If you are planning to coproduce a digital course, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right platform to host and sell the course. The right platform makes a big difference in the student experience and in how much profit you keep.
In this article, we’ll explore the best platforms for coproducing online courses, what to look for when choosing one, and key features you shouldn’t ignore.
Why Choosing the Right Platform Matters in Coproduction
When you coproduce a course, both you and your partner (the expert) need a platform that:
- Is easy to use for both creators and students.
- Offers secure payment methods and profit splitting.
- Supports marketing tools like affiliate programs, coupons, and email integrations.
- Provides good student experience (video quality, certificates, quizzes).
Top Platforms for Coproducing Digital Courses
1. Hotmart
Hotmart is one of the most popular platforms for selling online courses, especially in Latin America and Europe.
Best for: Launching large-scale courses with affiliate marketing.
Key Features:
- Supports profit sharing (you can define how to split sales automatically).
- Has a marketplace to attract affiliates and promote your course.
- Allows one-time payments, subscriptions, and bundles.
- Integrated email marketing and upsell features.
Pros:
- Strong affiliate network.
- Handles taxes and international sales.
- Excellent for big launches.
Cons:
- Fees can be higher depending on sales volume.
- Complex for beginners in some aspects.
2. Teachable
Teachable is great for coproducers who want a professional course area and easy payment management.
Best for: Simple setup and professional-looking courses.
Key Features:
- User-friendly course builder.
- Coupons and promotions for marketing.
- Integrates with Stripe and PayPal.
- Supports sales pages without external tools.
Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Clean and professional student experience.
- Supports multiple instructors, perfect for coproduction.
Cons:
- Limited free plan (serious projects will require a paid plan).
- Less focused on affiliates compared to Hotmart.
3. Thinkific
Thinkific offers flexibility and customization, good for those who want more control over the course look and feel.
Best for: Customizing the student experience.
Key Features:
- Customizable course website.
- Supports quizzes, certificates, and memberships.
- Payment integrations (Stripe, PayPal).
- Multi-user permissions for coproducers.
Pros:
- Great for branded courses.
- Simple interface for managing students.
- Many integration options (Zapier, email tools).
Cons:
- Some advanced features only in higher plans.
- No built-in affiliate marketplace.
4. KajabiKajabi is an all-in-one platform combining course hosting, email marketing, and website building.
Best for: High-ticket courses and advanced marketing strategies.
Key Features:
- Fully integrated email marketing system.
- Professional landing pages and funnels.
- Advanced automation and segmentation.
- Support for memberships, podcasts, and coaching.
Pros:
- All tools in one place — no need for external software.
- Excellent for evergreen courses and memberships.
- Beautiful design and UX.
Cons:
- Higher monthly fees (but includes everything).
- Can be too complex if you only need a simple course.
5. Udemy (for strategic coproduction)
Although Udemy takes a big cut of profits, it can be a strategic option for coproductions with unknown experts (to validate content and build audience).
Best for: Gaining visibility fast with less marketing effort.
Key Features:
- Huge audience of students.
- Simple to launch courses quickly.
- Handles payment, marketing, and hosting.
Pros:
- Easy way to validate a course idea.
- Built-in student base.
Cons:
- Low profit margins (Udemy controls prices and takes commissions).
- Less control over brand and communication.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Coproduction
When picking a platform, consider:
1. Budget
- Hotmart and Udemy have low upfront costs (pay as you sell).
- Teachable, Thinkific, and Kajabi require monthly plans but offer more control.
2. Marketing Needs
- Want affiliates to help sell? Choose Hotmart.
- Want built-in email marketing? Choose Kajabi.
3. Course Style
- For memberships and coaching: Kajabi or Thinkific.
- For professional one-time courses: Teachable.
4. Student Experience
- If student interaction (quizzes, certificates) is important, check what each platform offers.
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Affiliate Support | Built-in Marketing | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotmart | Big launches + affiliates | ✅ Yes | Basic email | % of sales |
| Teachable | Simple courses | ❌ Limited | No | Monthly fee |
| Thinkific | Custom experience | ❌ Limited | No | Monthly fee |
| Kajabi | All-in-one + memberships | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (advanced) | Monthly fee |
| Udemy | Quick validation + exposure | ✅ Internal | ❌ No | % of sales |
Final Thoughts: Pick a Platform that Matches Your Coproduction Goals
Choosing the right platform will make your coproduction smoother and more profitable.
If you want affiliate support and large launches, Hotmart is a great pick.
If you want all-in-one marketing and premium experience, Kajabi is unbeatable.
If you’re just starting and want simplicity, Teachable or Thinkific work well.
Take time to explore these tools, do free trials when available, and align with your coproduction partner to pick the best option.