What it does
Runkeeper is a comprehensive fitness tracking app designed primarily for runners, but it supports a wide range of activities. The app uses GPS to map routes, track stats like distance and pace, and offers a library of guided workouts and training plans. It also incorporates social features, allowing users to connect with friends, join challenges, and share their progress.
Where it shines
Runkeeper excels at creating a supportive and data-rich environment for its users. The onboarding process is thorough, using warm-up screens (01:01, 01:05) to explain the need for permissions before asking. The main tracking interface is clean, offering both a map view (02:13) and a detailed stats screen (03:26) during a workout. A standout feature is the integrated Shoe Tracker (04:46), which prompts users to log their gear and track mileage, a practical tool for serious runners.
UX highlights
- Permission Priming: Before showing system permission prompts for tracking or notifications, the app displays a custom screen explaining the user benefit. This builds trust and likely improves opt-in rates.
- Gamified First Steps: After onboarding, the app presents a "My First Steps" achievement checklist (06:48) to guide users through key activation tasks like adding shoes and joining a challenge.
- Modular Workout Setup: Users can easily select an activity type, layer on a pre-built workout plan (like Run/Walk/Run at 02:35), and then fine-tune audio stat feedback (02:58), offering both simplicity and deep customization.
- Contextual Prompts: The app intelligently prompts users at relevant moments. For example, it suggests adding shoes right after completing a run, which is the most logical time to do so.
- Integrated Social Feed: The main feed (05:05) shows activities from friends, creating a sense of community and friendly competition that encourages consistent use.
- Dark Mode for Workouts: The app automatically switches to a dark theme during a live workout (11:10), which is easier on the eyes in various lighting conditions and saves battery.
Monetization & growth
Runkeeper presents a soft paywall for its 'Runkeeper Go' subscription after the initial setup is complete (01:39). The paywall clearly outlines the benefits of the premium plan, such as training plans and deeper insights. It offers two subscription tiers, annual and monthly, and reframes the yearly cost into a more palatable monthly price to highlight its value. The purchase is confirmed through the standard App Store flow. After subscribing, a celebratory welcome screen (02:03) reinforces the value of the purchase.
Who it’s for
The app is designed for a broad spectrum of users, from beginners just starting their fitness journey to seasoned runners training for a race. The personalization quiz during onboarding (01:19) helps tailor the experience to different ability levels. Features like guided workouts and the "First Run" plan cater to novices, while detailed stats, shoe tracking, and advanced workout plans appeal to more experienced athletes.
Notes & opportunities
While the app is feature-rich, the initial onboarding is quite long, involving numerous steps and permission requests before a user can even see the main interface. This could lead to some user drop-off. After an indoor workout, the app prompts to fill in the distance (04:26), which is necessary, but the pop-up modal could be integrated more smoothly into the summary screen. Finally, the social feed is a strong feature, but the process of finding and adding friends could be streamlined by better leveraging contacts or other social connections.