Spotify has rolled out Running Mode, a new feature that builds personalised playlists for runners and walkers based on their fitness goals, music taste, and preferred tempo. The feature is now live for Premium subscribers on iOS in select countries.
How Running Mode Works
Users access the feature through Spotify’s Fitness Hub, where they can choose from 25 curated running presets. Each session can be further customised by workout type, including interval, steady, or pyramid formats, along with duration, target beats per minute, and preferred music genre.
Once a session begins, Spotify plays tracks matched to the selected tempo and transitions smoothly between songs to maintain a consistent workout rhythm. The platform also offers optional English-language audio cues that provide encouragement and pacing guidance without interrupting the music.
Built on Existing Personalisation Tools
Running Mode expands on Spotify’s Prompted Playlists feature, which lets users generate custom playlists from text prompts. Spotify has said fitness-related prompts have become one of the most popular uses of that tool, which pointed to strong demand for tailored workout music experiences.
The feature also builds on an earlier Spotify running tool launched more than a decade ago, which used a phone’s sensors to detect a runner’s pace and automatically match music to it. That version was retired in 2018. Running Mode takes a different approach, letting users set their workout parameters and target tempo in advance rather than relying on continuous motion detection.
Part of a Broader Fitness Push
Running Mode joins other fitness-focused additions to Spotify, including Peloton class integration and creator-led workout videos introduced through the Fitness Hub earlier this year. Together, these features signal Spotify’s continued push to position itself as a fitness companion app rather than just a music player.
The launch also comes about a month after Strava discontinued its Spotify integration, removing music playback controls from its Record activity feature. Spotify users can still play music through the Spotify app during a Strava-tracked run, but the two platforms no longer offer a connected in-app experience.
Limited Rollout for Now
Running Mode is exclusive to iPhone users at launch, with no announced timeline for Android availability or expansion beyond the current markets. Spotify has not indicated when or whether the feature will reach more regions.
For runners in markets without access, existing Spotify fitness tools, including Peloton content and standard playlist curation, remain available as alternatives until the feature expands further.
You can find other Spotify features here.
