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Udemy has already significantly decreased instructor revenue over the past few years. Now with Coursera acquiring Udemy, it’s difficult to understand how this is being presented as a “milestone” for instructors.

Most Udemy courses are not created to university or academic standards, and that has always been part of Udemy’s strength — practical, skills-based learning created by independent instructors.

What will happen to existing courses, especially for students who have already purchased them? Will these courses remain accessible under the same terms? Clear communication on this is essential for both instructors and learners.

Thanks @ZaneVella for providing important insights on this merger.

This is a really Big Move indeed! Sad to hear that Udemy brand will disappear.

Udemy had been instrumental in providing opportunities to everyone who are passionate to teach the learners through their industry and academic expertise. Udemy has also made the learning accessible and affordable to all kinds of learners through marketplace and subscriptions models.

But Coursera on the other hand is not open for all instructors at the moment. You need to go through either University or Industry Partnership. There is no individual partnership. It's also a great platform but the big question is about the impact on below 2 aspects after merger.

1. Will it be possible for anyone to partner with Coursera to create and host courses just like in Udemy today?
2. Will the Udemy marketplace exist in its current form or only the subscription model will continue?

Apart from this, there are many questions raised by fellow instructors on this post and they are very well valid. Just adding my questions to the queue :).

Excited to see how this merger unfolds. Wishing a great success to Udemy + Coursera, the instructors and learners!

do the merging, keep the Udemy branding.

The merger must benefit us the instructors too

@DamianMcKinnon I don't think he meant the topics Instructors teach. Its more like the "technology platform" that delivers Courses, which is fully AI-enabled etc etc …

That said, this is neither the time to rejoice or panic, IMO. Just wait and watch. It could go either way.

Another worrying point is that many Coursera courses are currently free. It's true you can't access all the resources, but you can actually view the entire course for free. I'm enrolled in several. You only have to pay if you want a certificate or access to certain labs.

If that model is used in our courses, phew...

How will two such different payment methods be integrated?
I suppose we'll see the answers to these important questions in the coming months...

The truth is that I want to be optimistic about this union and I hope it improves our prospects.

@ZaneVella Do you foresee any culling of instructors or courses?

I am pleased to confirm that the instructor marketplace will remain a key part of the combined business. Udemy instructors' insights, rapid content creation, and demonstrated teaching excellence are recognized and a key part of Coursera’s interest in Udemy.