YouTube is revolutionizing the way creators share knowledge and monetize their expertise with the introduction of its new 'Courses' feature. This innovative tool empowers content creators to transform their channels into virtual classrooms, offering structured educational experiences to their audience.
A New Dimension of Learning on YouTube
The 'Courses' feature, which was initially announced in 2022 and tested with select creators, is now rolling out more broadly. It allows creators to:
- Organize educational content into multi-lesson programs
- Include interactive elements like quizzes
- Facilitate discussions through dedicated sections
- Offer courses for free or at a one-time fee
This move significantly expands the potential for both learning and earning on the platform.
Enhanced Visibility and User Experience
YouTube is committed to promoting these courses across its ecosystem:
- Courses will be marked with a special badge in search results, channel pages, and recommendations
- A dedicated 'Courses' tab will appear on eligible channel pages
- Some courses may be featured on a centralized Courses page
To keep learners engaged, YouTube has implemented a progress tracking system. An information panel displays course length and completion status, while successful course graduates earn a badge visible in their 'You' tab.
Creator-Friendly Implementation
Setting up a course is straightforward:
- Access YouTube Studio on desktop
- Click 'Create' then 'New Course'
- Input course details similar to uploading a video
While course creation is currently limited to desktop, creators can upload individual videos via mobile and add them to courses later.
Gradual Rollout and Eligibility
The feature is being introduced gradually. Creators can check their eligibility by looking for the 'New Course' option under the Create menu in YouTube Studio on desktop.
This new feature represents a significant step in YouTube's evolution, blending education with entertainment and providing creators with new avenues for audience engagement and revenue generation. As the rollout continues, it will be interesting to see how creators and learners alike embrace this new dimension of the YouTube experience.