The digital course market has grown significantly, offering opportunities for course producers and co-producers to generate revenue and build online businesses. However, many entrepreneurs face a crucial decision: should they create and launch their own courses as a producer, or collaborate with experts as a co-producer?
Both roles have advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your skills, resources, and business goals. This guide explores the key differences, benefits, and challenges of each role, helping you decide which path is more worthwhile.
1. Understanding the Difference Between Producer and Co-Producer
1.1. What Is a Course Producer?
A course producer is the person or company that creates, owns, and sells an online course. They handle the content creation, branding, marketing, and sales strategy.
Responsibilities of a Producer:
- Research and validate course topics.
- Record video lessons and create learning materials.
- Develop a sales funnel and marketing strategy.
- Provide student support and manage course updates.
Example: A fitness coach creates an online course on weight loss, sells it under their brand, and keeps 100% of the revenue.
1.2. What Is a Course Co-Producer?
A co-producer collaborates with a course creator, typically handling business, marketing, and technical aspects, while the expert focuses on teaching. The co-producer shares revenue and responsibilities with the producer.
Responsibilities of a Co-Producer:
- Partner with subject matter experts.
- Handle video production, editing, and platform setup.
- Manage marketing campaigns and course launches.
- Provide technical support and customer service.
Example: A digital marketer partners with a successful business coach to co-produce a high-ticket sales course. The marketer handles promotions while the expert teaches the content.
2. Advantages and Challenges of Being a Course Producer
2.1. Advantages of Being a Producer
Full Ownership & Profits – Producers keep 100% of their course revenue.
Brand Authority – Course producers establish themselves as experts in their field.
Long-Term Scalability – Once created, a course can generate passive income for years.
2.2. Challenges of Being a Producer
High Time Commitment – Producers handle both content creation and business operations.
Marketing Challenges – Without a strong audience, sales can be slow.
Technical & Production Work – Setting up platforms, recording videos, and handling student support requires multiple skills.
3. Advantages and Challenges of Being a Co-Producer
3.1. Advantages of Being a Co-Producer
Lower Risk & Faster Start – No need to be an expert in a topic; just partner with experts.
Focus on Business Growth – Co-producers leverage marketing, sales, and strategy instead of content creation.
Scalability Through Multiple Projects – Can co-produce multiple courses across different niches without creating content.
3.2. Challenges of Being a Co-Producer
Revenue Split – Must share profits with the producer, reducing earnings per sale.
Finding Reliable Partners – Success depends on partnering with credible and knowledgeable experts.
Managing Expectations – Producers may have unrealistic expectations regarding marketing results.
4. Financial Potential: Who Earns More?
4.1. Earnings Potential of a Producer
Since producers keep 100% of the revenue, their earnings depend on marketing success and student enrollment.
- Example of a Low-Ticket Course Model:
- Price: $100 per course
- Sales: 1,000 students per year
- Total Revenue: $100,000/year
- Example of a High-Ticket Course Model:
- Price: $2,000 per course
- Sales: 100 students per year
- Total Revenue: $200,000/year
However, producers also bear all costs (video production, platform fees, ads), which can reduce net profits.
4.2. Earnings Potential of a Co-Producer
Co-producers earn a percentage of the revenue, typically 30–50% per sale. However, they can scale faster by launching multiple courses.
- Example of a Co-Producer Handling 3 Courses Per Year:
- Course Price: $500
- Sales: 300 per course
- Revenue Split: 50%
- Total Earnings: $225,000/year (from 3 courses)
Co-producers reduce risk by diversifying across different projects, but their income depends on the course creator’s ability to deliver valuable content.
5. Which Role Is Best for You?
5.1. Choose to Be a Producer If:
You are an expert in a specific field and enjoy teaching.
You want to build a personal brand and establish authority.
You are willing to invest time in content creation and marketing.
You want full control over your course and its revenue.
Ideal for: Coaches, consultants, and industry experts who want to own their courses and maximize profits.
5.2. Choose to Be a Co-Producer If:
You have marketing, business, or technical skills, but no desire to teach.
You prefer scaling through partnerships rather than creating content.
You want to launch multiple courses faster by working with different experts.
You are comfortable with profit-sharing and revenue-based earnings.
Ideal for: Digital marketers, videographers, course platform specialists, and entrepreneurs who prefer collaborative projects over content creation.
6. Can You Be Both a Producer and a Co-Producer?
Yes! Many successful entrepreneurs start as co-producers to gain experience and later become producers by launching their own courses.
Example Path:
Start as a Co-Producer → Partner with experts and learn course production, marketing, and sales.
Build Your Audience → Establish a following through social media, content marketing, or an email list.
Launch Your Own Course as a Producer → Leverage past experience to create high-converting content.
This hybrid approach reduces risk while maximizing income potential over time.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is More Worthwhile?
- If you are an expert looking for full control and branding opportunities, becoming a producer is the best path.
- If you prefer working behind the scenes, scaling multiple projects, and leveraging partnerships, co-producing is a smarter choice.
- If you want the best of both worlds, start as a co-producer and transition into being a producer later.
Both roles have high income potential, and the best choice depends on your strengths, risk tolerance, and long-term business vision.
By understanding these roles and their financial potential, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your skills and goals in the digital course industry.