The landscape of the wellness industry has transformed dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when yoga and meditation sessions were confined to physical studios. Now, integrating video on demand (VoD) services into your wellness practice isn’t just a bonus; it’s a cornerstone for success.
Whether you’re an on-demand novice or a pro seeking to upgrade existing offerings, there is a solution for you. You just have to find it. Reflect on your needs and problems to uncover the criteria for your ideal VoD platform.
Join us on a journey to assess your needs, break down the best options available, and grow your business with VoD.
Table of Contents:
VoD in a Nutshell: What is Video on Demand?
Video on demand (VoD) refers to a content distribution system that allows users to access videos without the constraints of scheduled broadcasting.
In the context of wellness businesses, VoD services enable clients to access yoga, pilates, meditation, and other wellness classes digitally at the most convenient time.
For you, as a business owner, VoD content is the gift that keeps on giving. Of course, you have to put work in to create the video, but after that, clients pay for access, and you can work on other projects.
Pre-Recorded vs Livestream Content: Which is Best?
Learn the benefits of and differences between pre-recorded vs livestream content in our webinar with Rachel Scott.
What to Look for in a VoD Platform
To ensure your chosen VoD platform aligns well with business needs and goals. When comparing options, pay special attention to the following:
- User-Friendly Interface: A straightforward, intuitive interface ensures a positive user experience and encourages clients to engage more with the content.
- Quality of Video Streaming: High-quality video and audio streaming are crucial. The platform should support high-resolution videos and have reliable streaming capabilities.
- Customization and Branding: Look for a platform that allows customization to reflect your brand’s identity. This includes options to use your logo, brand colors, and other elements that make your content unique.
- Content Management Features: Ease of uploading, organizing, and managing your video content should be top of mind. Features like categorizing videos, creating playlists, and scheduling releases help keep content organized and accessible.
- Mobile Compatibility and Accessibility: Accessible across devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, is critical to ensure clients can view your content from anywhere.
- Integration Capabilities: Check if the platform can integrate seamlessly with your existing website, CRM systems, and other tools you use for running your business.
- Customer Support and Reliability: Good customer support from the platform provider is crucial for troubleshooting and assistance. Additionally, the platform should be reliable with minimal downtime.
- Scalability: The platform should be able to grow with your business, handling increased content and user load without performance issues.
7 Best VoD Platforms for Your Wellness Business
We’ve curated a list of the top 7 VoD platforms that stand out in the wellness space. These platforms have been selected based on their:
- User-friendliness
- Ability to produce online content
- Range of additional options
- Customizability & integrations
- Existing user ratings (from Capterra)
From seamless integration capabilities to robust content management systems, each of these platforms offers something special that can transform the way you connect with clients.
Let’s dive in and explore these top VoD platforms that could be the game-changer for your business.
Arketa
Arketa is a comprehensive solution for wellness businesses looking to streamline their operations and expand their offerings in a digital and mobile-first world.
The emphasis on simplicity, customization, and hybrid business model support are key factors that set it apart in the VOD platform market.
Arketa’s Main Features
- Hybrid Revenue Opportunities: In-person & online services, including livestream classes, video libraries, yoga retreats, and merchandise.
- Mobile-first: Platform is built with mobile usage in mind.
- Time-Saving Tools: Designed to reduce number of clicks for check-in and automate workflows for payments & marketing.
- Comprehensive Dashboard: One dashboard to manage all your offerings.
Cost
An individual subscription costs $29/mo, while the studio subscription requires you to schedule a call with the sales team.
They offer a 7-day free trial on select plans.
Who It’s For
Arketa is for wellness business owners who want to expand their offerings beyond traditional classes, including those who manage yoga studios, fitness centers, and similar wellness facilities.
What Sets It Apart
- All-in-One: Combines various functionalities (classes, video content, retail, etc.) in one platform.
- User-Friendly: Emphasizes ease of use and quick processes.
- Customization: Offers branded apps and websites for individual studios.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate Arketa 4.8/5 on average, and 95% are likely to recommend it to a friend.
Gymdesk
Gymdesk stands out as a comprehensive member management solution for gyms and fitness centers, offering a range of features to streamline administrative tasks and enhance member engagement.
Its emphasis on digital transformation, customization, and integrations with other services are what makes it stand out.
Gymdesk’s Main Features
- Exclusive Member Content: Portal for exclusive member content and videos, segmented by membership type.
- Customizable Membership Management: Supports various membership formats, including recurring payments, one-time payments, session packs, and trial memberships.
- Training Progress Tracking:Members can track their training history and progress online.
- Member Reporting and Administration: Easy access to member information on various devices, with capabilities to update member details, track attendance, and manage billing issues.
- Digital Member Sign-Up and Waivers: Facilitates digital sign-up processes and waiver form completion, reducing paperwork.
Cost
Subscription costs range from $75/mo for micro gyms to $200/mo and beyond for enterprise businesses.
They offer a 30-day free trial.
Who It’s For
Gymdesk is designed for gym and fitness center owners and managers who need an efficient way to manage memberships, billing, and member engagement.
What Sets It Apart
- Comprehensive Member Management: Offers a wide range of features for managing member information, billing, and engagement.
- Digital Transformation: Emphasizes the reduction of paperwork through digital sign-ups and waivers.
- Customization and Flexibility: Provides customizable membership plans and self-service options for members.
- Integration with Other Services: Compatible with various payment processors and software solutions like Stripe, Square, and Zoom.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate Gymdesk 4.8/5 on average, and 95% are likely to recommend it to a friend.
Mindbody
Mindbody stands out as a versatile and comprehensive solution for businesses in the wellness industry, offering a wide range of features to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth.
Its integration with a large marketplace, AI-powered tools, and unique financing options make it a competitive option in the market.
Mindbody’s Main Features
- Branded App: Offers the ability to create a custom app for the business.
- Mindbody Marketplace: Access to a large user base actively seeking wellness services.
- AI Integration: Features like Messenger[ai] for automated client communication and booking assistance.
- ClassPass Integration: Opportunity to list on ClassPass, with a guarantee to cover losses if revenue doesn’t increase.
Cost
Subscription costs range from $159/mo for the starter package to $699/mo and beyond for enterprise businesses.
Who It’s For
Mindbody is designed for small to large-scale businesses in the fitness, beauty, and wellness industries looking for an all-in-one platform to manage their operations.
What Sets It Apart
- All-in-One Platform: Combines various functionalities like booking, marketing, payments, and staff management in one software.
- Large User Base: Access to the Mindbody Marketplace, which has millions of active users.
- AI-Powered Tools: Automated tools like Messenger[ai] for enhanced customer interaction and booking.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate Mindbody 4/5 on average, and 61% are likely to recommend it to a friend.
See how OfferingTree stacks up as a Mindbody alternative.
OfferingTree
OfferingTree stands out as a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for wellness professionals, offering a range of integrated tools to manage and grow their business online.
Its emphasis on simplicity, flexibility, and comprehensive client management makes it stand out among the competition in the wellness industry.
OfferingTree’s Main Features
- Website Builder: Easy-to-use website creation tools with no need for plugins or integrations.
- Scheduling for Events, Classes, and Appointments: Facilitates hosting and managing in-person or online events, classes, and appointments.
- On-Demand Video and Courses: Allows creation of digital content, video libraries, courses, challenges, and coaching programs.
- Memberships and Packages: Offers tools to create memberships and packages for recurring revenue.
- Email, Text, and Content Marketing: Integrated marketing tools for audience growth and engagement.
Cost
Subscription costs range from $26/mo for the starter package to $100/mo and beyond for studios with multiple employees.
Offeringtree also offers a 14-day free trial.
Who It’s For
The platform is designed for wellness professionals and businesses looking for an integrated solution to manage various aspects of their business online.
What Sets It Apart
- All-in-One Solution: Combines website building, scheduling, content selling, and marketing in one platform.
- Ease of Use: Focuses on simplicity and user-friendliness, reducing the need for technical expertise.
- Supports Hybrid Business Model: Supports both in-person and online business models, catering to a wide range of wellness services.
- Comprehensive Client Management: Offers detailed client management and engagement tools.
- No Hidden Fees: Transparent payment processing without hidden costs.
- Customer Support: Provides extensive support resources. Response rates are incredibly quick.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate OfferingTree 4.8/5 on average, and 98% of users are likely to recommend it to a friend.
StudioGrowth
StudioGrowth differentiates itself as a user-friendly, growth-focused management tool for boutique studios, offering a range of features that are both powerful and easy to use.
Its emphasis on branding, customer experience, and comprehensive management tools make it a competitive option for boutique studio owners.
StudioGrowth’s Main Features
- Branded Purchase Pages: Customizable class packs and memberships that can be sold on branded pages.
- On-Demand Appointments: Allows setting on-demand slots based on staff availability and expertise.
- Customer Experience Tools: Features like QR code bookings and single-click payments through social logins and Apple/Google Pay.
- Support for In-Person & Online Services: Integration with Zoom for virtual classes and automatic link generation for online sessions.
Cost
They offer one price for one plan, which is all-inclusive and costs $139/mo, along with a 14-day free trial.
Who It’s For
StudioGrowth is designed for boutique studio entrepreneurs who run group classes and seek a comprehensive yet straightforward management solution.
What Sets It Apart
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: Emphasizes a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for those with basic computer literacy.
- Customization and Branding: Offers customizable themes for public pages to maintain brand identity.
- Comprehensive Management Tools: Combines class scheduling, payments, customer engagement, and staff management in one platform.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate StudioGrowth 4.9/5 on average, and 100% of users are likely to recommend it to a friend.
Teachable
Teachable stands out as a versatile and user-friendly platform for creators looking to monetize their knowledge and skills through online courses, coaching, and digital products.
Its emphasis on ease of use, comprehensive monetization tools, and robust support resources make it a competitive option in the online education market.
Teachable’s Main Features
- Accelerator Challenges: Programs designed to help businesses get up and running in 30 days.
- Course Creation: Tools to outline, design, and build courses with videos, slides, quizzes, and more using a drag-and-drop builder.
- Coaching and Digital Products: Options to plan coaching programs and design digital products for sale.
- Sales Page Builder: Simple tools to create sales pages for courses and products.
Cost
The most basic package costs $39/mo, while the most extensive package for larger ventures costs $199/mo.
They do offer a free trial period before purchasing a subscription.
Who It’s For
Teachable is designed for individuals and businesses who want to create and sell online courses, coaching services, and digital products, ranging from solo entrepreneurs to established educators and influencers.
What Sets It Apart
- No-Code Course Creation: Simplifies the process of creating and selling online courses without the need for coding skills.
- Comprehensive Monetization Tools: Offers a variety of tools to maximize revenue from each product.
- Customizable and Integrative: Allows integration with various external tools and services.
- Support and Training: Provides extensive support resources, including coaching, training courses, and community membership.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate Teachable 4.3/5 on average, and 56% of users are likely to recommend it to a friend.
Kajabi
Kajabi stands out as an all-encompassing platform for creators and entrepreneurs looking to monetize their expertise through digital products and services.
Its emphasis on AI-powered tools, comprehensive support, and an all-in-one approach make it a strong competitor in the online content creation and marketing space.
Kajabi’s Main Features
- AI Hub: Free tool powered by Kajabi AI to help build and launch products.
- Creator Studio: An editing tool for efficient content creation.
- Community Building: Create gated member communities for exclusive fan engagement.
- Coaching Programs: Build customized coaching programs with live video, calendar integrations, and collaborative notes.
Cost
Their most basic subscription package starts at $119/mo, while the most comprehensive costs $319/mo.
All plans come with a 14-day free trial.
Who It’s For
Kajabi is designed for a wide range of users, from individuals starting their digital product journey to established creators and businesses looking to expand their online presence.
What Sets It Apart
- Versatile Product Creation: Offers tools for various digital products, from courses to podcasts.
- AI-Powered Features: Utilizes AI for course building and product development.
- Comprehensive Support and Community: Provides extensive support, training resources, and a creator community.
- All-in-One Platform: Combines content creation, marketing, sales, and management tools in one place.
Reviews
According to Capterra, users rate Kajabi 5/5 on average, and 90% of users are likely to recommend it to a friend.
OfferingTree’s all-in-one business management platform, designed specifically for wellness practitioners, includes comprehensive VoD & streaming services.
5 Ways to Grow Your Business with VoD
VoD platforms can be a versatile tool for growing your wellness business in several innovative ways. Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Build a content library: Clients love an easily accessible library of classes and resources.
- Host workshops & special events: Online workshops and live-streamed events can later be accessed as VoD content.
- Build community & engagement: Create forums, turn on comments, and offer group challenges.
- Integrate with in-person: VoD can supplement in-person classes, creating a hybrid model, or use VoD to provide bonus or add-on content for those who attend in person.
- Leverage social media: Using clips from videos is a great way to create fresh new social media content to reach new people.
What's the Best Way to Market Your Online Offerings?
Watch our webinar with Gwen Ferreira to learn how to market your on-demand and prerecorded offerings.
VoD Platform FAQs
Here are answers to some common VoD platform questions.
What are the Different Types of VoD?
What’s the best way to sell your online content? There are three different models for video on demand content.
- Subscription (SVoD): Users pay a regular subscription fee to access a content library.
- Advertising (AVoD): Content is free for viewers but includes ads.
- Transactional (TVoD): Allows users to pay for each piece of content they want to watch. It can be further divided into two sub-categories
- Electronic Sell-Through: Users pay to own a digital copy of the content
- Download to Rent: Users pay for temporary access to content
Is One VoD Platform Better Than the Rest?
When trying to make an informed choice, you need helpful information and unbiased advice, not some cookie-cutter sales pitch – especially when a consequential business decision is at stake!
That’s why we created an alphabetized list of VoD platforms that meet strict criteria instead of simply giving a generic recommendation– so you can compare facts, features, and reviews.
On-Demand vs Streaming: How Are They Different?
The primary differences between on-demand content and live streaming are as follows:
- Control and Accessibility: On-demand content is typically downloadable and can be accessed repeatedly, while streaming content, primarily live streaming, is more about real-time access and may not always be available for repeated viewing.
- Engagement: Live streaming offers higher engagement through real-time interaction, whereas on-demand provides flexibility and self-paced learning.
- Content Management: On-demand content requires storage and management on the platform while streaming, particularly live streaming, is more about broadcast management.
Need a hand getting your online library up and running?
Learn how to grow your business with on-demand video in this course from OfferingTree partner, Amanda Kingsmith.
Manage Your Wellness Business & Build Your Content Library All In One Place
Integrating video on demand (VoD) platforms into wellness businesses significantly shifts how these services are delivered and consumed. With the diverse range of VoD platforms available, each offering unique features and benefits, wellness entrepreneurs have many options.
OfferingTree’s all-in-one wellness business management platform includes VoD services and everything you need to run a thriving wellness practice. Try our software free for 14 days to see how easy it is for yourself!
Have any questions? Schedule a demo with our stellar sales team!
