Pay-per-view vs Subscription for Video Workshops: Best Practices

If you’re creating online workshops, one of the most important business decisions you’ll face is how to monetize your content. Choosing the right video monetization strategy can determine both short-term income and long-term growth potential. The most common approaches are offering pay-per-view access to individual workshops or adopting a subscription model that gives recurring access to your catalog. Each has clear strengths and drawbacks, which means finding the right fit is crucial. Platforms like Audiorista make it possible to implement both models, giving creators the flexibility they need to test, adapt, and maximize their results. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of pay-per-view workshops and subscription models, highlight best practices for pricing, and show why many creators succeed by prioritizing subscription-first strategies.

Overview of monetization models

When it comes to video workshops, monetization typically follows two main models: pay-per-view and subscriptions. Each caters to different types of audiences and different content goals.

Pay-per-view workshops allow creators to charge a one-time fee for access to a single event or course. The advantage here is straightforward revenue directly linked to individual sessions, making it effective for exclusive or premium content. The downside is that revenue depends on constant new releases or audience willingness to repurchase for every new workshop.

Subscription models, on the other hand, let audiences pay recurring fees for access to a collection of workshops or ongoing content. This creates predictable revenue streams and builds stronger audience relationships over time. However, creators must maintain a consistent level of content production to keep subscribers engaged. Each model comes with its benefits, and choosing depends on whether your audience prefers one-off exclusives or a continuous learning path.

Best practices and strategic choices

Pay-per-view (PPV) can work especially well when creators are offering one-time events, such as an exclusive live session or a high-value masterclass. For audiences who only want access to specific topics or don’t want to commit long-term, PPV delivers a straightforward and flexible way to pay.

Best practices for PPV pricing often include aligning the cost with the exclusivity and perceived value of the workshop. For example, a specialized masterclass justifies a higher PPV price compared to a general introductory session. Creators should consider factors like expertise level, session length, and market positioning when setting prices.

However, PPV does present challenges. Revenue is often irregular since it’s tied to event-specific sales. It requires constant promotion of individual offers, and customer loyalty may remain low because audiences purchase selectively and don’t engage beyond one-off sessions. For many creators, this makes PPV less sustainable as a long-term growth strategy compared to subscriptions.

Subscription models provide stronger long-term foundations for video workshop creators. Recurring revenue offers stability and predictability, making it easier to manage business growth, scale content production, and reinvest in quality. Subscriptions also strengthen customer loyalty, as audiences who commit to recurring payments are more likely to stay engaged over the long run.

With a subscription model, creators can focus on building deeper relationships with their audience through continuous value rather than reselling access to every new session. This approach naturally scales as the content library grows, delivering more perceived value for subscribers with every addition.

For creators interested in growing recurring revenue through digital platforms, one powerful approach is turning your online workshop into a subscription-based app. This not only allows you to package your work professionally but also increases customer retention by giving users an easy and accessible way to engage with your content. Audiorista enables you to launch your own branded app for iOS, Android, and the web, making your workshops accessible on any device and supporting both subscription and PPV models for maximum flexibility.

The choice between subscription and one-time payments doesn’t have to be exclusive. It’s possible to adapt strategies depending on content type, audience preferences, and business goals. Subscriptions work best for ongoing series, course bundles, and long-term educational content, while PPV can complement this with premium or special-access workshops.

Many creators use a hybrid model—combining subscription access to their main content catalog with one-off PPV pricing for exclusive events. This approach lets audiences choose the path that best suits them while allowing creators to tap into multiple revenue streams.

If you want to see the practical tools available for both approaches, you can explore all the monetization features Audiorista offers. The platform makes it possible to create flexible plans, test hybrid models, and adjust strategies based on performance and audience feedback. Audiorista’s dashboard provides analytics and insights, helping you optimize pricing and content based on real user data.

When choosing the right pricing model for your workshops, it’s essential to think beyond initial sales. Consider audience expectations, perceived value, and long-term engagement. Subscriptions are most effective when creators maintain steady content output and cultivate consistent communication with subscribers. Pay-per-view, meanwhile, is best reserved for content that carries premium value either in exclusivity, format, or expertise level.

The best practice is to experiment with both approaches to see what resonates with your audience. Testing different pricing strategies and seeking feedback can help you refine your offer and uncover the balance between predictable subscription revenue and one-off premium earnings through PPV. Audiorista’s no-code platform allows you to easily switch between models, update pricing, and launch new offers without technical barriers.

Final thoughts

Not sure whether to use pay-per-view or subscriptions for your workshops? Discover the best pricing strategy for video courses and learn how creators can build sustainable online course revenue models. This guide breaks down both approaches and reveals why subscriptions often win out for long-term success.

Start monetizing your workshops the smart way—launch your own subscription or pay-per-view app today with Audiorista.