Spotify Launches Managed Accounts for Young Listeners
Spotify has officially rolled out its new "managed accounts" feature, targeting younger audiences and enhancing family-friendly listening experiences. This initiative, which began its pilot phase last year, has now been introduced in seven additional markets, including the United States.
Personal Profiles Tailored for Kids
The managed accounts are specifically designed for parents and guardians who subscribe to the Spotify Premium Family plan. This feature enables them to create individual profiles for their children, complete with tailored music recommendations and custom playlists.
Enhanced Parental Controls
One of the key benefits of this new feature is the enhanced control it provides to adults. Parents can filter explicit content, restrict the playback of certain artists, and hide video playback features such as Canvas, based on their preferences. Additionally, users on managed accounts do not have access to interactive features like Messages to ensure a safer listening environment.
Preserving Personal Listening Habits
A significant advantage of using a managed account is the preservation of adult listening habits. Parents can rest assured that their annual Wrapped results won’t be significantly influenced by songs their children have been repeatedly listening to on TikTok. Furthermore, the managed accounts do not interfere with the Discover Weekly algorithm, allowing adults to enjoy a personalized music experience without interruption.
Spotify already offers an "Exclude from your Taste Profile" option, but the managed accounts feature presents a more efficient solution for families looking to separate their music preferences from their children’s choices.
Features of Managed Accounts
While managed accounts come with critical parental controls, they retain essential Spotify Premium features such as playlists, including Daily Mixes and Discover Weekly. This makes them an attractive option for children developing an interest in music—allowing them to explore new genres without the limitations of the Spotify Kids app, which primarily caters to younger children.
Setting Up a Managed Account
To set up a managed account, the primary account holder should navigate to their account settings within the Spotify app. By selecting "Add a Member" and then choosing "Add a Listener Aged Under 13," the app will guide them through the subsequent steps. It’s important to note that a Spotify Premium Family plan, which costs $20 per month, is required to utilize the managed accounts feature.
Conclusion
In summary, Spotify’s introduction of managed accounts marks a significant step in enhancing family listening experiences. By providing parents with the tools to curate content for their children while preserving their own music preferences, Spotify aims to create a more enjoyable and safe environment for young listeners. With this innovative feature, families can foster a shared love of music while navigating the streaming landscape more effectively.
