Spotify has introduced a new running mode feature to its mobile app aimed at enhancing the music experience for runners. This mode tailors playlists based on different running phases, user preferences, and target tempo, making workouts more engaging. It is available exclusively to Premium subscribers on iOS and can be accessed through the Fitness Hub. Users can select from 25 preset workout types, including interval runs, steady runs, and pyramid runs, allowing customization of session duration, beats per minute, and music genres.

In addition to music, the running mode offers audio cues to guide users through various stages of their run. Currently, these cues are available only in English. The feature leverages Spotify’s advancements in AI, building upon technology first introduced with the company’s prompted playlists, which have been in testing for about a year. Spotify developed this mode after noticing a substantial number of users utilize the platform to create workout-specific playlists, especially for fitness activities like running.

This launch follows Spotify’s recent partnership with fitness device maker Peloton, signaling the company’s increasing focus on fitness-related content. The running mode release also comes shortly after the fitness app Strava announced it would discontinue its integration with Spotify’s music service. Spotify’s new running mode aims to fill that gap by providing a dedicated, personalized musical experience specifically designed for runners.

The running mode began rolling out on July 30, 2026, and is available in select countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. By melding music with workout pacing and stage-specific audio prompts, Spotify seeks to enhance fitness routines and compete more directly in the intersection of music streaming and fitness tracking. This update reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings and deepen user engagement beyond traditional music listening.