Peloton shares jump as it partners with TikTok to offer short-form fitness classes, other content

Technology
Thursday, January 4th, 2024 5:02 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Strategic Partnership with TikTok: Peloton has launched a strategic partnership with TikTok aimed at reshaping its public image and expanding its customer base amid declining sales and profits. The collaboration, named ”#TikTokFitness Powered by Peloton,” establishes a fitness hub on TikTok featuring various content, including short-form fitness videos, live classes, and collaborations with TikTok creators.
  • Rebranding and Business Restructuring: Approximately six months ago, Peloton underwent a rebranding effort, positioning itself as a fitness company “for all.” This transformation included a tiered pricing strategy for its app, intended to emphasize Peloton as more than just a provider of connected fitness equipment. The changes sought to attract a broader audience, especially those unable to afford Peloton’s higher-end fitness equipment but interested in its subscription-based content.
  • Financial Challenges and CEO’s Strategic Focus: Peloton faced financial challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing a decline in demand as consumers returned to normalcy and gyms reopened. In the three months ending September 30, Peloton lost 30,000 members, and revenue fell to $595.5 million, down from the peak of $757.9 million during the pandemic. CEO Barry McCarthy, who took over from co-founder John Foley in February 2022, has been implementing strategies to rightsize the business and drive long-term growth and profitability. Initiatives include boosting subscriber count, introducing equipment rental options, and forming partnerships, like the one with TikTok, to enhance Peloton’s financial outlook.

Peloton has initiated a partnership with TikTok to broaden its customer base and alter public perception amid declining sales and profits. The collaboration, labeled ”#TikTokFitness Powered by Peloton,” will establish a fitness hub on TikTok featuring short-form fitness videos, live classes, content from Peloton’s instructors, and collaborations with TikTok creators. This move comes six months after Peloton rebranded itself as a fitness company “for all” and implemented tiered pricing for its app. The aim is to position Peloton beyond being solely a bike company, attracting customers who may not afford its equipment but are interested in monthly subscriptions. The partnership seeks to leverage TikTok’s broad audience, especially among the younger demographic, to enhance metrics like app downloads and conversions. While Peloton witnessed a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, post-pandemic, it faced a decline in members and revenue. CEO Barry McCarthy has been working to reshape the business, focusing on subscriber growth and introducing initiatives like equipment rental and refurbished options. The partnership with TikTok and other collaborations become crucial for Peloton’s long-term success as it strives for profitability amid its evolving business strategy.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/04/peloton-partners-with-tiktok-on-classes-content.html