How to Get the Most Out of Running Mode — Spotify

Spotify has introduced Running Mode for Premium subscribers on Android in select markets, designed to tailor playlists to different running goals such as interval training, steady-paced runs, or casual jogs. Users can access the feature through the Fitness hub, where 25 presets across genres like pop, EDM, country, and hip-hop are available to simplify playlist creation. Sessions can range from 10 to 90 minutes, allowing runners to adjust based on their schedule and energy levels.

The service includes options to prioritize familiar music or discover new tracks, with a discovery setting toggle for ‘Mostly new music.’ Users can further refine their playlists using the Prompted Playlist feature, which allows custom prompts such as requesting songs under three minutes or tracks from a specific year. Daily updates ensure fresh selections, and users can save preferred mixes for future use.

For runners focused on pace, Running Mode offers Beat Matching, where users can select a target beats-per-minute (BPM) to align music tempo with their cadence. The default setting is 160 BPM, but many runners opt for 170-180 BPM for faster pacing. Additional options include adjusting song speed to match BPM or preserving original track speeds, catering to different running styles and preferences.

The feature also includes optional English audio cues for structured sessions, providing motivational guidance or instructor-like prompts. Users can toggle coaching on or off to suit their needs, ensuring the experience complements their preferred training routine or personal music taste. Running Mode is currently available to Premium users on iOS and Android in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.