What does the future and AI hold for online course businesses in 2026?
In Berlin in December 2025
I’ve been an online business owner for more than 11 years. I started as a Squarespace designer at 52 in 2015, added online courses, and after doing both for 4 years, I became a full-time course creator with a six-figure business in 2019.
Having a corporate background definitely helped me be profitable from day one, but what I am most proud of is that I grew my business without adopting the manipulative, FOMO-centered ‘sales psychology’ that’s so popular in hustle culture. Initially, I wasn’t even aware that this was a thing; I just focused on what I have always done: providing a good service and building thoughtful relationships.
As I approach year 12 in my business, I’ve been reflecting on the changes, challenges, and opportunities I’ve witnessed over the last decade. It's probably fair to say that, between the pandemic, politics, and technological evolution, it’s been an interesting ride!
I am also thinking about what lies ahead for 2026, and beyond.
What are the trends, and how do we navigate AI and the political and economic uncertainty?
Here is what I am seeing:
AI has huge environmental and ethical implications that I think many of us are beginning to grasp, but feel too overwhelmed to truly process. It is also a potential bubble propping up an otherwise lagging economy that may burst at any time.
The online world is getting flooded with garbage AI content, gimmicks, and scams. And with the rapid rise of deepfakes, it is going to be harder and harder to distinguish reality from fiction, which means that trust, discernment, and critical thinking are going to become our most valuable but also endangered commodities.
At the same time, many small business owners, and interestingly, especially those of us who are neurodivergent, are embracing AI as an effective tool that helps us organize our (many!) thoughts and processes.
The online course industry is changing. While there will always be a market for the scammy hustlers, many aspiring entrepreneurs have realized that it takes more than noise and “being two steps ahead” to make a living as an online educator. I believe the future belongs to course creators who are experienced experts in their fields, and who can balance the need for human connection with the efficiencies offered by technology.
My biggest takeaway for online educators?
People still want to learn from people.
Progress does not erase the need for presence.
Going forward, I believe there will be a greater desire for community and real-person support. It’s why platforms like Skool will (hopefully!) replace Facebook as our main meeting place, because they offer a simple yet exceptionally well-designed interface where we can learn, meet, and connect.
Wishing you a calm and productive start to 2026! 🧡
