David Lloyd Playlist — Hyperlaunch

Hyperlaunch Delivers the David Lloyd Playlist App with Universal Music Group

Overview

Hyperlaunch partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) and David Lloyd Leisure to create the David Lloyd Playlist app, a cutting-edge music streaming service designed specifically for fitness enthusiasts. Available on both iOS and Android, the app offers expertly curated playlists to enhance various workout routines, integrating seamlessly with David Lloyd’s membership systems and UMG’s vast music catalog.

Screenshots of the David Lloyd Playlist Player

The Challenge

The primary challenge was to build a platform that could manage and deliver large-scale music content with the reliability and speed expected by users of a premium fitness app. The app needed to provide high-quality streaming with minimal latency, automatic music catalog updates, and integration with David Lloyd’s internal systems for smooth user experiences, including automatic billing and membership management.

The Solution

Hyperlaunch developed the David Lloyd Playlist app using React Native for a smooth, cross-platform user experience, supported by a robust Ruby on Rails backend. The app seamlessly integrates with Universal Music’s supply chain, automatically importing and updating the music catalog. A bespoke Content Management System (CMS) was designed for rapid playlist curation, allowing UMG’s expert curators to update content swiftly.

To ensure a high-quality streaming experience, the app was built with Mux, enabling secure and efficient HLS streaming. The app also offers offline listening, allowing users to download playlists for use without an internet connection.

Integration with David Lloyd’s internal membership management platform via SOAP allows for automatic Direct Debit billing, ensuring a seamless and secure subscription process. Additionally, the app generates streaming reports for PRS and PPL, ensuring that all licensing requirements are met.

Technical Details

React Native: Enabled cross-platform development for both iOS and Android, ensuring consistent performance and user experience.
Ruby on Rails Backend: Managed complex integrations, including automated music catalog imports and user data synchronization.
Bespoke CMS: Allowed UMG curators to rapidly create and update playlists, keeping content fresh and relevant.
Mux HLS Streaming: Delivered high-performance, secure streaming, ensuring a top-tier listening experience.
SOAP Integration: Connected directly with David Lloyd’s membership management for automated billing and user authentication.
PRS/PPL Reporting: Automated export of streaming reports, ensuring compliance with music licensing requirements.

Results

The David Lloyd Playlist app quickly became a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, praised for its tailored music experience that enhanced workouts. The seamless integration of UMG’s music catalog and David Lloyd’s membership systems allowed for rapid adoption, with a strong retention rate driven by the continuous delivery of fresh, expert-curated content.

Screenshots of the David Lloyd Playlist Onboarding

Building on this success, Universal Music Group has reused the core code base for additional brand partnerships with companies like British Airways and Technogym, further demonstrating the scalability and versatility of the platform. These partnerships highlight the effectiveness of the solution Hyperlaunch delivered, enabling UMG to expand its reach across diverse sectors.

Client Testimonials

Marc Langsman, Digital Innovation Manager at Universal Music Group, stated, “This was a first-of-its-kind app within UMG, and Hyperlaunch paved the way by demonstrating how modern tools can deliver exceptional, multi-platform experiences rapidly and affordably. Their expertise was crucial in bringing our vision to life.”

Chris Garrett, CEO of Hyperlaunch, added, “Working with Universal Music Group, the world’s foremost music organization, was a true pleasure. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how modern technology can empower record labels to disintermediate and carve out new, direct-to-fan paths, reinforcing the direct connection between artists and their audiences.”

Conclusion

The David Lloyd Playlist app exemplifies Hyperlaunch’s ability to merge innovative technology with complex integrations, delivering a seamless, user-focused experience. By harnessing the power of React Native, Ruby on Rails, and Mux, Hyperlaunch successfully created a platform that met the high expectations of both Universal Music Group and David Lloyd Leisure. This project stands as a testament to the potential for future collaborations, where technology and music intersect to create engaging, user-driven experiences.