DJ John Michael Explains Reasoning for Fewer Long-Form (45+ Minutes) Peloton Classes: Data Shows They are Not as a Popular

A topic of conversation amongst Peloton members from time to time is the prevalence and frequency of different class durations; specifically, the longer ones. You’ll commonly see many people ask “Why aren’t there more long Peloton classes.” Over the years many members have observed a decrease in longer-form classes – i.e. classes longer than 30 minutes.

In a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on Instagram, DJ John Michael explained that the data shows that longer classes are not as popular.

The question asked was specifically about artist series, reading: “Wondering how some artists don’t get 45 min ride despite huge [catalog]?”

DJ John Michael provided some insight, explaining:

“Anytime you see anything as far as programming classes that are coming out, there is an entire programming team that does that…and when it comes to class duration for artist series or for anything else, that is not handled by the music team, that is not handled by the instructors – that is handled strictly by the programming team. They decide what the numbers are going to be when it comes to class length, etc.
That being said, apart from anything else, I hope people realize that we are a sort of a data company as well. And what you take more of, and what the numbers show, we will respond to, like as with anything else I would imagine.

He went on to share that the best way to get certain class types or lengths is to take those more often – so that the data supports creating more of them.

So, if you want to see more DJ rides – run up those numbers. If you want to see more Lanebreak – run up those numbers. If you want to see more 45 minute classes – run up those numbers. Get your friends, do the workouts, get the numbers up – because we put out what is a response from you guys. And 30 minutes, I believe, seems to be the sweet spot, so that’s why you get a lot of 30 minutes.”

In other words, DJ John Michael is saying that Peloton does not release as many longer form classes because they are not as popular with members. The most popular class duration is 30 minutes.

A quick glance at the Peloton on-demand library confirms that the dominant class length across most modalities is 30 minutes. The following chart examines the number of classes released within the first 10 days of August across Peloton’s top modalities.

Number of Classes Released by Modality and Length Between August 1-10, 2024

This indicates that for cycling, running, walking, and yoga, 30 minutes is the most common class duration. For strength and rowing, 20 minutes is the most common class duration.

Note that Peloton’s longest class length is technically 120 minutes for rides, but these are relatively rare. Matt Wilpers teaches 120 minute Power Zone Endurance rides that he has indicated members can expect once per quarter.

As DJ John Michael explains, Peloton is driven by data, and centers their programming around classes that have shown to be the most popular. This suggests that when 45 minute (or longer) classes are released, they are not taken by as many members. Thus, Peloton does not prioritize them as much and opts for shorter classes that they anticipate will achieve higher numbers.

However, one might counter that when there are significantly less longer duration classes released on a regular basis, they are bound to be taken less by members, because the options are more limited.

For example: many members have a specific group of instructors they take classes with as opposed to taking classes with every single instructor. When only six 45 minute cycling classes are released within the first 10 days of the month, chances are that some of those classes will be taught by instructors that a member does not regularly take classes with, and they might opt to stack shorter classes from one of their go-to instructors instead.

Languages factor into this too, as two of the six 45 minute classes released between August 1-10 were in German. Note that subtitles are available in some classes to help remove language barriers.

Finally, the specific class format may not align with what a member is looking for, further limiting the pool. Members who might be searching for a particular music type, HIIT class, Power Zone class, etc. will be even more limited in the recently available options.

DJ John Michael’s recommendation for members who want to see more long-form classes – or any specific class type for that matter – is to take the classes, encourage your friends to take them, and drive those numbers up to demonstrate to Peloton that the class type is popular and desired by members.

When Peloton first got its start, the 45 minute duration was the standard for cycling classes (which was their original modality). As Peloton evolved, shorter class durations were introduced. In 2022 we posted an editorial regarding the apparent decrease in longer-form classes – specifically 45 minute cycling classes. The piece takes an in-depth look at the evolution of the class duration over the years and how frequently it was offered.

Of course, even in light of the class library maintenance that has removed thousands of classes from older years when long-form classes were the standard, there are still more than 1,000 45 minute rides, more than 400 45 minute runs, 500 45 minute yoga classes, and more than 200 45 minute walks available in the on-demand library for members to enjoy.

During the same Instagram “Ask Me Anything” DJ John Michael also revealed that another All for One Music Festival is in the works for 2024. You can read all the details via our overview article.

What do you think of this revelation that Peloton does not produce more long-form classes because they are not as popular? Do you enjoy the longer class lengths?

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