If you are an online course creator like me, you are probably wondering if there is even any demand at all for your online courses, that you are planning on creating.

You will also wonder about what online courses are in demand nowadays, according to the latest trends.

The good news is that the online course industry is booming, and there has never been more demand for online courses in general. 😉

On the other hand, certain topics are definitely more popular than others right now and so sell more.

This is an ever-changing landscape, so please don't be discouraged if your course topic is not just there yet.

What I'm about to present is just the most popular topics, but this does not mean that it's not possible to make a living teaching your topic via online courses.

It also means that your topic might have less competition, which is good news too.

So what online courses are most in-demand right now?

The most in-demand online courses right now are in the following course categories:

• Business
• Marketing
• Technology
• Programming
• Blockchain and Crypto
• Trading
• Video Production
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Arts & Crafts
• Health and Fitness
• Personal Development

But what types of courses exactly are in each category? That's what we will be covering in detail in the rest of this post.

If your course is in one of these categories then that's great news, but again if not, don't let that discourage you.

Remember that eventually there will be online courses for literally everything, as any topic of human knowledge can be taught in a video, just like it can be taught in a classroom.

And at the end of this post, I'm even going to recommend a particular topic for you to teach.

If you are looking to learn more about how to create and sell online courses, both on Udemy and outside of it, here are two main guides that I wrote on the topic:

• How To Create An Online Course (Complete Guide, PDF Included)
• How to Sell Online Courses? The Ultimate Guide

You can always find an up-to-date index with all the free content available in the Course Creator Academy by clicking on the Academy link on the top menu bar.

What Online Courses Are Most In Demand?

If you’re like most people I speak to, you’re in search of the most profitable online course ideas. After all, committing to creating, publishing, and continuously promoting your course is no easy feat. It takes time. It takes effort. It costs money.

Sure, you want to have a huge impact on your students.

But you also want to get a positive return on your investment.

With this in mind, what are the best-selling online courses that deserve your attention? There’s no easy answer as it depends on what you bring to the table.

Yet if you’d like help getting started, read on and make lots of notes 🖊📖

1: Business Courses

Business is one of the most in-demand online courses in current times. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the world’s changed a lot over the last few years.

Even before the pandemic, more and more people left their nine-to-fives to start their own business—or to become an online course creator.

Yet starting a new business isn’t easy. There’s more to it than most people realize.

So it isn’t surprising we’ve seen a sharp increase in business-related online courses.

There’s an ever-growing group of people that need help starting a new business. Maybe you’re the person that can help them find their feet.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Business

• Work From Home Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Soloprenuership
• Freelancing
• Consulting
• Business Management

2: Marketing Courses

Marketing has always played an important role in a business. Yet it’s become ever more important in recent years. This online-centric world we live in has brought new layers to the marketing rabbit hole. No matter what industry you’re in (or the job you have) marketing matters.

To some degree, everyone needs to learn the basics—at the very least. This has led to a boom in marketing courses. The great news is, that entrepreneurs and employees alike need access to these. There are niches within niches, and huge opportunities if you have the right skills to teach.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Marketing

• Social Media Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Digital Marketing (paid ads, etc…)
• Affiliate Marketing
• Influencer Marketing

3: Technology Courses

When you take a step back and think about how far technology (and society) has come over the last 15-20 years, it’s overwhelming. It’s exciting, too. But let’s face it… it is hard to keep up.

Yet keep up we must, which has led to more people learning about technology: both how it works now and where it’s going in the future. Many of these students need to keep on top due to their work. Yet others simply want to learn in their own time. It’s a hobby. Or, for some, a career they’d like to have down the road.

Either way, there’s an ever-growing demand for online courses like these.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Technology

• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Computer Science

4: Programming Courses

Technology is actually my course category, so I can assure you from first-hand experience that it's one of the most profitable as there's high demand for it. 😉

Similar to the above, the rise in technology has pushed programming into new realms.

In many ways, programming has become one of the most important languages you can learn. And let’s face it, its necessity is set to increase as we venture into the future.

More and more jobs require at least some programming knowledge.

If you have experience in this world, there’s a huge demand for you to share your wisdom.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Programming

• Python
• Javascript
• PHP
• CSS
• React

5: Blockchain/Cryptocurrency Courses

Assuming you haven’t spent the last couple of years living in a cave, you’ve likely seen the growth of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies like Blockchain and Ethereum—and the rise of NFTs, De-fi, and Web 3.0.

A few years ago, this was an underground fad. Today, it’s something that’s caught the world’s attention. Yet most people have no idea how it works. Some simply want to learn the basics. Others want to dive deeper so they can leverage it in their businesses.

On every level imaginable, there’s a growing demand for online courses like these.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Blockchain/Cryptocurrency

• Blockchain Infrastructures
• Cryptocurrency Investing
• Cryptocurrency Application (in Business)
• NFTs
• Web 3.0

6: Trading Courses

Go back in time a few decades and the trading world was hard to break into. Unless you worked on Wall Street, there was little access. Yet today almost anyone can become an investor.

Since the pandemic disrupted the workplace, the popularity of everyday traders has increased. Some have made it a full-time profession. Others simply do it on the side. Either way, trading-related online courses are currently part of the in-demand courses.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Trading

• Forex
• Day Trading
• Cryptocurrency/NFTs
• Short-Selling
• Blue-Chip Stocks

7: Video Creation Courses

This is another profession that was hard to break into. But with today’s access to affordable equipment, anyone can dive into the world of video.

There’s good reason to, too. Video is everywhere. From social media to traditional advertising, there’s a growing demand.

Entrepreneurs need to learn about it. Disgruntled employees do. The up-and-coming generations practically live for video (hello, TikTok).

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Video

• Videography
• Video Editing
• Video Production
• Lighting/Audio
• Social Media Video

8: Graphic Design Courses

Similar to video, graphic design is another industry open to the masses. Whether you’re an artist or not, there’s equipment and tools to help bring your designs to life.

As with marketing, it’s a skill most people need. Business owners and employees alike need help. If you have the skills to teach, there are niches within niches to take advantage of.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Graphic Design

• Web Design
• NFTs
• Logo Design/Branding
• Social Media
• Animation

9: Photography Courses

Again, as with video, the world of photography has had its doors unlocked in recent years and is one of the most in-demand courses. Professionals and casual users alike want to learn about photography.

From affordable digital cameras to high-spec smartphones, we live in a visual world. Anyone can become a photographer. It’s an industry growing in popularity—especially with today’s younger audiences.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Photography

• Mobile Photography
• Wedding Photography
• Editing
• Lighting
• Digital Photography

10: Arts & Crafts Courses

As more people desire greater work/life balance, the more they search for a hobby to keep life interesting. They wish to escape their everyday lives and get their creative juices flowing.

Today, it’s easier than ever to experiment with different arts, crafts, and vocations.

Some of these people turn their passions into professions. Many keep it to themselves. Either way, there’s a huge marketplace for course creators to teach their creative skills.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Arts & Crafts

• Knitting, Sewing, and Crocheting
• Drawing/ Painting
• Carpentry
• Pottery
• Building

11: Health and Fitness Courses

More than ever, people are conscious of their health and well-being. From personal fitness to mental health, they desire to optimize their lives. Some do it for work.

Yet most do it because they want to feel at the top of their game.

The problem is, that many have no idea where to begin. There’s so much information out there, from fad diets to the latest trends.

Online courses are becoming a valuable resource to cut through the noise. If you have experience in these industries, there’s a growing demand for your help.

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Health and Fitness

• Nutrition
• Weight Loss
• Mental Health
• Fitness
• Dieting

12: Personal Development Courses

Following on from the last point, more people wish to optimize their lives. They want to feel good. They want to live longer. They simply desire to stress less and escape the chaos.

Personal development is nothing new, but the barriers have come down. Online courses have allowed experts like you to share actionable advice that books and seminars cannot. Students can work on these courses in their own time. This is another industry with niches inside of niches.

There’s an entire world to explore. 😉

What Are The Most Successful Online Courses in Personal Development

• Bio-Hacking
• Productivity
• Habits
• Relationships
• Confidence/Happiness

Which Online Course Topic is Best For You Right Now?

What are the most profitable online courses to focus on? Well, that depends! 😉

What I share above is a general list. Some of it will apply to you. But I imagine most of it won’t. If you want to take advantage of profitable online course ideas, you need to bring them back to you.

• What do you bring to the table?
• What’s your unique selling point, style, or unique value proposition?
• Who is your ideal student?
• What is their biggest pain?
• How can you help solve this pain?

For an online course to become a success story, it needs three things:

1. an expert
2. an audience
3. a solution

As a course creator, you are the expert. So, what are you an expert on? What do you bring to the table?

The audience represents your students. Who are they? What do they need? How can you help?

Finally, your course is the solution. What does it do? How does it help? How is it different from others?

Without these, there are no profitable online course ideas. At least, none that make sense to you. So start here. Get clear on these three aspects.

Here are a few resources available in the Course Creator Academy to help you out:

• How To Create An Online Course (In 15 Super-Practical Steps)
• How To Find The Best Online Course Topics (That Sell)
• Create A Powerful Brand For Your Online Courses (In 5 Steps)
• The Ultimate Online Course Launch Checklist
• How To Create A Compelling Online Course That Your Students Will Love

What Are The Most Profitable Online Courses?

As you can see, the only thing that matters is for you to create the course you need to create.

Still, even when you get clear on how you can help your students, it’s hard to hone in on the exact course. There are niches within niches. There are so many courses you could create. But which one should you focus on? Which offers the greatest return on your investment—time, money, and energy?

There’s no easy answer to this. What works for me may not work for you. The best thing you can do is study the above list and highlight growing trends.

The most profitable online course ideas are those just stirring to life. Here are some that stand out:

• Work From Home Business
• Influencer Marketing
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Programming
• Blockchain
• Cryptocurrency Investing
• Cryptocurrency Application (in Business)
• NFTs
• Web 3.0
• Day Trading
• Video Editing
• Mobile Photography
• Mental Health
• Bio-Hacking
• Productivity

Not only have these grown in popularity over the last few years, but they’re set to continue to. This is the key when searching for profitable online course ideas. What’s popular now, and, more importantly, what will be popular in a few months…

It isn’t to say you cannot find success in existing markets. You can.

But if you can become a trendsetter, you give yourself an unfair advantage.

This is how to create and launch a few best-selling online courses 😎

What Courses Sell The Most?

Something else you need to consider —something most course creators overlook—is price. How you price your course has a huge impact on your success.

Many people say you need a high-ticket offer.

I personally disagree, as I dive into here: Online Course Pricing Guide (Top 7 Science-Based Tips)

If there’s one action you take after reading this guide, make sure it’s to study this 👆👆

It’s one thing to find profitable online course ideas. But if you want to turn these into a few best-selling online courses, you have to get your price right. This takes knowing what you need to know—and then experimenting with this until you make it work for you!

For some, this centers around a high-ticket offer. For many, a much lower price works best.

Is Creating an Online Course Profitable?

It all comes down to this… Is creating an online course profitable? Is it worth your time? Are you the sort of person that can create a few best-selling online courses?

Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not.

Too many people think this is a quick-rich scheme. It isn’t. There are also a lot of terrible online courses in the marketplace that help nobody. It’s such a waste! I know it’s possible to earn lots of money doing this. I know this because I’ve seen it firsthand—as I share in these articles:

• How I Started My Online Course Business
• How I Made $1.615.000 Selling Online Courses (So Far)
• How To Be Successful On Udemy (How I Made $436.335 On Udemy)
• My Revenue As An Online Course Creator (Full 2020 Report)
• How Much Money Do Online Course Creators Really Make?

Does this mean you’ll see such success? That’s for you to decide. You have to work hard. You have to commit to the process. You have to give your students what they need—preferably in a way nobody else does.

The good news is, that you’re in the right place. I continue to create and share valuable resources to help you act the right way. Let this guide be the start of something great for you. It’s your time to share your wisdom and have a huge impact on those you serve.

Here are some guides, tutorials, and resources to help you do it:

• Best Online Course Platforms (Ultimate Guide)
• How To Create An Online Course (In 15 Super-Practical Steps)
• Online Course Self-Hosting Vs Marketplaces: Pros And Cons
• How To Sell Online Courses? A Complete Marketing Strategy
• How To Promote Your Online Course - Complete Guide
• How To Sell Online Courses: Complete Sales Funnel
• The Ultimate Online Course Launch Checklist

Conclusions and Next Steps

We started this guide by asking what online courses are most in-demand right now.

Now you know. There are many booming industries—and the eLearning sector as a whole continues to grow! But much of this comes back to you. An idea’s only profitable if it works for you.

Besides choosing the right topic to teach, there are many other pitfalls that you can fall into while creating an online course business.

Helping you get started with an online teaching business is the reason I built OnlineCourseHost.com—to make this whole process much easier for you.

To give you access to a course-building platform (for free) that gives you the tools you need.

To give you access to a full academy of free tutorials, guides, and lessons that show you how to plan, create, sell, and promote your course.

I know how overwhelming this process can be.

How there’s so much information out there that it’s hard to know where to start.

I hope this guide helps you cut through the noise. More so, I hope it’s given you the confidence to… start.

And if you are looking to ask any questions you need on online course creation, you can reach me here on my Facebook group:

Join the Course Creator Academy Facebook Group

If you would like to get notified when other guides and useful content on online course creation is available at the Academy, then you can join us here:

I hope you found this post helpful, let me know in the comments below what other topics you would like me to cover, or any questions that you have?

Thanks for reading… enjoy the course creation process! 😉

Vasco Cavalheiro

OnlineCourseHost.com Founder & Online Course Creator

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You are welcome to ask me any questions in the comments below: 👇👇👇👇