How to use Spotify's Running Mode on iOS and Android
Maximize your stride with the streaming service’s AI-powered feature.
Spotify launched its dedicated Fitness hub, expanding its offerings beyond music and podcasts. Now, with the addition of Running Mode, it offers even more targeted fitness tools.
The AI-powered feature is available on both iOS and Android for Premium subscribers in select markets, delivering a custom experience that tailors playlists to fitness goals. Each Running Mode playlist is built around the music's BPM to align with the type of run selected.
Unlike previous iterations, the new mode lets you dictate your listening experience with added customization through the Prompted Playlist feature, structured intensity curves, and voice guidance.
Whether you are lacing up for a low-key jog, a high-cadence speed workout, or an interval run, setting up Running Mode on Spotify takes only a few quick steps.
How to activate Running Mode
Open Spotify on your iOS or Android device and navigate to the Fitness hub to find Running Mode. There, you can choose from a variety of genres and pre-structured workout types, including Intervals, Pyramids, Easy and Long, and Advanced.
Intervals automatically swap between rapid stretches and breaks, using BPM as a designator to help you adjust your speed. Pyramid runs start with a warm-up period before leading into build, peak, downshift, and cooldown sections with BPM tailored to each phase.
If you prefer a steady cadence, the Easy workout defaults to 135 BPM across a 20-minute run. Long and Advanced sessions push the tempo to 150 BPM over 45 minutes. You can also adjust session lengths from 10 to 90 minutes.
For added personalization, the Beat Matching feature lets you set the pace. Most users stay around the standard 160 BPM mark, but runners looking for a rapid tempo can dial it up to 170–180 BPM.
If you want to start immediately without browsing presets, you can select a 20-minute session called 'Just Run.'
What can you listen to?
All workout options are accompanied by genre-specific playlists spanning pop, hip-hop, EDM, country, and rock. Each Running Mode playlist updates daily, and you can save your favorites for future runs.
For more control, the Prompted Playlist feature lets you type in custom text requests to tailor the soundtrack, whether you want broad high-energy tracks or specific vintage hip-hop.
You can also activate optional audio cues for mid-workout pep talks and motivational check-ins, or mute them entirely.
