Multi-Platform Strategy: Same Course, Multiple Homes

If your course can earn money on Udemy, it can probably earn money on Skillshare too. And on your own website. And maybe on Domestika or Gumroad.

The question is: can you put the same course content in multiple places? And if so, what are the rules?

The Short Answer

Yes, you can sell the same course on multiple platforms. Most instructors do. But each platform has rules about pricing, exclusivity, and content duplication that you need to understand.

Udemy’s Rules

Udemy has a program called “Udemy Deals” or the “Promotional Program.” When you opt in (and you should — it’s how you get organic discovery), you agree to:

• Let Udemy discount your course during sales events
• Not sell the same course for a lower price elsewhere

The second point is the one that trips people up. If your Udemy course is listed at $99 and on sale for $12, you can’t sell the identical course on your own website for $9. That would undercut Udemy’s pricing.

What this means in practice:

• You CAN sell the same course on your own site at a higher price ($197, $497, etc.)
• You CAN sell the same course on Skillshare (subscription model, not direct sale, so pricing conflict doesn’t apply)
• You CANNOT sell the same course for less than Udemy’s typical sale price

If you opt out of Udemy’s Promotional Program, you have full pricing freedom. But your course loses organic discovery — it won’t appear in Udemy’s sale events or recommendation engine, which is where most enrollments come from. For most instructors, opting out means far fewer students.

Skillshare’s Rules

Skillshare doesn’t require exclusivity. You can have the same course on Skillshare, Udemy, and your own site simultaneously. No pricing conflicts because Skillshare’s model is subscription-based, not per-sale.

The one thing to watch: Skillshare works best with shorter classes (20-60 minutes). If your Udemy course is 5 hours, you might split it into 5-10 separate Skillshare classes. Same content, different packaging.

Repackaging for Multiple Platforms

Smart instructors don’t just dump the same files everywhere. They repackage:

Udemy: One comprehensive course. All modules, all lessons, everything in one package. Priced at $99+ (knowing it’ll sell for $12). improved title, description, and image for Udemy search.

Skillshare: The same content broken into multiple shorter classes. Each class covers one module or topic from the full course. Each has its own project assignment. Students watch one class and get hooked, then watch the others.

Your own site: The premium version. Same core content, but with added materials — worksheets, workbooks, templates, community access, or coaching calls. Priced at $97-$497+. You keep 95%+ of the revenue.

Gumroad or similar: A leaner version. The video content plus a PDF companion. Priced at $49-$99. Good for students who want to own the content without a marketplace account.

The Launch Window Strategy

Some instructors use a timed approach:

1. Launch on your own site first (Weeks 1-4). Your existing audience gets first access at your premium price. No marketplace competition for attention.

2. Then launch on Udemy (Weeks 5-8). The course has early reviews and is polished. Marketplace optimization kicks in.

3. Then break it into Skillshare classes (Weeks 9-12). Each class links back to your full course and website for the bonus resources.

This staggered approach lets you maximize each channel without cannibalizing sales.

What About Cannibalization?

Students who find you on Udemy for $12 probably weren’t going to pay $297 on your website. They’re different buyers at different price sensitivities. A student willing to pay $12 on impulse is not the same student who researches and invests $297 in a premium course.

Your website buyer wants more: materials, support, community, credentials. Your Udemy buyer wants the content at a low price. They’re different markets.

Treat them differently. Give the website buyer more value. Give the Udemy buyer good content and a path to learn about your other offerings.

Your Task

Map out your multi-platform plan. Which platforms will you use? In what order? How will you repackage the content for each? Write it down.

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