Should I Teach on Udemy or Skillshare?

When you consider teaching online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options available. Two names that rise to the top time and time again are Udemy and Skillshare. If you're asking yourself, “Should I teach on Udemy or Skillshare?” you're not alone. Countless instructors have grappled with this decision, and it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into common questions and concerns about these platforms, share personal insights, and provide examples that will help you make an informed decision.

What Are My Students Looking For?

Before you can choose between Udemy and Skillshare, you need to think about your students. What do they need, and how can you serve them best?

Udemy is ideal if your target students are looking for structured, one-time courses that they can buy and keep forever. Udemy’s marketplace is vast, and their frequent sales allow learners to pick up courses at incredibly affordable rates.

Skillshare, on the other hand, offers a subscription model. Your students pay a monthly or annual fee and can access all the courses on the platform. If your teaching style works well with short, bite-sized lessons, Skillshare might be more suitable. This subscription format encourages students to sample various classes, making it ideal for hands-on or creative topics.

But which model resonates with your teaching style and content? For instance, I have a friend, Anna, who teaches photography. She found that her detailed, step-by-step approach worked better on Udemy, where students could keep revisiting the course. On the flip side, a fellow calligraphy teacher thrived on Skillshare, where her shorter, more frequent lessons fit perfectly into the subscription-based format.

Takeaway: Understand your students’ learning preferences. Do they prefer one-off purchases or ongoing learning?

Also read: Udemy vs Pluralsight

How Does Payout Structure Affect Me?

The financial aspect is often a significant concern when deciding where to teach. Udemy’s payout structure is simple but variable. Instructors earn a percentage of the course fee, and that percentage depends on how the student found the course (whether it was through Udemy’s marketing, organic search, or the instructor’s personal promotion).

For example, if you bring your own students to Udemy via a special coupon or referral link, you keep 97% of the course fee. But if Udemy brings the student to your course, you may earn around 37%.

Skillshare’s payment is subscription-based, meaning your earnings depend on how many minutes students spend watching your content. If you’re someone who can keep students engaged with shorter lessons, this model might be lucrative. However, if you prefer long, detailed courses, Udemy might provide more predictable income.

Anna, the photography instructor, struggled with Skillshare’s payout structure initially. Her courses were detailed and lengthy, so she wasn’t earning much. Once she switched to Udemy, her income stabilized because students paid upfront, and she could focus on promoting her courses.

Takeaway: Think about the kind of content you create and which payout structure will better serve your teaching business.

How Much Creative Freedom Do I Have?

Creativity plays a huge role in deciding whether Udemy or Skillshare is right for you. Udemy has strict guidelines regarding the format and quality of your courses. You need to meet specific criteria to get your course approved, which can be both a blessing and a burden.

On the other hand, Skillshare offers more flexibility in terms of course length and structure. You can experiment with different styles, and it’s easier to get courses published quickly. If you prefer a more relaxed, creative approach, Skillshare might be a better fit.

An acquaintance of mine, who creates graphic design tutorials, enjoyed the freedom Skillshare provided. She could upload shorter, experimental classes that allowed her to explore new teaching methods without the worry of meeting strict guidelines.

Takeaway: If you crave flexibility and freedom in course creation, Skillshare’s leniency might appeal to you. If you prefer structure and well-defined guidelines, Udemy could be the platform for you.

What Is the Community Like?

When teaching online, you aren’t just joining a platform—you’re becoming part of a community. Both Udemy and Skillshare have strong communities, but they serve different purposes.

Udemy offers robust instructor support through forums and groups where you can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other instructors. Skillshare’s community is more focused on student interaction. You can engage with students directly, participate in group projects, and get feedback on your courses.

When teaching on Udemy, my friend Sarah found the instructor forums invaluable. They were full of people willing to share their experiences, and it helped her overcome the challenges of creating her first online course. On Skillshare, I’ve heard that the student-teacher interaction is more immediate and consistent due to the platform’s community-driven model.

Takeaway: Consider whether you need more support from fellow instructors or more engagement with students when choosing between Udemy and Skillshare.

What About Marketing and Discovery?

Udemy’s marketing efforts are extensive. They run frequent sales, offer discounts, and have an in-house team dedicated to promoting your courses. This is beneficial for new instructors who don’t have a following yet. But this also means that Udemy courses are often sold at a deep discount, which might affect your perceived value.

Skillshare in the same way since it operates on a subscription model. Instead, it relies on organic discovery and student word-of-mouth. As a result, if you’re just starting, you might have to put in more effort to build an audience on Skillshare. To save huge you can use Skillshare Discount Code.

Anna experienced this firsthand. On Udemy, her courses were picked up quickly because of the frequent promotions, but on Skillshare, it took her much longer to build traction. However, once her classes started getting noticed, the engagement on Skillshare was more consistent.

Takeaway: If you’re new to teaching online, Udemy’s marketing machine might give you the boost you need. But if you already have a following, Skillshare might be a better long-term play for building deep engagement.

The Final Verdict: Should I Teach on Udemy or Skillshare?

It ultimately boils down to the type of courses you want to create and how you envision your teaching career. If you’re looking for structured, evergreen content that students can purchase, Udemy might be your best bet. However, if you thrive on shorter, more flexible lessons and enjoy engaging with students regularly, Skillshare could be the better platform for you.

Personally, I’ve known teachers who have found success on both platforms. Some even use both to their advantage—offering in-depth courses on Udemy and more bite-sized, creative lessons on Skillshare.

But what about you? Have you considered mixing both platforms to maximize your reach? Would you prefer the steady payout model of Skillshare, or does Udemy’s one-time purchase structure feel more sustainable for you?

No matter which platform you choose, the important thing is to stay true to your teaching style. In the end, your students will appreciate the authenticity and care you put into your lessons.

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