eLearning Platforms: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re looking to teach online, sell a course, or just learn something new, the platform you pick can make or break the experience. With dozens of options, it’s easy to feel lost. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you clear, actionable steps to choose a platform that fits your goals.

Why Platform Choice Matters

First off, a good platform saves you time. It handles video hosting, quizzes, certificates, and payment processing so you can focus on content, not tech headaches. Second, it influences earnings. Our article “Which Learning Platform Pays the Most?” shows how payout structures differ – some take a flat fee, others keep a percentage of each sale. Lastly, standards matter. The industry is moving away from SCORM toward xAPI (aka Tin Can). If you ignore this shift, your courses might become hard to track or migrate later.

Key Features to Look For

1. Easy Course Building – Drag‑and‑drop editors let you assemble videos, PDFs, and quizzes without coding. Look for built‑in templates that match the style of your material.

2. Monetization Options – Some platforms offer subscription models, one‑time purchases, or even free courses with premium add‑ons. Check the revenue split; for example, a 70/30 split can add up fast if you sell many courses.

3. Analytics & Reporting – You need to see who’s watching, where they drop off, and how they score on assessments. Platforms that support xAPI give richer data, letting you fine‑tune content based on real learner behavior.

4. Mobile Compatibility – Learners expect to study on phones or tablets. A responsive design ensures your course looks good everywhere.

5. Community & Support – Active forums, live chat, and regular updates keep you from getting stuck. When we reviewed the future of e‑learning standards, we noted that platforms staying ahead on xAPI also tend to have stronger support teams.

Once you’ve shortlisted a few platforms, try creating a short module. Most services offer a free tier or trial period – use it to test video upload speed, quiz functionality, and payment processing.

Don’t forget the instructor side. Our “Which Learning Platform Pays the Most?” piece reveals that some sites charge hidden fees for withdrawals or marketing tools. Read the fine print and calculate your net earnings before committing.

Finally, think about your audience. If you’re teaching professionals, a platform with certification and compliance tracking (often powered by xAPI) is crucial. For hobbyists, a simple site with community features may be enough.

Choosing the right eLearning platform is less about brand hype and more about matching features to your goals. Look for ease of use, fair payouts, solid analytics, mobile friendliness, and reliable support. Follow these steps, test a few options, and you’ll launch your courses with confidence.