The way people experience fitness has transformed dramatically in recent years. Beyond the walls of a studio, members now expect flexibility, convenience, and options that fit into their lifestyle. That’s where video-on-demand (VOD) and livestreaming come in. For fitness studios, these tools are no longer “nice-to-have” extraS, instead they’ve become essential components of a modern growth strategy.
With the right setup, you can turn video into a source of revenue, a marketing tool, and a bridge that keeps your community engaged wherever they are. In this guide, we’ll break down what VOD means for your studio, why it matters, and how you can launch it successfully.
What is Video-on-Demand & Livestreaming?
Video-on-Demand (VOD) explained
Video-on-demand simply means recorded classes or content that members can access anytime, anywhere. Instead of needing to join at a specific time, your clients can log in, choose a class from your library, and move through it at their own pace. These videos will always stay in your library, so members can continuously choose when and how often to come back to them.
Studios can monetise VOD in several ways:
- Monthly subscription model – Give clients unlimited access to your library for a fixed fee, for example £20 a month for unlimited access to yoga flows.
- One-off payments – Offer pay-per-video options, such as £5 per Pilates session, for those who prefer to dip in occasionally.
- Membership add-ons – Include VOD as a premium benefit in your existing packages, for example upgrading an in-studio membership for an additional £10 a month.
This flexibility allows you to serve different client needs while generating recurring income. A single library of videos can be repackaged in multiple ways — giving you more revenue options without having to constantly recreate content.
Livestreaming explained
Livestreaming, on the other hand, brings the energy of a live class straight to someone’s living room. Using platforms like Zoom or YouTube, instructors can teach in real time, interact with participants, and maintain the group-class atmosphere remotely. Many studios now combine livestreams with VOD by recording those sessions and adding them to their content library.
Who’s already using it?
Boutique fitness studios, Pilates and yoga studios, personal trainers, and even large gym chains are already leveraging VOD and livestreaming. It can be a great way to complement in-person classes for almost every studio. Consider the types of classes and training you offer, and if it can be transferable to an online video class.
Clients range from busy professionals who need flexible options, to parents working out at home, to members who want to keep up with their favourite instructor while travelling.
The Role of Video in the Fitness Industry
The fitness industry has embraced video as a powerful tool to reach, engage, and retain members. According to a Les Mills Global Fitness Report, over 85% of gym members now also work out online or at home, with hybrid fitness (in-person + digital) becoming the norm.
Platforms like YouTube have shown the potential: fitness creators have built global followings, proving that demand for online fitness content is not only growing but thriving. Their success shows just how far high-quality, accessible video can travel — and highlights the opportunity for boutique studios to compete by offering their own branded experiences.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift. Studios that previously relied solely on in-person classes discovered the importance of offering virtual access. Even as studios reopened, the appetite for VOD remained strong — because members had grown accustomed to the convenience. For many people, digital fitness became a habit.
In short: video has transformed from a temporary solution to an expectation. Members increasingly want hybrid options: the energy of in-person classes when they can make it, and the flexibility of online when they can’t. In the digital-first age, video will become increasingly important even for physical studios.
How VOD Can Help Your Business
Generate more revenue, passively
One of the biggest advantages of VOD is its ability to create passive income. Once you’ve recorded a class, you can continue to sell access to it without additional effort. What this means is one hour of recorded content can generate countless hours of revenue.
- Position VOD as an add-on for existing members who want more outside their regular schedule.
- Offer specialised videos (stretch routines, meditations, tutorials) that aren’t part of your in-person schedule.
- Use in-person classes to promote your library: remind clients they can “keep the momentum going” by accessing your on-demand content.
Over time, your video library becomes a scalable revenue stream that works for you around the clock. Many studios report that a single well-produced video continues to generate revenue months, even years, after being uploaded.
Attract clients from anywhere
Your studio’s reach is no longer limited by geography. With VOD, someone in another city — or even another country — can become your client.
- Expand beyond your local community and build a global brand presence.
- Stay connected to members when they travel or move.
- Create “portable” studio experiences so students can take you on holiday or business trips.
This flexibility helps you increase your total addressable market dramatically. Imagine someone discovering your studio while browsing online and joining your classes from across the world. VOD makes that possible.
Boost participation with new types of clients
VOD is also a way to engage audiences who may never set foot in your studio. These members may not be on your radar because they aren’t the “typical” type of client that is at your studio. Nevertheless, this creates a new opportunity to reach a larger subset of people and subscribers that don’t need to fit any type of profile. This can include:
- Busy professionals who can’t attend during class hours.
- Parents or caregivers who find it difficult to leave home.
- People who are hesitant about in-person classes but still want the benefits.
- Beginners who prefer to build confidence privately before joining a live group class.
By offering a digital option, you lower barriers to entry and widen your funnel for new clients. For many studios, VOD has become the bridge between someone’s first interaction online and eventually joining as a long-term in-person member.
How to Set Up VOD – Integrations to Look For
Getting started with VOD doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you have your system in place, the most time-consuming part will be filming and editing, but you won’t have to think about the distribution process. Before you start thinking of content, have a plan for your videos’ home. At a minimum, you’ll need:
- A place to host your videos – Platforms like YouTube or Vimeo are common choices which are low cost or free.
- A system to store, organise, and share your library with members – Ideally one that integrates directly with your booking and membership system.
Key integrations for livestreaming and VOD
Look for platforms that connect seamlessly with video providers. Industry-first integrations with tools like Zoom, YouTube, and Vimeo allow you to manage live and recorded content alongside your existing studio operations. These are the biggest video providers and streamers on the market, which are already trusted by your clients.
Integrations are necessary to keep everything in one place and provide a system to limit access to paying members. These integration save time, ensure a smoother experience for members, and centralise your business into one easy-to-manage hub.
Powering Your Video with bsport
Launching a VOD or livestreaming offering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With bsport, you have a partner who understands the fitness industry and provides the tools to make digital offerings work for you.
- Host your VOD library within bsport so your members can access it directly through your branded app or web portal.
- Monetise content easily with flexible pricing options (subscriptions, pay-per-view, or bundled packages).
- Integrate livestreaming directly into your class schedule, ensuring a seamless experience for both your staff and your clients.
Whether you are looking to find new ways to add value to your Pilates studio, find new clients for your fitness studio, or simply offer your yoga clients more classes, video-on-demand is a surefire way to open a new revenue stream. bsport has already supported many studios in launching their video strategies successfully — helping them expand their reach, increase revenue, and keep their communities engaged outside studio walls.
Why not you? By adding video-on-demand to your offering, you can future-proof your studio, reach more clients, and create lasting value for your business.
