How to Earn $100+ Per Course on Udemy: A Practical Guide for 2026
The dream of creating a digital product that generates passive income is more alive than ever. Udemy, the world’s leading marketplace for online learning, remains a goldmine for experts, creatives, and educators. While many wonder if it's still possible to make significant money, reaching—and far exceeding—$100 per course is a very achievable milestone if you understand the platform's mechanics.
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1️⃣ Understanding the Revenue Share Model
To hit your financial goals, you first need to know how the "pie" is sliced. In 2026, Udemy’s payout structure generally follows these rules:
- Instructor Promotions: If a student buys your course using your unique referral link or coupon, you keep 97% of the revenue. This is the fastest way to hit that $100 mark with just a few sales.
- Udemy Organic Sales: If the platform finds the student for you through its own ads or search results, you receive 37% of the sale.
- Udemy Business: For high-quality professional courses, being included in the subscription collection pays you based on minutes watched by employees worldwide.
2️⃣ The Secret to High-Value Sales
While Udemy is famous for its $10–$15 sales, you can aim for higher earnings by focusing on:
- Niche Expertise: General topics are crowded. Specializing in "AI-Driven Architecture" or "Advanced Cybersecurity for FinTech" allows you to command more authority and better conversion rates.
- High-Quality Production: In 2026, students expect 4K video quality and crystal-clear audio. A professional setup isn't just a luxury; it’s a requirement for high ratings.
- Social Proof: Your first $100 often comes after you secure your first 10–20 five-star reviews. Ratings are the "currency" of Udemy.
3️⃣ Strategic Marketing: Beyond the Platform
Don't just upload and pray. To maximize your earnings:
Build an Audience: Use LinkedIn, YouTube, or a personal blog to share snippets of your knowledge.
Email Lists: Send your 97% revenue coupons to your subscribers.
The "Bridge" Strategy: Offer a free "mini-course" to build trust, then upsell students to your comprehensive $100+ masterclass.
4️⃣ Price Strategy That Actually Works
In 2026, most Udemy courses sell between $12–$19 during promotions.
You don’t control discounting — Udemy does.
So how do you earn $100+?
Example:
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Course sells at $14
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You earn around $5–$7 per sale
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20 students = $100+
That’s realistic.
If you drive traffic yourself (YouTube, email list), you can earn up to 97% commission.
5️⃣ Promote Outside Udemy (The Real Secret)
Relying only on Udemy = slow growth.
Smart instructors use:
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YouTube channel
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TikTok clips
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Blog posts (SEO traffic)
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Email newsletters
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LinkedIn content
Even 500–1,000 followers can generate consistent sales.
6️⃣ Build a Course Portfolio (Not Just One Course)
Your first course might make:
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$100
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$300
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$800
But 5–10 related courses?
That’s where real income starts.
Think long-term.
7️⃣ Keep Updating (2026 Rule)
Courses that are:
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Updated
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Respond to Q&A
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Add new lectures
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Improve thumbnails
Rank higher and convert better.
Udemy favors active instructors.
Realistic Income Breakdown (2026 Example)
| Courses | Avg Students per Course | Est. Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | $150 |
| 5 | 40 | $1,200 |
| 10 | 50 | $3,000+ |
Consistency beats luck.
Final Advice
To earn $100+ per course on Udemy in 2026:
✅ Choose demand
✅ Solve a specific problem
✅ Optimize for SEO
✅ Promote externally
✅ Build multiple courses
✅ Update regularly
If you treat Udemy like a business — not a hobby — it can become a powerful income stream.
Earning $100 from a Udemy course is not just about the "first hundred dollars"—it’s about building a scalable asset. Once your course is live and optimized, it can continue to sell while you sleep. The key is to start with a topic you are passionate about and stay consistent with your updates.