News in Short
- Spotify has launched a new Running Mode for Premium users.
- The feature creates personalised workout playlists based on running preferences.
- Users can choose workout types, duration, BPM matching and motivational cues.
- Running Mode is rolling out on iOS in the US.
- The launch follows Spotify’s recent fitness partnership with Peloton.
Spotify has introduced a new Running Mode for Premium subscribers, expanding its push into fitness with AI-powered workout playlists tailored to individual running sessions. The feature is rolling out to Spotify Premium users on iOS in the US and lets runners generate playlists based on workout style, duration and preferred music genres.
The update builds on Spotify’s growing investment in fitness experiences after its partnership with Peloton earlier this year.
AI creates playlists that match your workout
Running Mode is available through Spotify’s Fitness hub, where users can choose from 25 workout presets or customise their own running session.
Users can select workout types such as steady runs, interval training or pyramid workouts, specify the exact workout duration and enable BPM matching so that the music aligns with their running pace.
Spotify says the playlists are generated dynamically, with seamless transitions between songs to maintain rhythm throughout the workout.
Motivational voice cues included
The new feature also introduces optional motivational audio cues.
Spotify describes these prompts as a “supportive friend”, offering encouragement during runs without interrupting the listening experience.
The company says fitness has been one of the most requested themes for its AI-powered Prompted Playlists, prompting it to develop more advanced workout-focused music recommendations.
A familiar feature returns
Long-time Spotify users may recognise the concept.
Spotify previously offered a tempo-based Running Mode, which adjusted music to match a runner’s pace. However, the company discontinued that feature in 2018.
The new version is more advanced, combining AI-generated playlists with personalised workout settings instead of simply tracking running speed.
Part of Spotify’s fitness strategy
The launch comes as Spotify continues to expand beyond music streaming into fitness and wellness.
Earlier this year, the company partnered with Peloton, allowing Premium subscribers to access guided workout classes directly within the Spotify app.
With the addition of Running Mode, Spotify is positioning itself as more than a music streaming platform, using AI and personalisation to create workout experiences tailored to individual users.
For now, the feature is only available to Premium subscribers on iOS in the US, and Spotify has not announced when it will expand to Android devices or additional markets.
