New integration offers Spotify playback with no need to switch between apps

By Jack Luke

Published: Wednesday, 12 April 2023 at 12:00 am


Strava now features integration with Spotify, enabling users to control music without switching between apps.

This means you can now pause, resume, skip and browse songs, podcasts (including the BikeRadar podcast) or audiobooks from the Strava app while recording an activity. Strava says it is the first integration of its kind.

Whether you like mashing the pedals to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard or riding into a trance while vibing out to Enya, Strava says the new feature enables riders to “tap into the motivation that gets them moving”.

It will be of most interest to cyclists who record rides directly on their phone using the Strava app, whether that’s via a smartphone mounted to the handlebar or during an indoor training ride.

The press release does not state whether a paid Strava subscription is required to use the new feature.

Top workout songs on Spotify, according to Strava

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You can now listen to the BikeRadar Podcast from the Strava app (other podcasts are available, but ours is the best).
Getty

Strava has also revealed the most popular songs for workouts.

According to Spotify, the following songs were the most popular choices in user-generated playlists including the terms ‘workout’, ‘run’, ‘exercise’, ‘cardio’, ‘cycling’ or ‘gym’.

  • I’m Good (Blue) by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta
  • Industry Baby by Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow
  • Unholy by Sam Smith and Kim Petras

Truthfully, that list has made everyone at BikeRadar feel quite old and totally out of the loop.

Strava’s takeover of this week’s ‘Workout’ playlist on Spotify hasn’t helped either.

What do you like to listen to while cycling? Or do you think headphones have no place on a bike ride? Leave your favourite tracks and thoughts below.