Popular music matters: Motivational workout music moves the needle

Think Rocky Balboa sprinting up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the majestic Rocky anthem blasting.  Now picture yourself on the treadmill, headphones on, pushing yourself a little harder, inspired by that same heroic music on your app. That’s just one example of the power that music has to get into our heads and motivate us, especially while working out.

Here at Feed.fm, we’re always eager to learn more about the motivational power of music and how the right music at the right time can improve people’s lives. Our 2024 consumer app use survey has given us a unique window into app users’ thoughts and feelings when it comes to music preference, and what we’ve found is that users care a lot about music in apps. The overwhelming majority feel that music is crucial to staying motivated during workouts, and popular songs that users are familiar with can be the most motivating kind of music.

Let’s take a look at some of the key findings from our survey, and what they mean for fitness brands interested in integrating popular music into their workout apps.

Survey says: Motivational workout music is a must-have

A whopping 94% of app users say that music is crucial for staying motivated during workouts. At Feed.fm, we’re constantly exploring the impact of motivational workout music, and it’s encouraging to see how many fitness app users are hip to the motivating power of music. Far from being a background soundtrack, workout music is a core motivator for almost all fitness app users, boosting not only their ability to work out longer and harder, but also their enjoyment of the experience.

It's not just about personal music preference, either. Studies show that the right motivational music can actually improve your workout. In his paper “The ABC of Music in Exercise: Affect, Behavior, and Cognition,” Professor Costas Karageorghis explains the data that shows the many ways in which music motivates athletes and exercisers.  He suggests that music can distract you from exertion, making those tough sets feel a bit easier. Plus, the right tunes can elevate your mood and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

But here's the kicker: it's not just any music that gets the job done. Forget generic playlists—users want to hear the songs they know and love.

The power of popular music in apps

When users hear familiar, popular music in an app, it creates an instantaneous sense of connection and belonging. For 64% of app users, the inclusion of well-known musical tracks is a key decision-making factor when downloading apps. Generic music doesn’t resonate the same way, making popular music a clear differentiator for app success.

This explains why apps with curated pop playlists are crushing it. Imagine lunging to the beat of a Beyoncé anthem or feeling that final push with a high-energy Dua Lipa track. Fitness apps that understand the power of pop are seeing more downloads and longer session times.

Hit music makes an impression with fitness app users

For those using music to power their workouts, enthusiasm for beloved pop hits is extra high: 77% of users feel it’s important to recognize the music they’re listening to during workouts. Familiar pop music can add the motivation necessary to get those athletic shoes on and grind through a tough training routine. 

Recently, we partnered with Warner Music Group and Atlantic Records to curate an exclusive brat radio station for brands. The station combines artists like Charli xcx and her collaborators with classic pioneers like Madonna. The high-energy, beat-heavy songs have received rave reviews from our partners and their end users across fitness and other wellness activities. 

Mixing familiar songs with new music tracks keeps users on their toes

It’s also important to note that users don't just want their workout jams on repeat—the survey shows that 83% of people enjoy a mix of familiar hits and fresh new music. A combination of familiar hits and fresh new songs keeps motivation levels high and helps avoid monotony during repetitive routines. For some users, their workouts are a time for new music discovery, and they appreciate exposure to whatever is the latest new thing. Offering a dynamic mix of established and emerging popular artists can keep users engaged over the long term.

Pop music gives apps a strategic advantage

The results of our app engagement survey send a strong message that users do care very much about music in apps, and that they view in-app music as an integral component of a successful workout session. 

If you’re interested in how integrated hit music could power up your app, Feed.fm’s unified music system is a comprehensive, all-in-one approach to getting popular, licensed music into apps quickly, easily, and affordably. Music stations are curated and refreshed on a monthly basis so the playlists never get stale, and your users have a customizable mix of familiar and new music at their fingertips.

Explore the entire survey to learn more about how music drives user engagement and how customizable music choices boost app downloads.