Udemy launched in 2010 with a simple idea: let anyone teach and anyone learn. Unlike platforms that partner exclusively with universities, Udemy operates as an open marketplace where independent instructors publish their own courses. This model has produced an enormous catalog — over 210,000 courses spanning everything from Python programming to watercolor painting.
The platform’s instructor-driven approach means course quality varies widely, but Udemy’s rating and review system helps learners find the best content. Top-rated instructors have built massive followings and earn significant income through the platform. Udemy takes a revenue share, with the split depending on how the student found the course.
Udemy’s pricing model is distinctive. Courses are often listed at high prices but go on sale frequently — sometimes for as low as $10-15. This aggressive discounting strategy has drawn criticism from some instructors but has helped Udemy attract a huge user base of over 70 million learners.
In addition to its consumer marketplace, Udemy Business offers a curated collection of top courses to organizations for employee training and development. This B2B arm has become a major growth driver, with thousands of companies subscribing to provide their teams with on-demand learning. Udemy went public in 2021 and was later acquired by Prosus in 2024.
