When you hear “biggest learning platform,” you probably picture a massive library of courses, millions of learners, and a global reach that eclipses any other online education service. In 2025 the market is crowded, but one name consistently tops the charts across most size metrics: Udemy is a marketplace that offers over 200,000 courses and serves more than 230 million learners worldwide. This article breaks down why Udemy holds that crown, how other heavyweight platforms stack up, and what size really means for you as a student or instructor.
Key Takeaways
- Udemy leads the market with the highest number of courses and registered learners.
- Coursera and LinkedIn Learning are close competitors in revenue and professional‑skill focus.
- Size matters for variety and community, but niche platforms can deliver deeper expertise.
- Use the comparison table to match platform strengths with your learning goals.
- Follow the checklist at the end to choose the right platform for you.
How Size Is Measured in the E‑Learning World
Before we crown a winner, it helps to understand the numbers that matter:
- Course catalog size - total count of distinct, actively maintained courses.
- Learner base - registered users, both active and dormant.
- Annual revenue - money generated from subscriptions, course sales, and enterprise contracts.
- Geographic reach - number of countries with a significant user presence.
- Instructor community - active creators who publish new content each year.
These metrics give a balanced view of scale, from sheer variety to financial health.
Top Contenders in 2025
Below are the eight platforms that dominate the global market. The first mention of each includes microdata markup so search engines can recognize the entity.
Udemy is a mass‑market course marketplace with a focus on practical skills for professionals and hobbyists.
Coursera is a university‑partner platform that offers degree‑track programs and professional certificates.
Khan Academy is a non‑profit organization delivering free K‑12 instructional videos and practice exercises.
LinkedIn Learning is a subscription‑based library that integrates with LinkedIn profiles to suggest career‑focused courses.
edX is a platform founded by MIT and Harvard, offering MOOCs and micro‑master’s programs.
Skillshare is a creative‑oriented community where teachers run project‑based classes on design, photography, and entrepreneurship.
Pluralsight is a technology‑focused platform delivering skill‑assessment tools and curated learning paths for IT professionals.
FutureLearn is a UK‑based platform that partners with universities and cultural institutions for short courses and programmes.
Comparison Table: Size Metrics (2024‑2025)
| Platform | # Courses (2024) | # Learners (2025) | 2024 Revenue (USDbn) | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy | 215,000 | 230million | 2.4 | Professional‑skill marketplace |
| Coursera | 9,500 | 95million | 4.2 | University‑partner degrees & certificates |
| Khan Academy | 12,000 (free) | 180million | 0.1 (donations) | K‑12 free education |
| LinkedIn Learning | 16,000 | 85million | 1.5 (estimated) | Career‑skill subscriptions |
| edX | 4,200 | 45million | 0.9 | University‑led MOOCs |
| Skillshare | 27,000 | 12million | 0.3 | Creative & entrepreneurial projects |
| Pluralsight | 7,300 | 19million | 0.8 | Tech & IT skill pathways |
| FutureLearn | 5,600 | 8million | 0.25 | University & cultural short courses |
Why Udemy Beats the Rest in Raw Size
Udemy’s edge comes from an open‑market model. Anyone can create a course, which fuels rapid catalog expansion. The platform’s pricing algorithm encourages price drops for older or lower‑rated courses, attracting bargain‑hunters and driving enrollment spikes. Because it doesn’t lock content behind institution partnerships, Udemy can pivot quickly to trending skills-think “AI prompt engineering” or “no‑code app building”-and see a surge in both courses and learners within weeks.
Another hidden advantage is the massive instructor community. Over 70,000 active creators publish on average 3 new courses per year, keeping the library fresh. Their revenue‑share model (typically 50‑75% for instructors) incentivizes high‑quality production, which in turn retains learners.
When Bigger Isn’t Better: Niche Platforms That Outperform in Specific Areas
If you’re chasing a university‑level credential, Coursera’s partnership network wins hands‑down. Its revenue per learner is higher because degree programs carry premium tuition. For tech professionals, Pluralsight’s skill‑assessment engine and curated learning paths cut through the noise of a massive catalog and guarantee skill‑gap closure.
Khan Academy remains the go‑to for free K‑12 support. Its user‑base is huge, yet the platform’s mission‑driven model means content quality stays consistent across grades. Similarly, Skillshare’s project‑centric approach makes it ideal for creative freelancers who need hands‑on practice rather than a long list of lecture videos.
Checklist: Picking the Right Platform for Your Goals
- Goal clarity: Are you after a certificate, a job‑ready skill, or pure curiosity?
- Budget: Free platforms (Khan Academy) vs. subscription models (LinkedIn Learning) vs. per‑course pricing (Udemy).
- Depth vs. breadth: Large catalogs give choices (Udemy), but niche depth can accelerate mastery (Pluralsight for cloud services).
- Credibility: Look for university partners or industry‑recognized certificates if you need formal validation.
- Learning style: Video‑only, project‑based, assessments, or mixed formats?
Match these criteria against the table above, and you’ll land on a platform that feels right, even if it isn’t the outright biggest.
Future Trends Shaping Platform Size
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how content is produced and personalized. Platforms that integrate AI‑generated subtitles, adaptive quizzes, and dynamic learning paths are set to grow faster. Udemy already rolled out an AI‑assisted course‑creation tool in late 2024, which could boost its catalog by another 30% by 2026.
Another driver is corporate upskilling. Companies are buying bulk seats for employees, inflating learner counts on platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. Expect the “enterprise learner” segment to surpass 30million by 2027, blurring the line between personal and corporate usage.
Quick FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform has the most courses?
Udemy tops the list with over 215,000 active courses as of 2024, thanks to its open‑market model that lets anyone become an instructor.
Is a larger platform always better for learning?
Not necessarily. Bigger platforms offer variety, but niche platforms often provide deeper expertise, better‑curated pathways, and more reputable certifications.
How does Coursera generate more revenue than Udemy despite fewer learners?
Coursera earns a large share from degree programs and corporate contracts, which carry higher price tags than Udemy’s typical $10‑$200 per‑course model.
Can I get a free university‑level credential on any of these platforms?
Mostly no. Free platforms like Khan Academy provide certificates of completion, but accredited university credits usually require payment through Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning’s partner programs.
Which platform is best for creative professionals?
Skillshare excels for designers, photographers, and writers because its courses are project‑oriented and community‑driven.
Final Thoughts
In the battle for the biggest learning platform, Udemy wins the headline numbers, but the “best” choice still depends on what you want to achieve. Use the size data, the comparison table, and the checklist above to decide whether you need breadth, depth, a free solution, or a credential‑heavy partner. Whichever platform you land on, the world of online learning is richer than ever - and that’s the real win.