Spotify Canvas Requirements: Size, Length, and Format

Spotify Canvas is the short vertical visual that replaces the static cover in the Now Playing view. Before you upload, check the current requirements against Spotify's official Canvas guidelines.

Spotify Canvas specs

Spotify currently lists these requirements:

Requirement	Current spec
Length	3 to 8 seconds
Aspect ratio	Vertical 9:16
Size	Between 720px and 1080px tall
File type	MP4 or JPG

Spotify can change platform requirements. Treat its help page as the final check before every upload.

Keep important details away from the edges

Spotify notes that phone screens can crop the edges differently. Keep the face, product, title treatment, or main action inside the center of the frame. Use the outer edges for atmosphere, light, texture, and motion you can afford to lose.

Spotify already shows the artist and song title in the player. Repeating both inside the Canvas usually adds clutter and can create a collision with the interface.

Pick one loop behavior

Spotify recommends three basic loop types:

Continuous loop

The final frame naturally returns to the first. Good options include rotating objects, passing lights, smoke, water, and a camera move that completes a circle.

Hard cut

The end deliberately cuts back to the beginning. This works when the edit lands on a beat or when the first and last frames share a similar composition.

Rebound

The motion plays forward and then reverses. It is a reliable way to loop a short camera move, fabric motion, a head turn, or a light sweep.

Avoid false lip sync and aggressive flashing

Spotify recommends footage without visible talking, singing, or rapping because a 3 to 8 second loop will not stay synchronized with the song. It also warns against rapid cuts and intense flashing.

Choose one action the viewer can understand in a few seconds. A complete visual thought loops better than a chopped excerpt from a longer story.

Canvas upload checklist

1. Confirm the clip is 3 to 8 seconds.
2. Confirm it is 9:16.
3. Check the current pixel requirement on Spotify's help page.
4. Preview the center crop on a phone.
5. Remove unnecessary artist and song text.
6. Watch the loop five times with sound off.
7. Check the Canvas content policy before uploading.

Spotify Canvas Maker creates a short vertical MP4 loop. Download it, check the file against Spotify's current requirements, then upload it through Spotify for Artists.