UpNext was created by Yoga teachers. When the idea of UpNext came to us we envisioned a way for teachers to reach the largest audience possible. We also knew we wanted students to be able to try classes and choose the teachers they wanted to learn from and support.
We kept coming back to the origins of the teacher, student relationship. A time when yoga was passed on from teacher to student, without a monetary transaction taking place. Inspired by this, we began offering our classes online to our previously in-studio students for free. We did not require payment but would accept donations.
What we found was amazing. Our students were happy to pay for our classes through donations. Without the burden of expensive classes or monthly subscriptions, yoga suddenly became more affordable and with online classes, more accessible than ever for our students. And more flexible for us as teachers.
The idea that a yoga teacher might possibly make a living teaching seemed real for the first time. No commute to a studio, no limited teaching schedule. Just the mat and our students. We came to believe that every yoga teacher could achieve the same by offering their classes online, obligation free.
We searched the internet and found many studios or websites offering online classes, but they seemed to be modeling their virtual studios after their brick and mortar counterparts. Fees. Fees. Fees. Fees for students, fees for teachers. Fees for fees. We decided to take action.
UpNext was built with a simple purpose. To provide teachers a platform to promote themselves and their classes and to provide students the ability to find their teachers. We believe students recognize value and appreciate teachers. So we built UpNext on the model that we built for ourselves. With a sense of seva, or selfless service, for our students.
We don’t charge teachers to post their classes. We don’t charge students to find teachers. We promote yoga through practice and we promote supporting teachers through their donation links.
When students don’t have to pay fees to practice, they’re happy to pay a great yoga teacher for a great class. We are match makers, not fee takers.
How UpNext pays for this thing…
Basically, we’re trying to keep a roof over our heads so to speak. We pay for the web hosting out of our own pockets, the newsletter fees too. We pay for the advertising on Google, Facebook and Instagram to get new teachers and students on UpNext. Our focus isn’t on making money anytime soon. We’re focused on delivering the experience we all want and need.
We make recommendations on our site for products we believe in, and if someone buys one of those products we make a small commission. We haven’t delved into putting ads on our site at this point, but may consider so in the future if the costs become too much.
And, we still teach classes, on UpNext. You should take one!
And of course, if you enjoy UpNext, you can help support the site by donating.