Los Angeles is a global hub for entertainment, fashion, music, and digital content creation. But even in a city buzzing with creativity, many studio owners find themselves with unused hours, days, or even entire months when their spaces sit empty. Instead of letting your studio go dark, you can turn it into a steady income stream by monetizing it in smart and creative ways.
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With the right strategies, your studio can cater to photographers, videographers, influencers, brands, and even event planners. The key lies in knowing who your audience is and how to package your space to appeal to them. Whether you own a photography studio in Downtown LA, a loft in Hollywood, or a warehouse in the Arts District, here’s a detailed guide on how to monetize empty studios in Los Angeles.
Why Empty Studios Are an Untapped Opportunity
LA is filled with creators who need space. Photographers are constantly looking for backdrops, videographers need controlled environments for shoots, and influencers need unique settings for social media content. At the same time, small businesses, startups, and community organizers are always in search of affordable event and workshop venues.
According to 2025 industry data, studio rentals in Los Angeles are expected to grow by more than 15% as demand for creative production space rises. If you have a studio that isn’t booked 24/7, you’re leaving money on the table. Instead, you can maximize your earning potential by diversifying how your studio is used.
Rent to Photographers and Videographers
One of the most straightforward ways to monetize an empty studio is by renting it out to photographers and videographers. LA’s photography industry thrives year-round thanks to constant demand for headshots, fashion campaigns, e-commerce shoots, and music videos.
Platforms like Peerspace, Giggster, and Splacer make it easy to list your studio for hourly rentals. You can set different pricing tiers based on weekday vs. weekend bookings or adjust your rates depending on the size of the project. Many studios also offer discounts for half-day or full-day rentals to encourage larger bookings.
To attract more photographers, consider investing in studio essentials such as seamless backdrops, good lighting equipment, props, and furniture. These add-ons not only make your studio more appealing but also allow you to charge higher rates.
Host Content Creators and Influencers
Los Angeles is the capital of influencer culture. TikTok creators, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers are constantly looking for eye-catching locations to film their content. If your studio has great natural light, stylish décor, or unique backdrops, you can market it directly to content creators.
Influencers prefer flexible bookings, so offering hourly rates is essential. You can also create content packages that include access to props, lighting, or even a staff member who helps set up. Another powerful strategy is to style your studio in a way that makes it “Instagrammable”—bright colors, statement furniture, or themed sets all make your space more attractive for creators.
Consider networking with influencer agencies in LA, as they often need to secure multiple studios for ongoing campaigns. By building relationships, you can become their go-to rental option.
Offer Event and Workshop Space
Studios don’t just have to be for shoots—they can also serve as unique venues for events and workshops. With the right setup, your studio can host anything from yoga classes and art exhibitions to networking mixers and wellness retreats.
The advantage of this approach is that events usually pay more per hour compared to photoshoots. You can charge higher rates because clients are using the space for gatherings rather than production. Additionally, you can build long-term relationships with recurring event hosts, such as fitness instructors, small business groups, or community leaders.
To prepare your studio for events, make sure it has basic amenities like seating options, restrooms, and a small prep area. Adding features like sound systems, projectors, or moveable furniture can increase your appeal for event planners.
Sublease to Freelancers or Startups
If your studio has extended downtime, another way to monetize it is by subleasing to freelancers, entrepreneurs, or small startups. Los Angeles has a large population of independent workers who are always looking for affordable office space.
You can position your studio as a creative coworking hub by offering desks, Wi-Fi, and access to the studio for occasional shoots. Subleasing not only creates a steady monthly income but also ensures that your studio is consistently used rather than sitting idle.
This works particularly well in popular neighborhoods like Culver City, Silver Lake, or the Arts District, where freelancers often look for collaborative workspaces.
Create a Membership Model
Instead of relying only on one-off bookings, you can build recurring revenue with a membership model. By offering monthly passes or tiered memberships, you provide regular access to your studio while securing steady income.
For example, photographers could pay a monthly fee for 20 hours of studio time, or influencers could sign up for a membership that includes weekly access for content shoots. You can also add perks like priority booking, free use of lighting equipment, or discounts on weekend rentals.
Membership models work best when your studio is centrally located and you have a strong network of recurring clients.
Convert Into a Pop-Up Retail Space
Los Angeles has a thriving pop-up retail culture. Independent fashion brands, jewelry designers, and food businesses are always looking for short-term spaces to showcase their products. Your empty studio could be transformed into a boutique-style pop-up shop.
High-traffic neighborhoods such as Melrose Avenue, Abbot Kinney, and DTLA are hotspots for pop-up retail. If your studio is located in one of these areas, you can charge premium rates for short-term retail rentals.
The key is to make your space flexible. Movable racks, display tables, and lighting options will make it easier for brands to set up quickly. Pop-up retail is especially lucrative during the holiday season, when demand for temporary storefronts peaks.
Collaborate with Production Companies
Production companies are constantly scouting for studios for commercials, TV shoots, and film projects. By networking with agencies, producers, and casting directors, you can position your studio as a reliable location for recurring projects.
Unlike influencer shoots, production companies often book studios for several days or even weeks at a time. This can provide significant revenue and long-term partnerships.
To attract production clients, make sure your studio meets industry standards: high ceilings, soundproofing, reliable electricity, and easy load-in access. These details can make your space stand out among LA’s competitive studio market.
Transform Into a Creative Hub
The most profitable studios in Los Angeles don’t limit themselves to one type of client. Instead, they diversify their income streams by turning their space into a multi-purpose creative hub.
This could mean hosting photoshoots during the week, renting to event planners on weekends, and offering coworking memberships in between. By blending different monetization strategies, you maximize your revenue and build a community around your space.
Creative hubs also benefit from word-of-mouth marketing. When your studio becomes known as a versatile and inspiring space, it naturally attracts more bookings.
Practical Tips for Monetizing Studios
Monetizing an empty studio requires more than just listing it online. Here are some practical tips to make your space more appealing and profitable:
- Insurance and Licensing: Always have rental agreements and liability insurance in place to protect your studio and clients.
- Marketing: Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase your space in action. Behind-the-scenes content is especially effective.
- Listing Platforms: Take advantage of booking platforms like Peerspace, Giggster, and Splacer to gain visibility.
- Renovation and Staging: Small improvements—fresh paint, stylish furniture, plants, or statement lighting—can dramatically increase your booking rate.
- Networking: Attend LA creative networking events to connect with photographers, influencers, and event planners who may become future clients.
Conclusion
Empty studios in Los Angeles don’t need to stay empty. With the city’s booming creative economy, there are endless opportunities to monetize your space and build consistent revenue. Whether you choose to rent by the hour, host pop-up shops, or create long-term partnerships with production companies, the key is to remain flexible and responsive to market trends.
By positioning your studio as a multi-use space for creators, influencers, brands, and entrepreneurs, you can transform downtime into a profitable venture. In a city like LA—where creativity never sleeps—your studio can become more than just four walls; it can be a thriving hub of activity and income.