The Sustainability of Online Course Marketplaces: Booming or Busting?

So, you’ve probably noticed it: everywhere you look, someone’s selling an online course promising to teach you everything from crypto trading to crocheting cat sweaters.

And, sure, online course marketplaces have boomed over the past few years, creating million-dollar brands and “gurus” faster than you can hit ‘enroll now.’ But is this trend sustainable, or are we watching a bubble on the verge of bursting?

Let’s dive into why some experts (and critics) think the digital course market might be getting a little... crowded, and what it means for the future of e-learning.

First, let’s acknowledge why online course platforms have been popping off. In a world where everyone’s chasing passive income, creating and selling a course sounds like a dream gig. You make it once, sell it forever, and watch the cash roll in, right?

Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare make it easy for anyone (yes, anyone) to turn their expertise into an income stream. It’s the perfect recipe for rapid growth and scalability. Plus, online learning has serious perks for students. Convenience, flexibility, and the ability to learn at your own pace have all contributed to the massive appeal of e-learning platforms.

During the pandemic, when physical classrooms closed, the online course market shot up like it had a rocket strapped to its back​. But while the ease of entry and potential for profit have fueled an explosion of courses, not all of them are exactly… up to scratch.

Some critics say the bubble could burst if the market doesn’t adapt. The current trajectory, which feels like a never-ending ad for “the next big course,” might not be sustainable if consumers continue to feel overwhelmed and underserved. For marketplaces to stay in the game, they’ll need to do more than just host a massive catalog of courses.

Curation and quality control are becoming critical. More platforms are starting to realize this, focusing on value-based learning rather than sheer volume. Think about it: Netflix isn’t great because it has the most content; it’s great because it has the best content. The same principle could apply here​.

Some platforms are leaning into certification and accreditation to add a level of legitimacy and trust. Others are encouraging more in-depth course reviews, creating stricter guidelines for instructors, and emphasizing user feedback. It’s not just about being big; it’s about being trusted.

The sustainability of online course marketplaces will depend on how well they adapt to the new demands for quality and authenticity. It’s likely that the industry will see a shift toward platforms that focus on carefully curated content and transparency about instructor credentials. In other words, the ones who manage to balance profit with genuine educational value will win the race.

Consumers are savvier than ever, and if they start seeing through the fluff, they’ll migrate to platforms that offer real, tangible benefits. This means course creators need to step up their game, providing true expertise, polished content, and maybe—just maybe—toning down the hype​.

The world of online courses is still booming, but to say it’s not facing challenges would be naive. If platforms continue to prioritize volume over value, we might just see the rise of niche, quality-driven competitors who are ready to pick up the slack.

In short, if you’re thinking about jumping into the world of online course creation, do everyone a favor: bring the quality, ditch the fluff, and actually know your stuff. Because, let’s face it, the last thing anyone needs is another overhyped course that doesn’t deliver.

The lesson here? In the race to build sustainable online course platforms, quality isn’t just a feature—it’s the only feature that matters.

Now, if you're looking to build an online brand or business I'd recommend the Catalyst Collective. There's tones of modules, guides, done for you products, and a whole helpful community thats growing everyday. The Creator Brook Shelton worked for Meta in the past and has a thorough understanding of the online landscape.