ARCHIVES: This is legacy content from before Marketing Dive acquired Mobile Marketer in early 2017. Some information, such as publication dates, may not have migrated over. Check out the new Marketing Dive site for the latest marketing news.

Adidas-Spotify mobile app partnership helps music listen to runners


Adidas go calculates the user?s stride rate to automatically identify and play tracks with matching beats per minute from Spotify?s music library. The app is the latest example of marketers catering via mobile to the inspirational relationship that exists between runners and music.

"This makes sense, delivering further on personalization,? said Jeff Hasen, founder/CEO of Gotta Mobilize, a Seattle-based marketing consulting firm. ?There are few things as different, person to person, as music, one's device  and running patterns and aspirations.?

Adidas, the maker of footwear, sportswear, sports equipment and toiletries based in Herzogenaurach, Germany, did not respond to media inquiries.

Enhancing experience
For many people having the right music playing during a run can provide the perfect boost of energy to enhance the experience.

Exploring new music on the go.

Adidas go aims to let the runner?s energy level control the music that plays during a run, so the runner is always in control. 

The app also allows runners to effortlessly expand their running soundtrack to explore new music on the go. 

It intuitively streams Spotify tracks to match the runner?s interests based on his or her preferred playlists, artists and genres - eliminating the need to assemble new playlists.
 
Once the workout is complete, users have the opportunuity to review and save their distance, time and pace and run score. They can share the results, along with a record of the music they have listened to, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

First, users download the app from the Apple App Store. Then they will be promoted to log in to their Spotify accounts. That enables the app to select music from the existing library without the user?s having to create a whole new playlist.

The music will change throughout the duration of the run, either slowing down or speeding up, depending on pace.

Adidas and Spotify teamed up last year to devise personalized playlists for runners. The collaboration maximized workouts by using location, music preference and desired workout intensity level to revamp the user experience. 

The #BoostYourRun campaign worked alongside Adidas? existing Boost running shoe collection, encouraging runners to embrace Boost cushioning technology.

Hand in hand
Although music and running have long gone hand in hand, the mobile age is allowing marketers to find new ways to capitalize on the natural fit that brands that cater to the group have with it. 

Staying in control with music.

Mobile is helping marketers both inspire runners and simplify running itself.

Collaboration, such as the Adidas-Spotify partnership, generates even more positive results across multiple sectors. By widening the bridge of opportunities, all parties benefit.
 
?Nike has been ahead of the field for years,? Mr. Hasen said. ?This puts Adidas more competitively in the race, plus the benefits to Spotify and the individual are obvious."

Final Take
Michael Barris is staff reporter on Mobile Marketer, New York