Guide

The fitness pro’s guide to online classes

Best practices to stream, share, and monetize your fitness content with Vimeo OTT.

Fitness streaming makes it easy to fit in workouts

The swift closure of gyms across the globe during the pandemic triggered a massive rise in the popularity of at home workouts – and made stars out of trainers who made the most of the virtual fitness boom. Even as the world marches on, it’s clear that online classes aren't going anywhere. Market research predicts that the virtual fitness community, valued at $6M in 2019, will grow to reach a whopping $59M by 2027.

With online and virtual workouts still at the top of the fitness trends list and more than a quarter of jobs going and staying remote in 2022, it’s clear viewers are still looking to invest in and seek out online classes. Vimeo OTT has become the go-to platform for fitness entrepreneurs to take control of their content, connect more deeply with their users, and, well, make more money. Wherever you’re starting from, we’ve compiled three key questions to consider when building — and growing — your fitness streaming business.

What platform is right for you?

As a fitness professional, we’re willing to bet you’re familiar with video platforms like YouTube as a way to share and monetize your exercise content.

(Quick definition break: “Monetization” is just what it sounds like – the action or process of earning revenue from an asset.)

YouTube uses a form of monetization called “AVOD” – which stands for “Advertising-based video on demand.” Tech jargon aside, that means it allows you to make money by placing ads in front of (or in the middle of) your content. But many trainers – particularly those who regularly share live or upload pre-recorded fitness content in addition to IRL classes – need more flexibility when it comes to sharing their content online.

For those creators, opting for a branded site or app is the best option to leverage your loyal audience and take a bigger piece of the revenue pie. With a branded site, creators can charge a subscription fee (also called “Subscription video on demand,” or “SVOD,” for those taking notes at home) for users to access a library of content uninterrupted by ads.

This kind of video monetizing helps free fitness creators from the hamster wheel of algorithm chasing, makes it easier to build a more engaged, sustainable community, and allows you to more consistently predict your monthly and annual income.

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What kind of content should you make?

As the old saying goes, “A streaming platform is only as good as its content.” (Okay, we made that up – but only because it’s true!). Here are three key things to keep in mind when developing your channel’s fitness content:

How does your paywalled content differ from your free content?

If you’ve got classes banked on your IG Live, YouTube, or elsewhere – that’s great! But you’ll want to take a moment to consider what makes the content you’re charging for even better. Maybe the classes are longer, higher-quality, or even interactive. Investing in quality content before you launch your paywall is make-or-break to your success.

What differentiates your content from others?

You probably know this one already – but when getting ready to launch your own service, you’ll want to make sure you have an edge that helps you cut through the noise. Get concrete about your mission, your strengths, and your passions. That clarity will translate to your viewers, and help you stand out from the crowd.

What does your audience respond to most?

Use what you know to lean into what works. If your viewers go wild for intense cardio or turn up in droves for ten-minute ab workouts, consider making more of the most popular content to help build out your new personalized presence.

How will you attract subscribers?

Now that you have your content library, how do you attract customers? And how do you price your subscription? Free trials are a great way to entice new customers to give your subscription service a try. We found that about two-thirds of Vimeo OTT subscribers who sign up for a free trial convert into paying customers.

When it comes to pricing, our analysis shows that €10 to €15 is a sweet spot for many fitness channels. That said, your price will vary based on a number of factors, including the uniqueness of your content and how often you post new content.

(Speaking of – while many providers offer daily programming, don’t feel pressured to over-extend yourself if you’re a team of one. Dropping new content at least once a week will help keep things fresh without being overwhelming to produce.)

Vimeo OTT

Vimeo OTT is powering heart-pumping fitness channels

Stellar support

A dedicated account manager will guide you on brainstorming content strategies, selling subscriptions, and more. Plus, your patrons will receive our customer support for help with streaming, account, and more.

Build an app with ease

Our team is here to build and deploy your custom app, so you can take care of the sweat sessions while we handle the tech.

Engage and grow your channel

Stream fitness videos from your fitness app and chat, comment, and engage directly with your audience. Get in touch with your audience at your leisure.

Sustainable pricing

The best bit? Vimeo OTT won’t cost you an arm and a leg – you can launch a channel for as little as $1 per subscriber.

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