How to Restrict Explicit Songs on Spotify and Amazon Music Via Echo/Alexa

Many parents and family members have concerns about explicit song content played through music services like Spotify and Amazon Music, especially when using devices like Echo or Alexa. This guide will help you understand and implement steps to restrict such content from being played. While some services offer explicit filters, others may require you to manually filter content. Below, we will explore the options available for Spotify and Amazon Music, as well as how to address these concerns with Alexa.

Managing Explicit Content on Amazon Music and Alexa

Amazon Music has a built-in Explicit Filter that can be turned on within the Alexa App. This setting can help block explicit content across various sources, including Pandora. However, it’s worth noting that this action will affect all services, not just Spotify. If you prefer more control or if the filter doesn’t satisfy your needs, creating a separate playlist for non-explicit music may be necessary.

Managing Explicit Content on Spotify Through the Service

Spotify, unfortunately, does not offer a direct explicit filter option within its smartphone app. This means that songs will be played as they are recorded, often including explicit language. Echo and Alexa, functioning as speakers, will naturally play these songs without any restrictions.

The new update from Spotify allows users to report songs they don’t like, which can be a useful way to manage content if you don’t want certain songs to play. However, this method is more about reporting rather than restricting the songs from being played in the first place.

Manual Content Management

One effective way to manage explicit content is to create a separate playlist exclusively for non-explicit songs. This playlist can be updated regularly to include new and older songs as needed. Here’s how to do it: Define Your Playlist: Start by creating a new playlist with a clear name, such as “Family Friendly Songs” or “Clean Music.” Search for Non-Explicit Songs: Use Spotify’s search function to find songs without explicit content. You can use keywords like “family,” “clean,” or “explicit-free” to help with this task. Add Songs: Add songs to your playlist one by one or use the Spotify app to add bulk content. Regular Updates: Keep an eye on the news about songs you might not want played and periodically update your playlist to reflect these changes.

This approach requires more effort initially, but it ensures that you have tailored content for your household, which is especially useful if you are using devices like Echo or Alexa to play music.

Conclusion

While Spotify does not offer an explicit filter, it provides users with the ability to report songs they don’t like. On the other hand, Amazon Music’s Explicit Filter can be a convenient way to restrict explicit content across multiple services. However, creating a custom playlist is the most direct way to ensure that your family is only exposed to the music you want them to hear. Whether you’re using Echo or Alexa, these methods can help you maintain a clean and enjoyable music environment.

Keywords: explicit songs, Spotify, Amazon Music