Spotify's updated Running Mode accurately determines when your playlist should pick up the pace.

      Spotify's Running Mode may take the place of the workout playlist you usually create before exercising.

      Nothing disrupts your running rhythm like a slow song from your Spotify library. To address this, the music streaming service has developed a new personalized mode designed to synchronize your soundtrack with your workout from start to finish.

      Spotify has rolled out Running Mode, a Premium feature that curates a workout and an associated playlist according to your pace. It considers your musical preferences and preferred tempo to support your fitness journey. The feature starts with 25 tailored running presets that can be further adjusted based on workout type, duration, genre, and beats per minute.

      Currently, the available training formats include steady runs, interval sessions, and pyramid workouts. Runners can also opt for English-language audio prompts to provide timely instructions and motivation without interrupting the music.

      Running Mode integrates Spotify’s personalization system into your workout regimen. Instead of relying on a generic "Running" playlist, you can inform Spotify how long you intend to exercise and the type of session you have in mind. You can also specify the kind of music you want to hear and the tempo that will enhance your running experience. An interesting aspect is that even runners selecting the same preset can expect different soundtracks based on their personal tastes.

      This feature enhances Spotify’s Prompted Playlist technology, which combines listening history with user instructions to create highly specific playlists. Spotify has noted that fitness-related requests have become some of its most popular applications. For example, it previously included a 30-minute 5K playlist that maintained a steady pace before transitioning into calming cooldown songs.

      This isn't Spotify's first attempt at such a feature. Over a decade ago, the platform introduced a running function that utilized a phone’s sensors to detect movement rhythm and automatically select music to match the runner's pace. However, this feature was discontinued in 2018. Running Mode evolves this concept by allowing users to define their workout and target tempo in advance, rather than having Spotify continuously monitor their pace.

      It’s important to note that this feature does not turn Spotify into a fitness tracker. There are currently no features for GPS route recording, distance tracking, or other workout/health metrics. The Running Mode is available now through Spotify’s Fitness hub for Premium subscribers on iOS in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. There has been no announcement regarding Android availability or a wider international rollout.