Spotify Canvas Specs 2026: Size, Length, Format and Loop Tips
Quick answer: Export Spotify Canvas artwork as a 9:16 vertical MP4, 3–8 seconds long, with a height between 720 and 1080 pixels. A 1080×1920 H.264 MP4 is the most practical editing master, but verify the final file because Spotify can reject clips that are even slightly outside its limits.
Last verified: August 30, 2026
Spotify Canvas specifications at a glance
| Setting | Official requirement | Practical recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3–8 seconds | 6–8 seconds |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical | 1080×1920 editing canvas |
| Height | 720–1080 px | 1080 px final height if accepted by your workflow |
| Format | MP4 or JPG | H.264 MP4 for motion |
| Audio | Not used as a synced music video | Export without relying on audio cues |
Best export settings
Start with a vertical 1080×1920 sequence, H.264 video, constant frame rate, and a moderate bitrate. Because Spotify’s published height range tops out at 1080 pixels, some creators prefer a 608×1080 final render to match the 9:16 ratio exactly. If your editor starts at 1080×1920, create a separate delivery export and check the actual pixel dimensions before upload.
- Create a 9:16 timeline.
- Keep the loop between 3 and 8 seconds.
- Use H.264 in an MP4 container.
- Choose 24, 25, or 30 fps unless the source requires otherwise.
- Preview the first-to-last-frame transition.
- Check the file dimensions and duration before upload.
How to make the loop feel seamless
Continuous loop
Match movement at the end to the opening frame. Camera pushes, rotating objects, animated gradients, and repeating environmental motion work well.
Hard cut
A deliberate cut can be more convincing than a forced dissolve. Use a beat-like visual change, but do not depend on exact lyric synchronization because Canvas is not a conventional music video.
Rebound loop
Play the clip forward and then backward. This is effective for smoke, fabric, water, and simple performer movement, although obvious reverse motion can look artificial.
Safe composition for phones
Keep faces, logos, and important detail away from the extreme edges. Spotify notes that edges may be cropped on some phones. The app already displays artist and song information, so repeating the same text inside the Canvas often wastes space.
Why a Canvas upload fails
- The duration is a fraction shorter than 3 seconds or longer than 8 seconds.
- The file is not truly 9:16.
- The pixel height is outside the supported range.
- The export uses an unsupported container or damaged metadata.
- Fast flashes or visually intense cuts create a poor viewing experience.
FAQ
Can Spotify Canvas include sound?
Canvas is presented as a looping visual in the Now Playing view. Design it to work without audible synchronization.
Should I add the artist and song title?
Usually no. Spotify already shows that information in the interface.
Is 1080×1920 always the upload size?
It is a useful 9:16 production canvas, but Spotify’s official guideline states a height between 720 and 1080 pixels. Confirm the final delivery dimensions rather than assuming the sequence size is valid.
