Spotify has unveiled a new feature called Running Mode, designed to enhance the workout experience for iPhone users. This addition allows runners to create personalized running sessions by selecting from 25 presets tailored to various workout types, tempos, and music preferences.
Accessible through the app’s Fitness Hub, users can customize their sessions by choosing the workout type—such as interval, steady, or pyramid—along with the desired duration and beats per minute. Spotify then curates a playlist that matches the selected tempo, ensuring a seamless progression of tracks throughout the run. Additionally, optional audio cues are available to guide users during their workouts, though these cues are currently offered only in English.
The development of Running Mode stems from Spotify’s earlier introduction of fitness-focused features, including Prompted Playlists, which have received significant engagement from users seeking workout-related content. This new mode complements the fitness content Spotify added in April, which featured Peloton classes and creator workout videos within the app.
The launch of Running Mode is particularly timely, as Strava recently discontinued its in-app Spotify integration, removing music controls from its workout display. This change left many runners seeking alternative solutions for integrating music into their exercise routines. Spotify’s new feature addresses this gap by offering a dedicated running experience within its platform.
Running Mode is now available to premium subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.
By introducing Running Mode, Spotify continues to expand its offerings beyond music streaming, tapping into the growing demand for integrated fitness solutions. This move not only enhances user engagement but also positions Spotify as a versatile platform catering to diverse lifestyle needs. As the fitness tech landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how Spotify further innovates to meet the dynamic preferences of its user base.
