Udemy has become a leading platform in the world of online learning, offering a diverse range of courses across various domains, from programming and business to creative arts and personal development. With over 200,000 courses and millions of students globally, Udemy provides accessible learning opportunities for individuals seeking to upskill, reskill, or explore new interests. However, with so many courses available, it’s natural to wonder: is Udemy worth it? In this guide, we’ll delve into Udemy’s strengths, limitations, and features to help you decide whether it’s the right platform for your learning needs.
What is Udemy?
Started in the year 2010, Udemy is the largest online learning portal that offers a wide range of courses for learning, skill development and career growth. It connects students with subject experts and gives a chance for skilled and knowledgeable individuals to sell their online courses. The platform has a wide range of courses in business, marketing, technology, design, arts, fitness, and personal development.
The best thing about Udemy is its flexibility and accessibility. Learners can kick start their course anytime, anywhere and without the need for an internet or wifi connection. Once a learner enrols for any course, he can download the course and watch it on ca ell phone or laptop anytime. The platform operates on a pay-per-course model, allowing users to purchase individual courses for a one-time fee, often at affordable rates due to frequent discounts and sales.
Another good aspect of Udemy is that it caters to businesses through Udemy Business, a subscription service that provides companies with access to a curated library of courses for employee development.
Is Udemy Legit?
Now that you must understand what is Udemy. Let is now understand if Udemy is legit and worth it or not. We will understand this by reviewing Udemy in certain factors like its credibility, safety and privacy standards. Moreover, I have also enrolled in few of the courses myself and I will review them thoroughly.
Overview of the platform’s credibility
Udemy has been in the business for more than 2 decades now and it is 100% legitimate listed company in NASDAQ with its headquarters in San Francisco, USA. The platform was founded by Gagan Biyani, Oktay Caglar and Eren Bali. The platform is 100% credible as it has positive reviews on various platforms and is recommended by top companies, business leaders and experts.
Each course on Udemy comes with a user review which ensures the credibility of the platform. Before, enrolling in any course, users can check the reviews of learners and their ratings to make sure the course is the best fit for them.
Besides, potential learners can also sneak peek into the course modules, lessons and how many hours of the learning experience the course will offer. Users can also check how many learners have previously enrolled in a particular course.
This makes Udemy worth it.
When someone is still in doubt about whether you enrol in a particular course or not, he can have demo lectures as well. Certain courses offer free lectures in the beginning of the module to give an overview of what the learner is going to get at the end of the course.
This has made Udemy a more legitimate platform as compared to its competitors and alternatives.
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Discuss its partnerships and recognitions
Adobe, Betterworks, Amazon, Docker, Linkedin, and Microsoft are some of the partners of Udemy which makes it more legit and credible to use. Many of these Fortune 500 companies have partnered with Udemy for custom course curation along with certifications. For example, Amazon has partnered to create a course related to AWS and Amazon FBA. enrolling in these courses will surely help you boost your knowledge, skill and career growth as many of them come with certification.
And if you are wondering whether Udemy certificates are worth it or not, then it will surely help you to add an extra feather in your resume.
Security measures for user payments and data
One of the key concerns when using any online platform is the security of payment details. Udemy ensures the safety of financial transactions by employing advanced security measures and adhering to industry standards. Here’s how Udemy maintains a secure and legitimate platform:
1. Secure Payment Processing
Udemy never directly stores users’ full credit or debit card information. Instead, the platform partners with certified payment processors that comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This globally recognised standard ensures the secure handling of sensitive payment details.
When users input their card details on Udemy, the information is transmitted directly to these secure processors. These payment partners complete the transaction and provide Udemy with limited information, such as the last four digits of a card, to track purchases or label saved payment methods.
2. Tokenisation for Enhanced Security
To streamline future transactions without compromising security, Udemy uses a process called tokenisation. Instead of storing the full card number, the platform retains a randomly generated alphanumeric ID, or “token,” provided by the payment processor. This token is linked to the user’s saved card but cannot be reverse-engineered to reveal the full card details. This means:
- No one, including Udemy, has access to the full credit card number through your account.
- Even if a breach occurs, the token system prevents third parties from extracting actual payment information.
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Data privacy policy of Udemy
Udemy is a 100% legitimate company that values users’ data, and privacy and ensures 100% transparency about how they collect users’ data, how they use it and if the data is shared with other third-party service providers or not. You can read about this commitment of privacy in Udemy’s privacy policy which applies to all interactions on their platform including web and mobile apps. Udemy gathers data in two main ways. First, it collects information directly provided of users such as account details, course consumption habits and data from other third party platforms linked to Udemy.
Second, it collects data automatically, like device details and user interactions with the platform. This information undergoes various processing activities, including storage, encryption, and pseudonymization, ensuring it remains protected.
Udemy’s Privacy Policy reinforces its commitment to safeguarding user data while maintaining functionality and personalisation for a seamless user experience.
Customer support of Udemy
Udemy is a team of amazing customer support agents who will help you to solve all your queries. However, they still need to get live chat support or phone support which is the only drawback for now. Their Virtual assistant chatbot alex can help you with your queries and redirect you to articles which you find helpful. If you are still struggling with the issue, then you can raise a ticket and your query will be resolved within 24 hours.
Both learners and course curators can contact the support team via email and get their doubts solved.
User experience and website check
I am personally in love with the user experience of Udemy. They have smooth, skeel and no nonsense web design which attracts users and directs them directly to the courses. The course categories are sub divided into various sections and each section is properly highlighted with headings in bold letters.
Each course is also highlighted with price, ratings, students enrolled and many other modules with an eye-captivating picture. When the user selects in course he can walk through the course modules, description, what the course includes and a lot more things which makes the purchase decision easy.
On the right-hand side of the course there is a checkout box which shows the course comes with 30 days of money-back guarantee and life time access. Users can watch the course anytime throughout their life without any updates.
You can also apply for the additional coupon code if you have any.
LinkedIn profile check of Udemy
This is yet another way by which one can find if is Udemy legit company or not. The majority of the legit online companies have a genuine LinkedIn and social media presence. By analyzing the Udemy’s LinkedIn profile, I came to know that they have 1 million followers and 5K employees working in the company which makes them legit.
Highlight followers and employees both
I further scrolled down and found that people are legitimately working on Udemy with good background.
The profiles are 100% genuine and of real people working in Udemy which makes it 100% legit company.
Udemy is also active on other social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Their page is loaded with content and they regularly churn out content making them a surely safe company.
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How to Identify Quality Courses on Udemy
Till now you might have concluded if Udemy is legit is or not. If you have concluded Udemy as a legit and safe platform to enroll in online courses then here are some important steps to keep in mind before enrolling in any of the courses on Udemy.
There are more than thousands of courses listed on Udemy which makes it daunting for the users to select the best possible course. By following these points anyone can easily enroll in the best-suited course for them.
1. Importance of reviews and ratings
All the courses listed on Udemy are backed by real reviews from students who have enrolled in the course previously. One can walk through these reviews and decide if the course is best suited for him or not. Each course also shows the details of the number of students enrolled for that course. If the course is enrolled by a Good number of students then
2. Checking instructor credentials
Another factor is like checking the instructor’s credentials and ensuring the course content is up-to-date. Evaluating instructor credentials involves looking at their professional experience, relevant qualifications, and the feedback from past students. Instructors with a proven track record and expertise in their field are more likely to deliver valuable and well-structured content.
3. Looking for updated course content
Another critical aspect is verifying if the course content is updated regularly. Check the “last updated” date to ensure it reflects recent advancements, particularly in fields like technology or marketing that evolve rapidly. Courses updated within the last year and aligned with the latest tools or trends are preferable.
Additionally, active instructors who engage in the Q&A section and answer recent queries indicate commitment and relevance to the subject. By focusing on these parameters, learners can confidently select high-quality Udemy courses suited to their goals.
Who is Udemy Best Suited For?
1. Students and Academics
Udemy is a great resource for students looking to supplement their formal education. Whether it’s learning coding, mastering languages, or exploring niche subjects not covered in traditional curriculums, Udemy provides affordable and flexible learning opportunities. With lifetime access to purchased courses, students can learn at their own pace, making it ideal for balancing studies with extracurricular commitments.
2. Professionals Seeking Career Advancement
Professionals aiming to upskill or reskill will find Udemy courses valuable. From technical skills like programming and data analysis to soft skills like leadership and communication, the platform offers courses designed to boost career prospects. Many courses also provide certificates of completion, which can be added to resumes or LinkedIn profiles, adding credibility to acquired skills.
3. Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
For entrepreneurs, Udemy offers resources on business management, digital marketing, and financial planning. These courses are particularly beneficial for those running startups or small businesses, helping them gain insights into building and scaling their ventures effectively without the high costs of traditional training programs.
4. Hobbyists and Lifelong Learners
If you’re a hobbyist or someone who loves exploring new interests, Udemy is a treasure trove of opportunities. It offers courses on photography, music, cooking, and more. These are perfect for anyone looking to turn a passion into a side hustle or simply learn for personal enjoyment.
5. Organizations and Teams
Udemy Business, a tailored solution for teams, is ideal for organizations looking to train their workforce. It allows companies to provide employees with access to a curated library of professional courses, helping them stay competitive and updated in their respective fields.
Pros and cons of Udemy
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Real User Experiences and Reviews
Is Udemy Worth It?
Udemy is surely worth it. It has a plethora of courses spanning topics such as technology, business, personal development, fitness and creative hobbies. One of the biggest reasons why Udemy is worth it is because of its affordability. Courses offered on Udemy are frequently discounted and gives lifetime access to learners, allowing them to revise their courses whenever needed.
Moreover, Udemy also has an extensive course library which caters to almost conceivable interest. Whether you’re seeking to enhance professional skills like coding or explore creative hobbies like painting, the platform likely has something for you.
The flexibility of Udemy’s self-paced learning model is another significant benefit. This structure is ideal for individuals balancing work, studies, or other commitments, allowing them to learn at their convenience. Many courses are taught by experienced professionals or subject-matter experts, and user ratings and reviews help you identify the best options. While Udemy’s certificates of completion are not accredited, they can still showcase your commitment to acquiring new skills on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Overall, Udemy is worth it for learners who are seeking for affordable, flexible and quality learner options to enahce their knowledge and develop skills. White it may not meet the need of those pursuing formal education or looking for extensive interaction, it can be a valuable resource for persona and professional growth.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Udemy
1. Choose the courses wisely
I already mentioned that Udemy has more than 200000 courses to offer. Always opt for a course based on your skill, needs, like and experience. Check your inner calling and think about which course will add a boost in your career. Check for the educators credentials, experince, reviews and expertise in the subject. You can also search the name of educators in LinkedIn or Google, and find some information about them.
2. Leverage discounts
Dont leave your discount on the table as they are the best thing Udemy has to offer. At point, you can find course at $10 or $20 if you leverage all the discounts on Udemy. You can also shop for the course on black friday or cyber monday where discounts are heavier.
3. Download the course materials
Each course at Udemy with special downloadable material and resources that will help you give more clarity on the subject and course you are learning. Always follow those links and download any such material that might help you in better learning and development.
4. Engage with community
Every course has a Q&A section where students can ask questions and share insights. Actively participating in these discussions can enhance your understanding and expose you to different perspectives. Don’t hesitate to reach out to instructors for clarification or additional resources.
5. Make notes
While going through lectures, note down essential concepts, tips, and techniques. Written notes help reinforce your learning and serve as a quick reference for future use. This is especially useful for courses that involve technical or detailed content.
6. Complete your assessments
Many Udemy courses include assignments, quizzes, and practical exercises designed to test your understanding. These activities not only consolidate your knowledge but also allow you to practice applying what you’ve learned, making the lessons more impactful.
FAQs about is Udemy legit
Yes, Udemy is often worth the cost due to its affordable pricing, frequent discounts, and lifetime access to courses after purchase.
While Udemy courses are not accredited, they provide practical knowledge and skills that are valuable for personal and professional growth.
Yes, Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on most courses, ensuring customer satisfaction.
No, once you purchase a Udemy course, you have lifetime access to its content.