Strava, a famous workout software since 2009, now integrates Spotify. Access your Spotify faves from the exercise record screen instead of switching apps. Best of all, it doesn’t require Spotify or Strava.
“It’s simply one of those things we know people have been asking for a long time, and now, the stars aligned,” says Mateo Ortega, Strava’s vice president of linked partnerships. Ortega didn’t rule out adding other outlets but said Spotify was a good start.
Music, podcasts, and audiobooks distract millions from the pain of a hard workout (or, you know, keep them motivated during the tough parts). Besides the obvious perks, an in-app Spotify widget avoids the need to switch apps to change songs. Spending less time on your phone helps you focus.
Strava-Spotify is evident. Spotify rules audio streaming. Strava—popular fitness app.
But, the connection feels long overdue—perhaps too late since that smartwatches and fitness trackers can stream music. Using my phone to log workouts in 2013 was a major issue for me. Over time, several fitness applications have integrated Spotify or Apple Music.
But, I saw the attraction after trying the integration. Just press record and choose the music icon in the right corner. After that, Spotify is requested. After that, a Spotify widget displays your top mixes. This is distinct from my previous music integrations. Spotify leads me to Runkeeper’s running playlist page. It doesn’t take me to my carefully crafted playlists. The Apple Music integration auto-plays a single playlist and shows only the current tune at the top.
Strava’s in-app widget startled me. You may swipe up to check what’s in the queue and explore your own mixes and Spotify’s most played playlists.
“If people forget that they used to have to open Spotify, come back to Strava and push record, and to change a song, switch back to Spotify—if it alters their behavior and keeps them in the moment? “That’s how we’ll integrate well,” Ortega explains.
I only discovered that if you pause for a long time, you’ll be requested to continue listening. Reauthorizing Spotify happens automatically when you play again.
This connection works best for Strava app users, not those that import workouts from other trackers. The move cements Strava’s fitness hub reputation.
“Being the Switzerland of fitness equipment has always been our strategy.”
There are several applications for recording runs, rides, nutrition, and route planning, but few for seeing all of your data in one spot. While Apple and Google’s health APIs provide data consolidation, they lack community. As Fitbit showed, hardware-dependent social features might fail when social features are turned off or friends switch platforms.
Our goal has always been to be Switzerland of fitness equipment. Ortega thinks everything should work with Strava.
Ortega really means everything. Strava works with the Lululemon Mirror, Peloton cycles, Garmins, Apple Watches, Komoot, Zwift, and MyFitnessPal. This makes Strava’s aggressive integration plan smart. You can connect with pals regardless of fitness tracker or app. Hence, Strava has become a popular platform for fitness tracking and sharing. Spotify gives Strava users additional reasons to stay.