I would consider myself a runner — but with a few restrictions. One: I have to have on a cute outfit. Two: It has to be a really nice day outside. And three: I have to have a really good playlist going (you know, to help me forget I’m running in the first place). IMO, there’s truly nothing worse than an uninspired workout — and I know I’m not the only one. But, with Spotify’s new Running Mode feature, we runners may never have to spend 30 minutes queuing up mediocre music for our run again — and I’m here for it.
On July 30, Spotify dropped a new feature that transforms playlists into running sessions tailored to your music taste, tempo, and goals. It gives you a personalized running experience that essentially combines all of your favorite music for you, while, at the same time, matching it to your workout. And, honestly? If it saves me the unnecessary queuing sesh before every run, sign me up.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, going for a quick jog, or even heading out for a good ol’ hot girl walk, this new feature might just be for you. But how does it work? Here’s the tea.
All premium users on iOS in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. now have access to the Running Mode feature through the app’s Fitness Hub. There, you can choose one of 25 curated running presets and customize your workout type (like interval, steady, or pyramid), duration, beat matching, and music genre — creating a unique playlist curated specifically to your workout and preferences.
After that, all you have to do is press play. Your music will move seamlessly from one to the next, ensuring that you never have to stop to change a song and stay motivated throughout your run.
Alongside a curated playlist, Spotify’s Running Mode feature also includes optional English audio cues to help guide you through your workout, if you so choose. Think of it as a supportive friend running alongside you, giving you time cues and motivation along the way.
While this isn’t Spotify’s first fitness feature, it sure is its most anticipated, since music can truly make or break a workout. And while the app already includes Peloton classes and creator workout videos, Running Mode is the perfect addition for those who want to focus on their own routines — just with a little playlist help.
I don’t know about you, but I can definitely see myself using this feature for the time being. Nothing hits better than a runner’s high and a bomb-ass playlist!