Want to learn or upskill through online learning? Course video services are the key to unlocking a whole world of learning through online course videos. Here’s how they’re changing how we learn and how you can make the most of them.
Course video services have been the backbone of online learning since the first webinar in 1996. They’ve evolved to offer all sorts of learning experiences, from live streaming and pre-recorded videos to interactive video lessons. They’re brilliant at providing flexible, engaging, and affordable learning. These services are essential for creating engaging online courses that effectively capture students’ attention and enhance their learning experience.
If you’ve never used a course video service, browsing hundreds of online courses can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll show you how to get started with these services and provide a step-by-step guide on choosing the right one and getting the most out of your learning.
What are Course Video Services?
Course video services create, distribute, and consume video content for online learning. They include:
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Learning Management Systems (LMS)
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Video hosting platforms
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Webinar tools
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Interactive video platforms
Each serves a purpose in the online learning space for different learning needs and styles.
Key Features of Video Lesson Services:
Course video services are designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable learning experience for instructors and students. Here are the key features that set the top ones apart:
Quality content and expertise
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Content from experienced educators and industry pros.
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Subject matter experts show off their knowledge.
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Institutional reputation establishes authority.
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User reviews and ratings build trust.
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E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
User-friendly
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Easy course creation, management, and navigation.
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Focus on teaching rather than technical stuff.
Video production and editing tools
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Built-in video editing (trim, cut, arrange).
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Advanced post-production (color correction, audio ducking).
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Professional video content creation, emphasizing the importance of filmmaking skills such as camera movement and composition to enhance emotional depth and stylistic elements.
Engagement and interactivity
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Quizzes, gamification, and discussion forums.
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Student engagement and information retention.
Mobile
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Mobile-friendly and user-friendly.
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Learn on the go.
Course Management
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Easy course outline management (add, remove, reorder lessons).
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Course content organization.
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Aligns with learning objectives.
Progress tracking
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Student performance and progress tracking.
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Learning objectives tracking.
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Adjust course content based on student needs.
Global
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Multi-language support.
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Timezone flexibility.
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Worldwide access.
Skill level
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Content for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.
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All students can benefit from the course.
Pricing and incentives
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Competitive pricing and discounts.
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Incentives for instructors to create and sell courses.
Benefits of Online Video Courses
Global access to education.
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Learn from top institutions and experts worldwide.
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Get Ivy League courses or niche skills training from home.
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Overcome geographical barriers to high-quality education.
Flexibility and affordability.
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Learn at your own pace.
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Fit learning into your busy schedule.
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Mobile-optimized platforms for on-the-go learning.
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More affordable than traditional education.
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For working professionals, parents, or those with time constraints.
Better engagement and retention.
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Multisensory learning for different learning styles.
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Visual demonstrations and animated explanations.
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Interactive elements for complex concepts.
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Quizzes, assignments, and peer-reviewed projects.
Continuous learning.
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Download or access course materials for extended periods.
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Revisit lectures and demonstrations to reinforce learning.
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Lifetime access to purchased courses on some platforms.
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Stay up-to-date with evolving topics or refresh your knowledge.
How to choose and use online video courses effectively?
Choosing the platform.
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What are you trying to learn?
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How much will it cost?
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How much time will it take?
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Are they certified?
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Try free courses.
Setting yourself up for success.
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Set clear goals.
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Create a schedule.
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Create a dedicated space.
Maximizing your learning experience.
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Engage with the content.
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Use multiple resources.
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Apply what you learn.
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Join groups and collaborate.
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Get feedback.
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Use extra resources.
Stay motivated and progressing.
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Be proud of yourself.
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Keep up with platform updates.
Top 9 course video platforms
These platforms provide tools and resources to help you create engaging and professional videos. They offer features specifically designed to help you develop engaging online videos that effectively capture students’ attention and enhance their learning experience.
Coursera
Founded by Stanford professors, Coursera works with over 300 institutions to offer courses, specializations, and even degrees. It’s known for its academic quality and wide range of courses.
Features:
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Free course audits.
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Guided projects from $9.99.
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Specializations from $49/month.
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Online degrees from $9,000 to $30,000.
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Coursera Plus subscription at $399/year for unlimited access.
Coursera’s strength is its partnerships with top universities and institutions, which allow learners to earn recognized certificates and degrees. The specializations allow for a deep dive into a topic, and the guided projects provide hands-on learning.
LinkedIn Learning
Formerly Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers over 18,000 online course videos in business, technology, and creative skills. It’s the only platform that integrates with LinkedIn, so you can showcase your new skills directly on your profile.
Features:
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Personalized learning experiences with AI-driven course recommendations.
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High-quality video lectures with interactive features.
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Certificates of completion that can be added to your LinkedIn profile.
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Individual subscription: $29.99/month or $239.88/year.
LinkedIn Learning’s integration with the professional network sets it apart, making it perfect for career-focused learning. The AI recommendations help learners discover courses relevant to their career goals and industry trends.
Udemy
With over 200,000 courses taught by instructors worldwide, Udemy offers courses in technology, business, arts, and personal development. Its flexible pricing and frequent sales make it a popular choice for many learners.
Features:
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Individual course purchases are often discounted.
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Lifetime access to purchased courses.
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Mobile access for on-the-go learning.
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Courses from $10 to $200.
Udemy’s marketplace model allows experts in various fields to create and sell courses, giving you a wide range of topics and teaching styles. The frequent sales and discounts mean you can get high-quality courses at affordable prices.
MasterClass
MasterClass is unique, offering high-production-value courses taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities. It doesn’t offer formal certifications but provides insight into various fields from those at the top of their game.
Features:
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Annual subscription plans: Standard ($120/year), Plus ($180/year), Premium ($240/year).
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High-quality video production.
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Courses in many categories are taught by industry leaders.
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Downloadable workbooks and hands-on learning.
MasterClass offers a different kind of learning experience, inspiration, and insights from industry leaders rather than traditional academic instruction. It is perfect for those who want to gain high-level perspectives and creative inspiration in their field.
Domestika
Domestika focuses on creative skills and offers courses in design, photography, illustration, marketing, and crafts. It produces high-quality, in-house content by experienced professionals.
Features:
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High-quality video creation with clear visuals and sound.
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Courses in many creative disciplines.
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Self-paced learning with no deadlines
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Certificates of completion for finished courses.
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Individual course purchases: $10 to $30 per course with lifetime access.
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Domestika Plus subscription: $8 to $12 per month for over 1,000 courses.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a UK-based digital education platform offering online courses, micro-credentials, and degree programs. It partners with over 260 universities and organizations worldwide.
Features:
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High-quality video lectures from industry experts and academics.
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Structured weekly learning with clear objectives and activities.
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Interactive features to encourage peer engagement and discussion.
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Free Limited Access to explore courses without financial commitment.
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Course Upgrade: $39 to $74 for lifetime access and certificates.
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Unlimited Subscription: Monthly ($49.99) or Annual ($244.99).
Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning community for creative and practical skills. It has over 35,000 design, photography, writing, business, and technology classes.
Features:
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Project-based learning.
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Community features.
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Offline viewing for premium members.
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Free one-month trial for new users.
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Premium membership: $15 per month or $99 per year.
Teachable
Teachable is an online learning platform that allows instructors to create, market, and sell courses easily. It offers comprehensive course creation and management tools.
Features:
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Easy course creation tools.
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Embedded video hosting.
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Student engagement features.
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Analytics and Reporting.
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Payment processing.
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Various pricing plans from free to $299/month.
edX
edX was founded by Harvard and MIT and offers many courses, micro-credentials, and degree programs offered by top educational institutions.
Features:
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Many courses can be audited for free.
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Verified certificates are $50 to $300.
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MicroMasters $600-$1,500 and Professional Certificates $200-$1,000.
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Fully online degree programs with varying tuition.
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Mobile access and certificates of completion.
Capping off
As a result of course video services, high-quality education is more accessible than ever. By choosing the right platform, setting your goals, and actively engaging with the content, you can use these services to learn more, advance your career, or explore new interests.
The secret to success in online learning is consistency and engagement. It’s not just about watching videos – it’s about interacting with the content, applying what you learn, and connecting with other learners. Whether you want to gain a new skill for your career, explore a personal interest, or get a degree, course video services offer a flexible way to achieve your learning goals.
So don’t be overwhelmed by the choices. Start by deciding what you want to learn, exploring the platforms that match your goals, and taking the first step.
