The E symbol on Spotify stands for Explicit, meaning the track contains strong language, mature themes or content not suitable for younger audiences. It’s Spotify’s way of helping users quickly identify songs that may not be family friendly. This label is assigned based on the content’s language and theme, ensuring transparency. Whether you’re avoiding mature content or actively looking for unfiltered expression, the “E” tag makes browsing easier and more informed.
What Counts As Explicit Content?
Explicit content typically includes strong profanity, sexual references, drug use or violent themes. Spotify follows industry guidelines and artist or label input to tag content accordingly. If a song has one or more of these elements, it’s marked to help users make better listening choices. While the thresholds can vary by region, Spotify ensures consistency to protect younger audiences without limiting artistic expression.
@officialotj #greenscreen What does the E that shows beside songs mean? 🤔 Well for those wondering the E means explicit content, and it’s an indication that a song contains strong language and not everyone wants to hear them so there’s actually a setting in most streaming services that can allow you block songs that contains that E and there are even two versions of a song with one containing that E and the without it so you can still enjoy the song without listening to explicit content #officialotj #tech #E #music #spotify #applemusic #youtubemusic #streamingservices #explainervideo ♬ Shibuya Street – Gakuen
Why Are Songs Rated E?
Songs are rated E for Explicit to inform listeners about mature or potentially offensive language and themes. This rating often comes from record labels or artists when submitting their music and Spotify may also apply the label based on their content policies. It helps maintain user trust by providing clarity and parental control. It’s not about censorship it’s about choice and awareness.
How To Adjust Your Spotify Content Settings
Spotify makes it easy to control explicit content filters across all devices.
From The Desktop App
Open Spotify and click your profile icon → Settings. Scroll down to Explicit Content and toggle “Allow playback of explicit content” off. This setting immediately blocks songs marked with the “E” label.
From The Mobile App
Tap Settings (gear icon) → Explicit Content. Toggle off “Allow Explicit Content” to filter out tracks labeled explicit. This applies to all playlists and radio recommendations on your account.
Does E Hurt A Song’s Popularity?
An E label doesn’t necessarily hurt popularity in fact, many chart topping hits carry the tag. Some fans even prefer the raw, unfiltered version of a track. Spotify’s algorithms don’t penalize explicit songs and users can still share, stream and add them to playlists. However explicit tracks may be excluded from certain editorial playlists aimed at general or younger audiences.
