If you're a parent and your child is constantly streaming music, one of your biggest concerns might be: "Are there parental controls for Spotify?" The short answer is yes, but with limitations—especially if you're using the standard Spotify Free or Premium plans.
While Spotify doesn't offer a robust standalone parental control system built directly into all its plans, it does offer Spotify Kids, explicit content filters, and account supervision tools—mainly via Spotify Premium Family. These features allow parents to have a say in what their children listen to, but only when set up correctly.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how Spotify’s parental controls work, what options are available in 2025, how to set them up, and what gaps still exist—so you can make the most informed decision for your household.
What Parental Controls Are Available on Spotify?
Spotify Kids (for children under 13)
This is Spotify’s dedicated app for younger listeners and the only real option with curated, age-appropriate content. Spotify Kids was launched as part of the Premium Family plan, and it’s aimed at children aged 3 to 12.
Features of Spotify Kids:
Curated playlists from trusted sources like Nickelodeon and Disney
No explicit content
Age-based content filters (you can select age ranges like 3–5, 6–9, 10–12)
Colorful, kid-friendly interface
Offline listening options
No ads, even if the Family plan includes only one Premium account
Important Note: Spotify Kids is only available if you subscribe to Spotify Premium Family, which costs $16.99/month in the U.S. and includes up to 6 accounts.
Explicit Content Filters (for teens and older kids)
If your child is using a regular Spotify account within the Family Plan, you can toggle on/off explicit content in their settings.
Here’s how it works:
Log into the Spotify Family Plan manager’s account (the main account holder).
Go to the Family tab under account settings.
Select the user you want to manage.
Toggle “Allow Explicit Content” on or off.
When disabled, the account will not be able to play any tracks tagged as explicit. The “E” tag next to a song title signals this.
Limitations:
Kids can technically change this setting themselves if they know how.
There is no passcode protection.
Explicit content is only filtered if it’s properly labeled by Spotify or the distributor. Some songs may still slip through if not tagged correctly.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on Spotify
To ensure the best setup for your family, follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Subscribe to Spotify Premium Family
Visit Spotify.com/family
Sign up for the $16.99/month plan
Invite up to 5 other household members
Step 2: Download Spotify Kids (if under 13)
Available on both iOS and Android
Log in using your Premium Family account
Choose your child’s profile and select age range
Set content preferences within the app
Step 3: Manage Explicit Content Filters
On the Family Plan dashboard (on the website, not the app)
Click “Manage family accounts”
Select a member > turn off “Allow Explicit Content”
What Can Spotify Parental Controls Not Do?
While Spotify does a decent job with Spotify Kids, its overall parental control framework is still limited compared to other streaming platforms. Here are a few downsides:
No screen time controls: You can’t set usage limits or daily timers.
No detailed activity reports: Parents don’t get insights on what kids are listening to.
No keyword or artist blocking: You can’t blacklist specific songs or artists.
No PIN protection: Teens can toggle off the explicit filter unless parents actively monitor.
This means Spotify isn’t a full-featured parental control platform, and you’ll likely need to supplement it with other parental tools, like device-level restrictions (via iOS Screen Time or Google Family Link).
Spotify vs. Other Music Platforms for Parental Controls
Let’s compare Spotify’s options to other major streaming platforms:
| Feature | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music | YouTube Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids App | Yes (Spotify Kids) | No (via Apple Music restrictions) | Yes (Amazon Music Kids) | No |
| Explicit Filter | Yes | Yes (with Apple ID) | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Time | No (device-level only) | Yes (via Screen Time) | Limited | Yes (via YouTube Kids) |
| Usage Reports | No | No | No | Yes (YouTube history) |
| Account Lock | No | Yes (parent-controlled ID) | No | Yes (limited) |
Spotify does a solid job, especially with its Spotify Kids app, but lacks full parental control integration like Apple Music when tied into iOS.
Is Spotify Safe for Kids?
Spotify can be safe for children if:
Under 13, they’re using Spotify Kids.
Over 13, parents actively manage their Family Plan settings and monitor usage.
But the platform is not bulletproof. Since many features require self-policing or manual monitoring, parents need to be proactive. That includes:
Checking listening history
Talking with your kids about music choices
Using external tools if necessary
Real-World Data on Spotify Usage Among Kids
According to a 2024 Common Sense Media report, 72% of kids ages 8–17 use Spotify regularly, with 33% of them listening without adult supervision. About 48% of parents surveyed said they were unaware of Spotify Kids or the explicit filter settings.
That’s why awareness of Spotify’s parental control options matters more than ever—especially as AI-generated music and explicit content continue to rise across streaming platforms.
Conclusion: Are There Parental Controls for Spotify?
Yes, there are parental controls for Spotify, but they’re mostly useful if you’re subscribed to Spotify Premium Family. The best tool available is the Spotify Kids app, designed for children under 13. For older kids, you can manage explicit content and monitor account use, but the options are limited compared to what parents might expect from a leading streaming platform.
If you're serious about parental oversight, consider combining Spotify’s features with device-based controls or third-party parental apps. While Spotify may not offer the most robust system, it does provide essential tools to get started.
FAQs
Q1: Are there parental controls on the free version of Spotify?
No. Parental control features like explicit content filters are only available through the Spotify Premium Family plan.
Q2: Can I see what songs my child listens to?
Not directly. Spotify doesn’t offer usage reports. You can check recently played songs manually.
Q3: Can I block specific artists or songs on Spotify?
No, Spotify doesn’t currently support individual content blocking or whitelisting.
Q4: Is Spotify Kids available for all Spotify accounts?
No. You need an active Spotify Premium Family plan to use the Spotify Kids app.
Q5: What’s the age limit for Spotify Kids?
It’s designed for children aged 3–12, with content filters based on age group.
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