to turn off videos, block podcasts, and ensure that no age-restricted content inadvertently reaches young listeners. This level of control addresses a common concern among parents who want to allow their children the freedom to enjoy music but remain vigilant about the content’s suitability.
For families already using Spotify’s Premium Family plan, managed accounts add significant value by enhancing the existing six individual account structure. Now, one of those accounts can be customized specifically for a child under 13, with tailored restrictions and content filters. This lets parents share their favorite music safely while giving children the opportunity to explore new artists and genres within safe boundaries. Managed accounts also keep parents’ own music recommendations and playlists free from unexpected changes, such as sudden shifts towards gaming soundtracks or viral meme songs that kids might gravitate toward.
This development from Spotify comes at a time when many platforms are strengthening their safety features for younger users. For example, Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) has been rolling out expanded safety tools to better protect teenagers on its platforms. Spotify’s managed accounts align with this broader industry trend of prioritizing child safety and parental control in digital environments.
The update also responds to a growing demand from parents who desire more control without sacrificing the quality of their children’s listening experience. Spotify’s approach balances freedom and oversight by embedding these controls directly into the main app, rather than isolating children in a separate app with limited features. This strategy allows kids to grow their musical interests naturally while staying within safe content parameters set by their parents.
In addition to the practical benefits, this update enhances the overall family experience on Spotify. By enabling everyone to enjoy music tailored to their tastes and age levels, families can connect through shared listening sessions without the stress of monitoring every track. The ability to customize content filters and controls makes the platform more inclusive and accommodating to diverse family needs.
Parents interested in trying out managed accounts can set them up easily if they already subscribe to the Premium Family plan. The process involves a few simple steps within the account management settings, making it accessible even for those who may not be highly tech-savvy. Once set up, parents can adjust settings as needed, turning filters on or off, blocking specific content, and managing video playback options.
Beyond music listening, this update reflects a broader commitment by Spotify to enhance user safety and personalization. By offering tools that cater specifically to younger listeners and their families, Spotify is positioning itself as a family-friendly streaming service.