Udemy is one of the largest online course marketplaces in the world, with tens of millions of learners. Anyone can create a video course on almost any topic, publish it and earn from sales. In 2026 Udemy completed its combination with Coursera, but the Udemy marketplace continues. Instructors earn different shares depending on how a student finds the course: 97% for sales through their own coupons or referral links, 37% for sales Udemy generates, and a smaller share of subscription revenue.
At a glance
| What it is | An online course marketplace |
| How you earn | Course sales and subscription revenue |
| Your own promotions | 97% of revenue |
| Udemy-generated sales | 37% of revenue |
| Subscriptions | 15% instructor revenue share from 2026 |
| Cost to publish | Free |
| Where it works | Worldwide |
How it works
You create an instructor account, plan your course and record video lectures, usually with slides, screen recordings or talking-head video. Udemy has quality standards for audio, video and course length that your course must meet before it can be published as paid. Once live, students can buy it individually, and it may also be included in Udemy’s subscription catalogues if you opt in and qualify.
Udemy frequently runs site-wide sales, so most courses sell at heavily discounted prices.
How Udemy pays
Udemy’s help center sets out the transactional revenue share. If a student buys using your coupon or referral link, you get 97% of the revenue. If they find your course through Udemy’s marketplace or advertising, you get 37%. For subscription products, Udemy reduced the instructor share in steps to 15% from January 2026, and payment is based on how much your content is consumed.
Udemy’s terms also allow it to run promotions and change revenue shares, so earnings can change over time.
Is it worth it?
Udemy is worth it if you have a skill people actively search for, such as software, programming, data or business tools, and you’re willing to produce a solid course. The marketplace brings traffic, but low sale prices and a smaller subscription share mean most instructors earn modest amounts. Instructors with their own audience do better, because coupon sales pay 97%.
Making a course that sells
Pick a specific, searchable topic and a clear outcome. Check competing courses and find a gap: newer software versions, a beginner-friendly angle or a practical project. Keep audio clean, since poor sound drives bad reviews. Update the course regularly, because Udemy learners value current content.
Getting your first students
Early reviews matter. Share free or discounted coupons with your network to get initial students and feedback. Respond to questions in the Q&A section and keep improving lectures based on comments.
Your setup
You’ll need a decent microphone, screen recording software and editing tools. A webcam and good lighting help if you appear on camera.
Common mistakes
Some instructors choose broad topics with heavy competition, or publish long courses with poor audio. Others ignore the Q&A section, which hurts reviews. Narrow your topic and polish the basics.
Taxes and paperwork
You’ll complete tax forms in your instructor account and declare earnings in your country.
Pricing your course
Udemy lets you set a list price within its allowed range, but students usually buy during sales. Because coupon sales through your own links pay 97%, many instructors use their own discount codes in their newsletters, videos or social posts instead of waiting for Udemy promotions. Track which channels bring sales so you know where to focus.
Quick checklist
Before building a course, confirm there’s search demand, check competing courses, plan a clear outcome, test your audio and prepare a way to promote your own coupon links.
Owen’s take
Udemy can still pay, but it rewards instructors who bring their own audience. Treat the marketplace as a bonus and drive sales with your coupons, where you keep 97%.
Who it suits
It suits people with in-demand practical skills and some audience of their own. It suits less well those hoping for big income from marketplace traffic alone.
Similar options
- Skillshare pays from minutes watched.
- Teachers Pay Teachers sells teaching resources.
- Playbook suits fitness creators.
- Superprof suits live tutoring.
More options are in Tutoring & Coaching.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to publish
- Huge learner audience
- 97% on your own coupon sales
Cons
- 37% on marketplace sales
- Frequent heavy discounts
- Subscription share now 15%
FAQ
How much does Udemy pay instructors?
97% for your coupon sales, 37% for Udemy-generated sales, plus a subscription share.
What is Udemy’s subscription revenue share in 2026?
15% from January 2026.
Is it free to publish on Udemy?
Yes, publishing is free.
Did Udemy merge with Coursera?
Yes, the combination completed in 2026.
Can Udemy change revenue shares?
Yes, its terms allow changes.
