Spotify's new Running Mode customizes music by tempo and workout type; features AI-generated playlists and audio cues for a personalized experience.
Spotify

Spotify's new Running Mode customizes music by tempo and workout type; features AI-generated playlists and audio cues for a personalized experience.

Spotify has launched Running Mode, a new feature that customizes music playlists based on workout type and tempo, utilizing AI to enhance the running experience. The feature, available exclusively to Premium subscribers on iOS, includes audio cues for motivation and is currently accessible in select countries.

PCMag30 July 2026 · 14:50 UTC
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Spotify's Running Mode is a groundbreaking feature that tailors music playlists to individual workout preferences, enhancing the fitness experience for users. By utilizing AI-powered tools, the feature generates playlists based on the user's desired speed and workout type, such as interval, steady, or pyramid.12346

The mode offers 25 curated presets to choose from, ensuring that the music matches the tempo of the run. Spotify emphasizes that the playlists are designed to be long enough to cover the entire duration of the workout, providing a seamless listening experience.

In addition to personalized playlists, Running Mode includes audio cues that serve as motivational prompts, likened to having a supportive friend running alongside you. This feature aims to enhance user engagement and motivation during workouts.

Currently, Running Mode is available exclusively to Premium subscribers on iOS, with access granted in select countries including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK, and the US. Spotify has indicated that this feature is just the beginning, referring to it as “the next step” in its fitness expansion, hinting at future enhancements.5

As Spotify continues to innovate in the fitness space, Running Mode represents a significant leap forward in how users can integrate music into their exercise routines, making workouts more enjoyable and personalized.

Key Insight
“Running Mode uses 25 curated presets to tailor workouts, asking users about their planned workout type. The feature is exclusive to iOS for Premium subscribers in select countries, with Spotify calling it 'the next step' in its fitness expansion.”
CuriousCats studied:
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PCMag
“Spotify is expanding its fitness features with Running Mode, which creates personalized playlists based on your desired speed and preferred music.”
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