What are the pros and cons of Udemy?

Udemy is one of the most popular platforms for online course creation, and like any platform, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Pros of Udemy

Massive User Base Udemy provides access to a global audience of millions. If you’re just starting out, this can be a huge advantage as it eliminates the need to build your own audience from scratch.

Ease of Use The platform is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. The course creation process is straightforward, with built-in tools to upload videos, add quizzes, and structure your content.

Built-In Marketing Udemy frequently runs promotions, offering deep discounts to attract students. Their marketplace algorithm also helps boost visibility for high-performing courses.

Low Initial Cost You can start creating and hosting courses on Udemy for free, which makes it an accessible option for many instructors.

Support and Resources Udemy offers plenty of resources, including a detailed instructor dashboard and a supportive community forum to help new instructors succeed.

Cons of Udemy

Pricing Control One major downside is that Udemy has strict pricing policies. Courses are often heavily discounted, which can impact your revenue per sale. You have limited control over setting and maintaining the value of your course.

Revenue Share Udemy takes a significant cut of your earnings, especially for sales generated through their promotions or advertising. This can reduce your overall profit margin.

Marketplace Saturation The platform is highly competitive, with thousands of courses in most niches. Standing out requires exceptional content and effective marketing.

Limited Branding Since it’s a marketplace, Udemy prioritizes its own branding over yours. This makes it harder to build a personal brand or a direct relationship with your students.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for more control over pricing, branding, and student data, platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Taylora might be worth exploring. These allow you to host your course on a dedicated site, set your own prices, and market directly to your audience.

Final Thoughts

Udemy is a great starting point if you want to reach a large audience quickly and don’t want to handle the technical aspects of course hosting. However, if you’re looking for long-term growth and greater control, it’s worth considering other platforms as your business evolves.