10 Best Platforms to Create and Sell Online Courses

This is your guide to make money online by creating and selling courses. We will discuss the best platforms for them. 

Marketing your online courses is just one, but you should also know what tools to use and how to select them.

Let’s explore various tips and tricks and get started.

What Are Online Courses?

Online courses are structured lessons offered on digital platforms. They transform traditional lectures into flexible, self-paced modules. Students watch videos, follow slides, or complete interactive tasks. Each lesson tackles a specific outcome or skill, catering to different learning styles.

These classes can include quizzes, discussion boards, and live streams. In many cases, platforms host them in user-friendly dashboards, allowing learners to navigate content effortlessly. Creators often rely on online course creation tools to compile videos, notes, and tasks into cohesive units.

Each online course has a defined curriculum. Some run for a few days, others span months. Topics vary widely—programming, art, wellness, business strategy, and more. The digital format allows global reach. People anywhere can enroll, study, and apply the knowledge to real-life scenarios.

Why Sell Online Courses?

Selling online courses opens a new revenue path. You create once and sell multiple times, leading to potential long-term income. There is also less overhead compared to physical classes. Many prefer flexible schedules over fixed teaching hours.

These products attract diverse learners seeking skill upgrades or career transitions. Their broad appeal can build your reputation. And generate more interest in your brand or services. People who recognize your expertise may trust your guidance in related areas.

Online course creation tools enable efficient content production. Those who sell courses often branch out into coaching or consulting. A robust digital presence can spark other business ventures. You also nurture a global community of learners who elevate your profile and highlight your value.

Types of Online Courses

Different course types cater to various student needs. Think about your strengths and how best to deliver the material. Below are popular formats:

• Video-Based Lessons: Creators film step-by-step tutorials, which viewers watch and practice at home. This style is perfect for software demos, painting techniques, or fitness routines.
• Text-Heavy Modules: Some topics thrive through written materials, especially in academic or theory-driven fields. Learners can read text-based lectures, reflect, and complete written assignments.
• Live Cohort Programs involve participants joining scheduled virtual sessions. They interact in real time, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback, fostering a shared journey. Some cohorts run in weekly cycles, creating group momentum.
• Hybrid Formats: Combining videos, readings, and group chats can enrich the experience. Students watch an on-demand clip, then join a live call to clarify doubts. This blend suits diverse learning preferences.
• Skill-Focused Workshops: Short, practical workshops target a specific result. They may last a few hours or a weekend. People interested in quick wins refer to these concise lessons.

Benefits of Selling Online Courses

Online courses offer advantages to creators and students alike. The digital format opens doors to flexible instruction, scalable earnings, and global interactions. Here are some key benefits:

• Build Authority: Teaching positions you as a specialist. This credibility can lead to guest speaking, consulting, or book deals.
• Low Overheads: Hosting lessons digitally removes rent costs or commuting. You only need a platform and decent video/audio equipment.
• On-Demand Access: Students learn whenever it suits them: no rigid schedules or missed sessions.
• Multiple Sales Channels: Market through social media, email, or affiliate collaborations. The course can continue passively generating sales.

Skills You Need to Make and Sell Online Courses

Here are the skills you need:

• Subject Knowledge: Know your content well. It is essential to break down ideas and clarify tricky points. Learners want accurate, up-to-date information.
• Content Structuring: Arrange lessons in logical steps. Start with foundational concepts, then move into advanced or applied segments. This sequence helps students gain confidence.
• Tech Familiarity: Get comfortable with essential audio/video gear. Explore user-friendly editing software. Online course creation tools guide you in uploading modules, tracking student progress, and setting up payments.
• Marketing Knowledge: A great course is useless if it is hidden. Learn promotion strategies like social media ads, email newsletters, or influencer partnerships. Present a clear value proposition so potential buyers see the benefits.
• Communication and People Skills: Speak or write straightforwardly. Include relatable stories or examples. Encourage learner participation through tasks, quizzes, or group feedback. This keeps motivation high and improves knowledge retention.

Top Online Course Creation Tools 

Many solutions promise fast, polished results. It is wise to compare features, pricing, and community support. Below is a closer look at several well-known online course creation tools.

1. CourseCraft

CourseCraft supports small creators with minimal tech experience. Its interface is intuitive, allowing you to drag and drop lesson elements. It includes built-in templates for content pages and quizzes. You can embed videos from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.

2. Ruzuku

Ruzuku focuses on interactive learning experiences. Creators can add discussion prompts, track student progress, and host live sessions. The platform takes a straightforward approach and encourages in-lesson dialogues.

3. Smartli

Smartli is a unique tool that goes beyond lesson building. Its AI product description generator assists you in creating high-impact sales copy. Users can quickly craft eCommerce descriptions, social media ads, or brand logos.

Here’s why you should use Smartli:

• Generate SEO-friendly product listings within seconds
• Create appealing Facebook or Google ads with minimal effort
• It includes an AI logo creator for brand consistency

Smartli also offers a 7-day free trial with no hidden fees. Try the Pro or Empire plans for deeper features, both under 100 dollars. Smartli’s features can streamline your copywriting tasks if you operate multiple courses or product lines. 

4. iSpring Suite

iSpring Suite targets educators who need interactive content. You can create quizzes, simulations, or branching scenarios. These extras can elevate your course beyond static slides.

5. Camtasia

While Camtasia is not a complete learning platform, it is essential for many course creators. It allows you to record and edit screen captures, add annotations, and produce professional tutorials.

6. Articulate 360

Articulate 360 includes tools like Storyline and Rise for designing interactive lessons. Its advanced features help replicate real scenarios, branching dialogues, and more.

How Much Money Can You Make by Selling Online Courses?

Earnings vary based on topic demand, pricing strategy, and marketing efforts. Some niche topics see moderate success, while high-demand subjects can generate significant income. Most creators test multiple price points. A shorter course might start at 50 dollars, while advanced or specialized ones can exceed 500.

Quality content often leads to repeat business. Learners who trust your brand may purchase advanced classes or related merchandise. To diversify revenue, pair your courses with memberships or consulting services. Using online course creation tools lowers the cost of production, boosting net profits.

Some instructors partner with affiliate marketers who promote courses for a commission. Others rely on social media influencers for quick exposure. Email marketing remains a strong channel. Segment your audience to send personalized offers. Monitor feedback closely and refine lessons accordingly. 

10 Best Platforms to Create and Sell Online Courses

Below is a closer look at platforms you can use. Learn about key features, pros, and cons. Explore how they fit your style and goals. These platforms pair well with online course creation tools that assist with planning and promotion.

1. Udemy

Udemy hosts a massive marketplace of online courses on topics such as coding, personal development, art, and more. Creators can tap into an existing audience, saving on significant marketing efforts. Setting up a course involves uploading videos, resources, and quizzes. A quality review process ensures acceptable standards.

Key Features

• Simple course creation wizard
• Revenue share model—creators keep a higher portion if they drive their traffic
• Built-in student engagement through Q&A sections

Pros

• Millions of active learners
• Frequent promotional campaigns by Udemy, boosting course visibility
• Easy-to-use dashboard and analytics

Cons

• High competition from similar courses
• Strict pricing and coupon policies
• Revenue can fluctuate based on Udemy’s discount strategies

2. Skillshare

Skillshare emphasizes creativity and hands-on projects. Topics include design, illustration, writing, and various artistic skills. Courses, called classes, typically run shorter than traditional academic modules. You earn based on watch time from premium members. This structure can benefit instructors whose content keeps learners engaged.

Key Features

• Fast class setup
• Project-based approach to reinforce learning
• Active community feedback in comment sections

Pros

• Simple interface to publish your class
• Potential for organic discovery by curious learners
• Encourages students to submit class projects

Cons

• Payout depends on how many minutes your videos are watched
• Limited branding freedom
• Classes must follow Skillshare guidelines on length and format

3. Teachable

Teachable is a popular choice for entrepreneurs seeking control over branding and pricing. You can link a custom domain, design sales pages, and set up affiliates. The platform handles student enrollments, payments, and course delivery. Integrations with email marketing tools let you nurture leads or upsell advanced classes.

Key Features

• Unlimited video hosting on paid plans
• Simple user interface for structuring lessons
• Built-in payment processing and tax handling

Pros

• Freedom to design your own sales funnels
• Affiliate tracking supports partner promotions
• Automated emails for welcome messages and course completion notifications

Cons

• Transaction fees on lower tiers
• Some find the design templates limited
• Community features are basic

4. Podia

Podia is a versatile platform that supports courses, digital downloads, and memberships. Its clean interface makes setting up less complicated and allows you to showcase multiple offerings on one storefront. Membership features let you interact with paying subscribers, delivering exclusive content or group coaching.

Key Features

• Unified storefront for courses, memberships, and digital products
• Built-in email marketing and messaging
• Zero transaction fees on higher plans

Pros

• Great for creators with varied digital products
• Easy-to-use layout and upsell options
• Engaging membership communities for loyal audiences

Cons

• Some advanced features appear only on higher-priced plans
• Design customization could be more flexible
• Basic analytics without external integrations

5. Kajabi

Kajabi blends course hosting, marketing funnels, and email campaigns under a single roof. It offers a funnel-building interface that automates lead capture, follow-ups, and product pitches. While the monthly cost is higher than many rivals, some creators value the comprehensive features. You can run membership programs, host digital products, and track conversions.

Key Features

• Funnel templates with ready-made landing pages
• Email broadcasting with segmentation
• Custom themes for your course website

Pros

• Eliminates the need for multiple third-party marketing apps
• Simple creation of automated follow-up sequences
• Offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop page editor

Cons

• Costlier than many alternatives
• The membership community aspect is not as robust as specialized forums
• Some design templates look similar

6. Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks centers on community-driven courses. You can create a branded space where members interact, share posts, and consume course content, fostering more profound engagement. Instructors can run multiple courses inside one network, each with its discussion area. Live events and subgroups make it easy to keep members active.

Key Features

• Unified community and course hosting
• Options for live streaming within the platform
• Tiered membership levels for different content access

Pros

• Encourages frequent student interaction
• Helps build a brand community
• Email notifications and push alerts keep users engaged

Cons

• Setup can be time-intensive
• Monthly pricing might be high for smaller creators
• Limited advanced sales funnel features

7. Thinkific

Thinkific offers a structured course builder with a user-friendly dashboard. It supports multimedia lessons and provides pre-designed landing pages. You can start a free plan, and upgrade to more advanced features like memberships or bundles. The platform integrates with external marketing tools, allowing you to craft promotional strategies.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop curriculum builder
• Custom domain support
• Quizzes and surveys for learner feedback

Pros

• Free plan available with basic features
• Plenty of guides for new creators
• Intuitive layout for lesson arrangement

Cons

• The free tier includes limited tools
• Community functionality is lacking
• Template customization may feel restrictive

8. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds focuses on interactive learning experiences. It's a custom video editor, let's you embed pop-ups or questions within lectures. You can also design practice tests, issue certificates, and drip content over time, encouraging students to engage with the material steadily.

Key Features

• Built-in video analytics
• Gamified quizzes and tests
• Comprehensive site builder for branding

Pros

• Encourages student interaction with video overlays
• Certificate creation for achievements
• Detailed learner analytics

Cons

• Might feel complex to new creators
• Lower plans incur additional transaction fees
• Some advanced customization requires higher tiers

9. Simplero

Simplero is a platform that integrates courses, membership sites, email marketing, and a basic CRM. Its goal is to reduce the patchwork of multiple software subscriptions. You can host video lessons, manage leads, and automate emails with one login. Pricing can escalate as your audience grows, but it remains popular with business owners.

Key Features

• Email automation tied directly to student actions
• CRM features to track leads and customers
• Membership tiers for your online products

Pros

• All-in-one approach for course hosting and marketing
• Automations can streamline student onboarding
• Upsell opportunities through direct email campaigns

Cons

• Costs add up with larger subscriber counts
• The interface might be overwhelming at first
• Limited design freedom in some templates

10. Pathwright

Pathwright organizes course material into guided steps or “paths,” creating a visual progression. This layout suits creators who value a straightforward learning journey. You can embed videos, post readings, and share tasks. The platform also supports collaborative teaching so multiple facilitators can co-manage the course.

Key Features

• Step-by-step lesson sequencing
• Options for collaborative course creation
• Clean interface with progress tracking

Pros

• Students see a straightforward journey from start to finish
• Facilitates mentor-mentee roles
• Thoughtful layout that highlights completed steps

Cons

• Lacks broad marketing tools
• Smaller user base compared to mainstream platforms
• May require separate services for advanced sales strategies

Conclusion 

Selling online courses allows you to share knowledge while generating ongoing revenue. The range of platforms and online course creation tools has grown, making designing and marketing learning content more straightforward. Video demonstrations, live cohorts, or interactive quizzes can keep students invested. The proper setup can position you as a reliable source of insight in your niche. 

Pick a platform that matches your style—some prefer community-driven features, others want funnel-building integrations. Then apply consistent marketing and keep refining the material over time. A good course can create global connections, deeper brand loyalty, and a steady flow of income for committed educators.