Are Online Courses Dead? Or Are We Just Seeing a Shift in How People Learn?

Online courses aren’t going away — but how people want to learn is changing.

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a familiar question popping up again and again:

Are online courses dead?

About a month ago, my husband sent me a video from Justin Brown with Primal Video answering the question why they stopped making courses. The conversation gained more momentum recently when Amy Porterfield announced she was closing the doors to Digital Course Academy. Different voices, same underlying question — and for many course creators, a quiet sense of uncertainty followed.

But here’s the honest answer I keep coming back to:

Online courses aren’t dead. Online learning isn’t dead.


What is changing is how people want to learn — and what they need in order to actually implement what they’re learning.

And that distinction matters.

The Shift Isn’t About Learning — It’s About Support

We’re living in a time where information is more accessible than it has ever been.

With the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), people can:

• Troubleshoot tech issues in minutes
• Learn how to build systems they once outsourced
• Repurpose content faster than ever
• Experiment, iterate, and problem-solve on their own

This kind of access is powerful. But it has also changed expectations.

Because knowing what to do is no longer the hardest part.

The harder part is:

• Deciding what actually applies to your situation
• Implementing without getting stuck in cycles of trial and error
• Moving forward without constantly second-guessing yourself
• Staying consistent when no one is checking in

AI can help answer questions.


What it can’t replace is context, guidance, and human support.

And that’s where the real shift in online learning is happening.

Why Self-Paced, “Set It and Forget It” Courses Are Losing Momentum

For a long time, the gold standard in online education was the self-paced, evergreen course. Record it once, automate the funnel, and let it run quietly in the background.

That model worked — and in some cases, it still can.

But increasingly, self-paced courses without support are no longer enough on their own.

Not because the content isn’t valuable, but because:

• Learners want help applying what they’re learning
• Progress feels harder without accountability
• Information without implementation quickly becomes overwhelming
• People don’t just want answers — they want reassurance they’re on the right track

What once felt flexible now often feels isolating.

And both students and course creators are starting to feel that gap.

What People Want From Online Courses Now

Across industries, a clear pattern is emerging.

People aren’t asking for more information. They’re asking for:

• Support while they implement
• Guidance tailored to their specific context
• Someone to walk beside them, not just teach from a distance
• Accountability, feedback, and encouragement
• A sense of momentum instead of another unfinished course

This is why we’re seeing a rise in:

• Membership-style programs
• Hybrid offers that combine learning with coaching or support
• Online learning experiences that emphasize connection and engagement
• Ongoing guidance rather than one-time consumption

It’s not about abandoning online courses — it’s about designing them in a way that actually supports follow-through.

If You’re a Course Creator, This Is Not a Call to Panic

If you already have an online course — or you’re in the process of creating one — this isn’t a sign that you need to scrap everything and start over.

You don’t need to rush.


You don’t need to chase trends.


And you don’t need to make changes rooted in fear.

What is helpful is awareness.

This shift invites you to pause and ask:

• Where might my students benefit from more guidance or support?
• What would help them actually implement what they’re learning?
• Could my course evolve rather than be replaced?
• Would layering in support, accountability, or community increase impact?

Often, the most meaningful changes aren’t dramatic rebuilds — they’re thoughtful refinements.

Online Courses Aren’t Going Away — They’re Evolving

Online learning isn’t disappearing.

It’s becoming more intentional.


More relational.


More supported.

Courses still play an important role — especially when they’re part of a broader ecosystem that includes guidance, accountability, and connection.

For many creators, the future isn’t courses versus memberships — it’s how those elements work together to better serve both the business and the people inside it.

Let’s Talk Through What This Could Look Like for You

If you’ve been feeling this shift — or quietly wondering whether your current course still fits — you’re not alone.

And you don’t need to figure it out on your own.

If you’d like to talk through how your course could evolve into a more supported offer — or explore building a course or membership in Kajabi that aligns with where online learning is headed — I’d love to chat.

You can book a discovery call, and we’ll look at what makes sense for you, your audience, and your long-term goals.

No pressure. No panic. Just clarity and support for what’s next.