Looking to monetize your expertise? Skill sharing websites offer an excellent opportunity to teach what you know while earning money online. Whether you're an expert in digital marketing, photography, or coding, there's a platform where you can share your knowledge and start teaching online.
14 Best Skill Sharing Websites to Make Money Teaching Online (2025)
This guide explores the best platforms for turning your skills into a steady income stream.
1. Udemy
Udemy stands out as one of the largest online learning marketplaces, with over 57 million students worldwide. Instructors keep 97% of revenue from sales through their coupon codes and 37% from organic platform sales. The platform supports various content types, including video lectures, PDF attachments, and coding exercises. Average instructor earnings range from $200-$3,000 per month, with top instructors earning $10,000+ monthly. The platform requires high-quality video content and offers extensive resources for course creation.
2. Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on creative skills and pays teachers through a royalty system based on minutes watched. Teachers earn an average of $200 per month, with top performers making $3,000+ monthly. The platform handles all marketing and payment processing, allowing creators to focus on content creation. Classes should be 20-60 minutes long, broken into short lessons. Premium membership costs students $168 annually, with teachers earning from a shared revenue pool.
3. Teachable
Teachable offers more control over your course pricing and branding. Plans start at $39/month plus 5% transaction fees. The platform provides comprehensive analytics, student management tools, and integrated email marketing features. Many successful creators earn $2,000-$5,000 monthly. Teachable stands out for its flexibility in course structure and pricing strategy, making it ideal for established creators with a following.
4. LinkedIn Learning
Formerly Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers professional development courses. Instructors are carefully selected and must apply through a formal process. Payment is typically a flat fee per course plus royalties. Courses focus on business, technology, and creative skills. The platform reaches LinkedIn's massive professional network, offering excellent exposure. Average earnings for accepted instructors range from $1,000-$5,000 per course.
5. iTalki
Specializing in language instruction, iTalki connects language teachers with students worldwide. Teachers set their own rates, typically ranging from $15-$50 per hour. The platform takes a 15% commission. Professional teachers must provide certification, while community tutors can teach their native language without formal qualifications. Many full-time teachers earn $2,000-$4,000 monthly.
6. Thinkific
Thinkific provides a robust platform for creating and selling online courses. Plans start at $49/month with no transaction fees. The platform offers extensive customization options, including white-labeling and custom domains. Advanced features include certificates, memberships, and affiliate programs. Top course creators report earnings of $5,000+ monthly.
7. Coursera
Coursera partners with universities and organizations to offer accredited courses. While individual instructors can't directly join, you can explore partnerships through academic institutions. Courses are highly structured and must meet rigorous quality standards. Revenue sharing varies by partnership agreement, with some instructors earning substantial royalties from certificate programs.
8. Podia
Podia combines course hosting with digital product sales and memberships. Plans start at $39/month with no transaction fees. The platform offers unlimited everything - courses, students, files, and bandwidth. Features include email marketing, affiliate programs, and integrated messaging. Average earnings vary widely, with successful creators making $1,000-$10,000 monthly.
9. Outschool
Focused on K-12 education, Outschool lets teachers create unique, interactive classes for young learners. Teachers keep 70% of their class fees, with many earning $1,500+ monthly teaching part-time. Classes can be one-time, ongoing, or flexible format. The platform requires a background check and teaching sample. Popular topics include art, music, languages, and STEM subjects.
10. Kajabi
Kajabi is a premium all-in-one platform for course creators. Starting at $149/month, it includes marketing tools, website building, and email automation. The platform is popular among established creators and businesses. No transaction fees and comprehensive features make it ideal for scaling your online education business. Top performers report earnings exceeding $10,000 monthly.
11. edX
Similar to Coursera, edX partners with prestigious institutions to offer high-quality courses. The platform focuses on university-level education and professional certificates. While individual teachers can't join directly, opportunities exist through institutional partnerships. Revenue sharing depends on partnership agreements and course success.
12. Preply
Preply connects tutors with students for one-on-one lessons, primarily in languages but also other subjects. Teachers set their rates ($15-$50 per hour) and create their schedules. The platform takes a sliding commission starting at 33% and decreasing with more hours taught. Full-time tutors often earn $2,000-$3,000 monthly.
13. Pluralsight
Focusing on technology education, Pluralsight requires authors to apply and pass a rigorous assessment. Course creators receive royalties based on course usage. The platform specializes in programming, IT, and creative technology courses. Top authors earn $5,000+ monthly, with some reporting annual earnings over $100,000.
14. New Skills Academy
This platform offers accredited online courses across various subjects. Course creators receive royalties from student enrollments, typically 50% of course sales. The platform handles accreditation and marketing. Topics range from business to lifestyle courses. Average earnings start at $500 monthly, with established courses generating $2,000+ monthly.
Final Words
Skill sharing platforms offer a viable way to generate passive income while helping others learn. Before choosing a platform, consider factors like your target audience, revenue share models, and marketing support. To maximize earnings, focus on creating high-quality content and maintaining regular engagement with your students. Check out our guide on getting paid to write online for additional income opportunities, or explore high-paying freelance opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skill Sharing Websites
How much can you earn from teaching on skill sharing websites?
Earnings vary significantly based on the platform, course quality, and marketing efforts. Beginning instructors typically earn $100-$500 monthly, while established creators can make $2,000-$5,000+ per month. Top performers on platforms like Udemy and Kajabi report annual earnings exceeding $100,000.
What equipment do you need to start teaching online?
Essential equipment includes a reliable computer, high-quality microphone (starting at $50), HD webcam (starting at $60), and good lighting (ring lights start at $30). You'll also need stable internet connection (minimum 5Mbps upload speed) and screen recording software like OBS (free) or Camtasia ($250). Some platforms may have specific technical requirements.
Which skills are most in demand on teaching platforms?
The most popular and profitable skills include programming (Python, JavaScript), digital marketing, business analytics, language teaching, personal development, photography, and design software (Adobe Creative Suite). Technology and business-related courses typically command higher prices, ranging from $50-$200 per course.
How long does it take to create an online course?
Creating a quality online course typically takes 40-120 hours, including planning, content creation, recording, and editing. A standard course usually includes 2-3 hours of video content, supplementary materials, and assessments. Many successful instructors spend 4-8 weeks developing their first course while maintaining a full-time job.
