Spotify Adds AI-Powered Running Mode to Its Mobile App for Personalized Workout Playlists
Spotify is rolling out a new running mode designed for listeners who want music that matches the rhythm and structure of their workout. The feature brings personalized playlists, tempo-based song selection, and optional audio cues directly into the Spotify mobile app, making it easier for runners to stay motivated from warm-up to cooldown.
The new Spotify running mode is available through the Fitness Hub for Premium subscribers. Users can choose from 25 preset running experiences, including interval runs, steady runs, and pyramid-style workouts. From there, runners can adjust key details such as workout length, beats per minute, and preferred music style.
Instead of simply playing a standard playlist, Spotify’s running mode builds the listening experience around different phases of a run. That means the app can serve up tracks that better match the pace, intensity, and mood of each stage. For runners who depend on music to keep their energy up, this could make workouts feel more focused and less repetitive.
Spotify is also adding audio cues that can guide users through different parts of their run. These prompts can help mark transitions during a workout, such as when to speed up, slow down, or move into the next interval. For now, the audio cue feature is only available in English.
The launch builds on Spotify’s growing use of AI-powered playlist tools. Over the past year, the company has been experimenting with playlist creation based on user prompts, and fitness has become one of the common themes people request. Running mode appears to be a more structured version of that idea, designed specifically for exercise and performance-based listening.
Spotify has also been expanding its presence in the fitness space. Earlier this year, the company introduced fitness-related content through a partnership with Peloton, giving users more workout-focused audio options beyond traditional music playlists.
The timing is notable, as the feature arrives shortly after Strava confirmed that Spotify integration would no longer be available inside its Record feature. With running mode now built directly into Spotify, the platform is giving runners another reason to use its own app during workouts.
Spotify’s running mode begins rolling out Wednesday for Premium users on iOS. At launch, it will be available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.
