A Long-Awaited Arrival

For years, my Hisense smart TV had one major flaw: the VIDAA operating system lacked native support for the Spotify app. While I have used Spotify as my primary music streaming service for over a decade, the inability to access it directly on my television was a consistent frustration. Recently, that changed. Spotify finally launched on VIDAA, and the impact on my daily viewing habits has been transformative.


Leaving YouTube Behind

Previously, I relied almost exclusively on YouTube to watch music videos. Despite the frequent interruptions caused by ads and a somewhat clunky user interface, it was the only viable option for a big-screen experience. I had often struggled with Spotify’s mobile video interface, finding it disorganized and less intuitive than YouTube’s platform.


However, once I started using Spotify on my TV, I realized the issue wasn't the app itself, but rather the environment. Music video viewing is fundamentally better suited for a television screen than a mobile device. By transitioning my viewing habits to the TV, I have completely abandoned YouTube for my music video needs.


The Power of Curated Playlists

The transition allowed me to curate my own library without the limitations of YouTube’s queuing system. I set a simple, strict rule for my new library:

If it doesn't have a music video, it doesn't go in the playlist.


I have since built several extensive, decade-spanning collections—from the 1980s to the 2020s. This approach has turned my TV into a personalized version of a classic music channel, providing a seamless, ad-free experience that has reignited my passion for visual media.


More Than Just Nostalgia

My interest in music videos goes beyond simple entertainment. For me, it serves two primary functions:

  • Nostalgia: Reliving the peak eras of music television, such as the golden age of MTV VMAs.
  • Education: Exploring the history of influential artists and understanding the evolution of the music industry through the evolution of its visual storytelling.

Ultimately, my initial skepticism toward Spotify’s video integration was simply a lack of understanding regarding how to best utilize the feature. Now that I have optimized my setup, I have discovered that the platform offers a far superior way to engage with the visual side of my favorite songs.