Spotify is making it easier for runners to build a workout soundtrack without spending ages putting together the right playlist. Running Mode was announced through Spotify’s newsroom as a personalised feature built around a runner’s goals, music taste and preferred tempo. It is rolling out to Premium subscribers on iOS in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden.
The feature starts with 25 curated presets covering different types of runs and musical styles. Users can choose a workout such as an interval, steady or pyramid run, then adjust its length, beats per minute and the kind of music they want to hear.
Once those details are selected, Spotify builds a personalised playlist and matches its music to the chosen tempo. Tracks also move into one another more smoothly, which should reduce the chance of an awkward pause breaking the rhythm of a run.
Running Mode offers optional audio coaching for anyone who wants more guidance. The English-language cues provide encouragement and prompts during the session, although Spotify says they are designed to support the workout without constantly interrupting the music.
Finding the feature requires a little navigation because it does not appear as a large button on Spotify’s main screen. Premium users can search for “fitness” in the iPhone app, enter the Fitness Hub and scroll until they find Running Mode.
After choosing one of the presets, tapping “Make it yours” opens the additional controls. Runners can change the duration and BPM, while also adding preferred genres or artists to steer Spotify towards music they are more likely to enjoy.
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Running Mode follows Spotify’s wider move into fitness content, which already includes Peloton classes and workout videos from creators. The company said fitness requests have also become some of the most popular uses for its Prompted Playlist feature.
There is no confirmed Android launch date in Spotify’s announcement, so the feature remains an iPhone-only option in the supported markets at launch. Premium subscribers in those countries should begin seeing it as the rollout reaches their account.