Creating and selling online courses has become a popular way to share knowledge, teach skills, and build a business. Whether you’re a subject matter expert, a passionate educator, or a seasoned entrepreneur, the right platform can make all the difference in your success. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which platform best fits your needs. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to the ten best platforms for creating and selling online courses in 2024. Each platform has unique features, pricing, and benefits, so you can choose the one that aligns with your goals and preferences.
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1. Teachable
Overview: Teachable is a well-known platform that allows creators to build, market, and sell online courses. It offers a user-friendly interface, a variety of customization options, and robust marketing tools to help you reach your audience.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interface and straightforward course creation process.
- Marketing Tools: Includes features like coupons, email marketing, and affiliate marketing.
- Custom Branding: Allows you to customize your course site with your branding.
Cons:
- Transaction Fees: Charges a transaction fee on lower-tier plans.
- Limited Design Flexibility: Some limitations in design customization compared to other platforms.
Pricing:
Teachable offers a free plan with basic features and transaction fees. Paid plans start at $39 per month for the Basic plan, $119 per month for the Professional plan, and $299 per month for the Business plan.
Learn More: Teachable
2. Udemy
Overview:
Udemy is a massive online learning marketplace with a vast audience. It provides a platform for instructors to create and sell courses on various topics, benefiting from Udemy’s large user base.
Pros:
- Large Audience: Access to Udemy’s extensive user base for potential course sales.
- Ease of Use: Simple course creation and publishing process.
- Marketing Support: Udemy handles much of the marketing and promotion for your courses.
Cons:
- Revenue Share: Udemy takes a significant cut of the revenue from course sales.
- Limited Control: Less control over pricing and branding compared to other platforms.
Pricing:
Creating a course on Udemy is free, but the platform takes a percentage of your course sales, typically ranging from 50% to 75%, depending on how the student finds your course.
Learn More: Udemy
3. Thinkific
Overview:
Thinkific offers a comprehensive solution for creating, marketing, and selling online courses. It is known for its ease of use and robust features, including a drag-and-drop course builder and customizable site options.
Pros:
- User-Friendly: Easy-to-use interface with a drag-and-drop course builder.
- Customizable: Allows for extensive customization of course sites and branding.
- No Transaction Fees: Thinkific doesn’t charge transaction fees on course sales.
Cons:
- Limited Features on Lower Plans: Some advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans.
- Learning Curve: Initial setup and customization might take some time.
Pricing: Thinkific offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $49 per month for the Basic plan, $99 per month for the Pro plan, and $499 per month for the Premier plan.
Learn More: Thinkific
4. Kajabi
Overview:
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that goes beyond course creation to include marketing automation, website building, and more. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want a comprehensive solution for their online business.
Pros:
- All-in-One Solution: Includes tools for course creation, marketing, and sales.
- Automation: Robust marketing automation features.
- Professional Templates: High-quality, customizable templates for course sites.
Cons:
- Price: Higher cost compared to many other course platforms.
- Complexity: May have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set.
Pricing:
Kajabi plans start at $149 per month for the Basic plan, $199 per month for the Growth plan, and $399 per month for the Pro plan. All plans include a 14-day free trial.
Learn More: Kajabi
5. Podia
Overview:
Podia is a platform designed to help creators sell online courses, digital downloads, and memberships. It is known for its simplicity and straightforward pricing.
Pros:
- Simplicity: Easy to use with a clean, straightforward interface.
- No Transaction Fees: Podia does not charge transaction fees on sales.
- Integrated Email Marketing: Includes email marketing features to engage with students.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Fewer design and customization options compared to other platforms.
- Basic Features: Some advanced features may be lacking.
Pricing:
Podia offers three pricing plans: the Mover plan at $39 per month, the Shaker plan at $79 per month, and the Earthquaker plan at $179 per month. All plans include a 14-day free trial.
Learn More: Podia
6. LearnWorlds
Overview:
LearnWorlds provides a feature-rich platform for creating and selling online courses, with a focus on interactive learning and engaging content.
Pros:
- Interactive Features: Includes tools for creating interactive video content and quizzes.
- Custom Branding: Offers extensive customization options for branding and design.
- Analytics: Provides detailed analytics and reporting on student engagement.
Cons:
- Complex Interface: Some users may find the interface complex and overwhelming.
- Price: Higher pricing for advanced features and customization.
Pricing:
LearnWorlds offers a 30-day free trial. Paid plans start at $24 per month for the Starter plan, $79 per month for the Pro Trainer plan, and $249 per month for the Learning Center plan.
Learn More: LearnWorlds
7. Ruzuku
Overview:
Ruzuku is a platform aimed at simplifying the process of creating and selling online courses. It offers a range of features designed for ease of use and effective course delivery.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Simple setup and course creation process.
- Support: Offers excellent customer support and training resources.
- Engagement Tools: Includes tools for quizzes, surveys, and community building.
Cons:
- Limited Design Options: Fewer customization options for course branding and design.
- Basic Analytics: Limited analytics and reporting features.
Pricing:
Ruzuku plans start at $74.75 per month for the Basic plan, $149.75 per month for the Pro plan, and $199.75 per month for the Premium plan. Each plan includes a 14-day free trial.
Learn More: Ruzuku
8. Academy of Mine
Overview: Academy of Mine is a highly customizable platform designed for businesses and educators looking to offer professional-grade online courses and training programs.
Pros:
- Customization: Highly customizable with advanced features for enterprise-level needs.
- Integrated Tools: Includes tools for course creation, membership management, and e-commerce.
- White Labeling: Offers white-label solutions for branding and customization.
Cons:
- Price: More expensive, targeting businesses and larger enterprises.
- Complex Setup: May require more time and expertise to set up and customize.
Pricing:
Academy of Mine offers custom pricing based on specific needs and requirements. Contact their sales team for a personalized quote.
Learn More: Academy of Mine
9. Skillshare
Overview:
Skillshare is an online learning community where creators can publish courses on a variety of topics. It offers a platform for exposure to a wide audience and the opportunity to earn from course enrollments.
Pros:
- Exposure: Access to Skillshare’s large and engaged community.
- Community Features: Includes interactive features like discussions and project feedback.
- Ease of Use: Simple course creation process with built-in tools for engagement.
Cons:
- Revenue Model: Instructors earn through a revenue-sharing model, which can be less predictable.
- Limited Control: Less control over course pricing and branding.
Pricing:
Skillshare is free to join as an instructor, but Skillshare takes a percentage of the revenue earned through student enrollments.
Learn More: Skillshare
10. Coursera
Overview:
Coursera partners with universities and organizations to offer high-quality courses. It’s a platform for creating courses with academic rigor and professional credentials.
Pros:
- Academic Partnerships: Offers the prestige of collaborating with educational institutions.
- Certification: Provides options for issuing certificates and professional credentials.
- Global Reach: Access to a global audience and established user base.
Cons:
- Complex Approval Process: Courses typically need to go through an approval process and partnership requirements.
- Revenue Sharing: Coursera takes a percentage of the revenue from course sales.
Pricing:
Pricing varies based on course and partnership agreements. Coursera handles the pricing and revenue sharing with partners.
Learn More: Coursera
Choosing the Best Platform for Your Online Course
Selecting the right platform for creating and selling online courses depends on various factors, including your goals, budget, and desired features. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive all-in-one solution, a marketplace with a broad audience, or a customizable platform for professional-grade courses, there’s a platform tailored to your needs. By evaluating the top 10 platforms highlighted in this guide, you can make an informed decision and set yourself up for success in the online education space.
