More people are building online courses to grow their business, earn recurring revenue, or move beyond one-on-one work. With the e-learning industry projected to hit $457.8 billion by 2026, it’s a booming space, but also a competitive one. If you’re planning to launch a course, timing matters. And before you dive in, it’s worth asking: how much does it cost to create an online course?
I’ve seen course creators overinvest in tools they didn’t need—or underinvest and never gain traction. The truth? You don’t need a massive budget, but you do need a plan. Without one, it’s easy to burn through funds before you make a single sale.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear look at the real costs of creating and launching a course—from content and platforms to the marketing expenses that often catch people off guard. Whether you're bootstrapping or refining your process, this breakdown will help you spend wisely and stay on track.
Breaking Down Your Budget: How Much Does It Cost to Create an Online Course?
Course creation doesn’t come with a flat price tag—it depends on how you approach it. Some people build everything themselves, while others outsource key parts like video production or course setup. The good news is that you have options. The key is knowing where your money’s going and how to get the most out of it.
Below is a simplified breakdown of typical cost ranges based on different paths people take when creating an online course:
Approach | Content Creation Costs | Platform/Hosting | Tools & Software | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DIY Creator | $100–$300 (mic, lighting, free editing tools) | $0–$150 (self-hosted or all-in-one) | $50–$100 | $200–$550 |
Hybrid (DIY + Help) | $300–$700 (outsourced editing or filming) | $150–$300 | $100–$250 | $550–$1,250 |
Fully Outsourced | $1,000–$5,000+ (professional production) | $300–$600 | $300–$600 | $1,500–$6,000+ |
These numbers aren’t hard rules, but they give you a solid starting point when asking how much it costs to create an online course based on your preferred style and skillset.
Unpacking Content Creation: What Will It Really Cost?
Content creation is usually the most time-consuming part of the process—and for many creators, the most intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be expensive.
If you’re creating video-based lessons, a decent USB microphone, basic lighting setup, and a free video editing tool (like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut) can go a long way. Your smartphone camera might already be good enough for filming, especially if you’re focusing on delivery over polish.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what a DIY setup might include:
If you’d rather hand off the editing or filming, you can find freelancers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr starting at around $100 per project. Just make sure you’re clear on deliverables and maintain creative control.
Tip: Don’t get stuck chasing perfection. A clear, valuable course with solid audio will always beat a perfectly produced one with weak content.
Platform and Hosting: Find the Perfect Fit Without Overpaying
Choosing the right course platform can make or break your setup – not just in terms of features, but also how much it drains your budget over time. Some platforms charge monthly fees, while others let you pay once and host everything on your own site.
Here’s a quick comparison of the most common platform types and what to expect in terms of cost:
Platform Type | Examples | Monthly Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
All-in-One SaaS | Teachable, Podia, Kajabi | $29–$199+ | Creators who want plug-and-play simplicity |
WordPress Plugins | Thrive Apprentice, LearnDash, LifterLMS | $0–$250/year | Those comfortable with WordPress and want flexibility |
Custom Setup | Self-hosted via membership plugins | Varies | Advanced users or developers building tailored experiences |
If you’re already using WordPress, a plugin-based approach can offer more flexibility and lower long-term costs compared to fully hosted SaaS platforms. Many creators go this route to keep control over branding, site design, and data ownership.
Want a deeper look at your WordPress options? Check out our guide to the best WordPress LMS plugins to compare features, pricing, and which one fits your course best.
That said, all-in-one SaaS platforms can be faster to launch and easier to manage—especially if you want everything handled for you and don’t mind the higher monthly fees.
Either way, the goal is to find a solution that fits your workflow without overcomplicating your tech stack or blowing your budget. It’s worth weighing your course goals against the time, effort, and money required to maintain the platform in the long run.
Hidden Costs & Budget Traps: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest mistakes course creators make is assuming the hard costs—equipment, platform, content—are the only ones that matter. But in reality, the expenses that sneak up on you are the ones that derail your budget.
Marketing on a Budget: Avoid the Costly Overlook
Once your course is built, your job isn’t done—you still need people to find it. And this is where many course creators get stuck. They spend most of their budget on production and platform tools, only to realize they’ve left nothing for marketing.
But even the best course won’t sell itself.
Some commonly overlooked (but critical) marketing costs include:
If you’re bootstrapping, one way to manage this is by using tools that cover multiple needs in one place. For example, platforms like Thrive Suite include landing page templates, opt-in form builders, and course delivery tools—all under a single license.
For $299/year, you get access to a full set of tools designed to help you build, launch, and market your course on your own WordPress site—without stacking separate subscriptions that add up quickly.
This means you’re not stacking separate subscriptions just to start capturing leads and building your funnel.
Whatever tools you use, make sure your marketing setup is part of your initial plan—not something you scramble to build after launch.
A well-built course with no promotion plan is just a hidden file on your website. To actually make sales, you’ll need a way to reach, engage, and convert your audience from day one.
Looking to turn your course into real sales? Check out our online course marketing tips for simple, effective ways to reach more students—without overspending.
Navigating Software Subscriptions: Get the Most for Your Money
The second sneaky budget trap? Monthly software subscriptions that pile up over time.
Between video hosting, email tools, page builders, webinar software, analytics, and design tools—it adds up fast. Many creators start with free trials or light versions of multiple tools, only to realize later they’re locked into expensive plans they barely use.
Here are a few ways to keep your software costs under control:
The goal isn’t to eliminate tools altogether—it’s to be strategic. When your tool stack is lean and well-integrated, it frees up more of your budget for things that move the needle—like ads, partnerships, or content upgrades that support your course launch.
DIY or Hire the Pros? Deciding How to Craft Your Course
One of the first big decisions you’ll face when creating your course is how much of it you want to do yourself. Going the DIY route gives you full control and saves money, but it also takes time, trial and error, and a decent amount of patience. On the other hand, hiring professionals can speed things up and improve quality—but it comes with a higher price tag.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right path depends on your budget, timeline, skill set, and the kind of course experience you want to create.
Going Solo: The Perks and Pitfalls of DIY Course Creation
For many first-time course creators, doing it yourself makes sense—especially if your budget is tight or you're still validating your idea. The biggest advantage? Flexibility. You can move at your own pace, make updates as needed, and stay hands-on with your content.
But DIY also comes with its challenges:
That said, there are plenty of affordable tools that make DIY course creation more manageable:
- Screen recording: Loom, OBS Studio, ScreenFlow
- Video editing: DaVinci Resolve (free), Camtasia, CapCut
- Audio: Audacity (free), Krisp (for noise reduction), USB mics like the Samson Q2U
- Slide design: Canva, Google Slides
If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, the DIY route can give you a functional, engaging course without breaking the bank. Just be realistic about the time it takes and where you might want extra support.
Outsourcing Savvy: When to Bring in Professional Help
There’s a point where doing everything yourself starts to hold you back—especially if your goal is to launch faster, deliver a polished experience, or free up your time to focus on strategy and sales.
Here are some signs it might be worth outsourcing part of your course creation:
Common tasks you can outsource include:
Video editing
Audio cleanup
Slide design or animation
Landing page design
Copywriting for sales pages or email sequences
You don’t have to outsource everything. Many creators take a hybrid approach—recording content themselves, but hiring someone to polish the final product or design the supporting materials. It’s about finding the balance that gets your course over the finish line without burning you out.
Not sure if you're ready to launch? Use our Online Course Checklist to make sure you’ve covered every important step—from planning to publishing.
Smart Strategies for Quality Courses Without the Big Spend
Creating your course is a major milestone—but it’s not the finish line. If you want it to sell, you’ll need a budget for getting it in front of the right audience.
That means putting budget toward tools that help you reach more of the right people—think landing pages, lead magnets, email marketing, and more.
This section breaks down how to spend wisely during setup and save strategically so you can build and market your course without blowing your budget.
Where to Invest: Spend Wisely for Maximum Impact
You don’t need professional studio gear to build a quality course. But a few high-impact upgrades can make a big difference in how your content looks and sounds. As I mentioned earlier, try to stick to budget-friendly equipment, to avoid draining your current funds.
These investments improve the student experience, reduce distractions, and help your course feel more professional—without the need for outsourcing or expensive gear.
That said, don’t spend your entire budget on setup. You’ll also need to:
- Build a landing page that clearly communicates your course value
- Create opt-in forms to start capturing leads
- Set up a basic email marketing flow to engage people before and after your launch
Allocating 20–30% of your total course budget to these marketing activities gives you a stronger chance of generating actual sales—not just finishing the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to create an online course if I’m on a tight budget?
If you're building your course on a budget, you can get started for as little as $200–$500. This typically covers basic tools like a USB microphone, lighting, and free video editing software. You can also use affordable platforms or plugins for hosting your course and capturing leads. The key is to prioritize essentials—then use your remaining budget for marketing, so your course has a chance to reach the right people.
2. What are the hidden costs of creating an online course?
Some of the most overlooked expenses include:
Monthly software subscriptions (email, landing pages, hosting)
Payment processing fees
Design or branding costs
Marketing tools and ad spend
Time spent troubleshooting tech or fixing poor-quality assets
When asking how much it really costs to create an online course, these hidden items often catch creators off guard. Planning ahead and using bundled tools (like Thrive Suite) can help reduce these surprise costs.
3. Do I need a separate budget for marketing after I create my course?
Yes—and it’s one of the most important pieces to plan for. Creating an online course is only step one. Without marketing, it’s unlikely anyone will discover or buy it. Set aside at least 20–30% of your total course budget for lead generation tools, email campaigns, landing pages, and promotional content. This investment is what turns your course into an actual product that sells.
Wrapping Up & Taking Action: Launch Your Successful Course Today
Creating an online course doesn’t have to cost thousands—or be overwhelming. The real challenge isn’t the cost—it’s knowing where to spend to build a course that sells.
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:
- Budget smart during setup. Invest in a few quality tools that improve course delivery—like audio, lighting, and editing software—without going overboard.
- Don’t forget to market. A course without visibility is a stalled project. Set aside part of your budget for lead capture, email, and sales pages from day one.
- Avoid tech overload. Using an all-in-one solution like Thrive Suite can help simplify your workflow and reduce the number of subscriptions you need, freeing up budget and headspace.
- Choose the path that fits your goals. Whether you DIY or outsource parts of the process, what matters most is that your course gets done—and gets seen.
If you're ready to move forward with your course, start by reviewing your current setup and identifying one area to streamline—whether it’s your content plan, your tools, or your launch strategy. And if you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly way to build and promote your course from one dashboard, Thrive Suite might be exactly what you need.
👉 Explore Thrive Suite to see how it can support your next course launch—from delivery to conversions.
