Spotify is giving runners more control over their workout soundtrack with Running Mode, a new Premium feature that creates playlists based on the type, length and pace of a planned run.

The feature is rolling out to Premium subscribers using Android in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Sweden.

Found within Spotify’s Fitness hub, Running Mode offers 25 presets spanning different workouts and music genres. Runners can choose sessions including intervals, pyramid workouts, easy runs and longer training sessions, with durations adjustable between 10 and 90 minutes.

Music can then be tailored around genres including pop, EDM, country and hip-hop. Users can also determine whether they want familiar favourites or a greater selection of music they have not previously heard.

Running Mode incorporates Spotify’s Prompted Playlist technology, allowing runners to provide more specific instructions. Someone could request previously enjoyed songs they have not played recently, for example, or ask for tracks lasting less than three minutes. Playlists refresh daily but can be saved for future workouts.

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Beat Matching adds another level of personalisation by selecting music around a chosen beats-per-minute target. Spotify says 160 BPM is currently the most popular setting, while runners seeking a faster cadence can select 170 or 180 BPM.

Spotify can slightly adjust playback speed to keep songs aligned with the selected tempo, although this is optional.

Structured workouts can also include English-language coaching cues offering instructions and encouragement during a run. These can be disabled for users who prefer uninterrupted music.

By combining workout planning, musical preferences and running cadence, Running Mode aims to reduce the time runners spend searching for suitable playlists while adapting the soundtrack more closely to each training session.