One of the most common questions about publishing a course on Udemy is: How much time does it take to create a course?
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer (and my overall Udemy course strategy is a bit different from others), here are a few factors that affect the time it takes to create a course on Udemy.
Course Length: A Decisive Factor
The length of your course is a primary factor in estimating the time it will take to create it. A 20-hour comprehensive course will naturally demand more time than a concise 45-minute one. While the precise duration can vary, remember that the more extensive the content, the more time you’ll need for planning, recording, and editing.
Subject Matter Expertise: Knowledge Matters
Your familiarity with the subject you’re teaching significantly impacts the time needed for course creation. If you’re well-versed in the topic, you’ll likely spend less time on research and fact-checking. On the other hand, if the subject is new to you, you’ll need to allocate extra time for research and understanding. Being quite knowledgeable about your content not only expedites the creation process but also enhances the course’s quality.
Comfort with Video Creation: From Novice to Pro
Your experience with creating videos plays a role in determining the time required for course development. If you’re new to video content creation, there might be a learning curve as you become accustomed to the technical aspects of recording, lighting, and audio quality. With practice, this process becomes smoother and less time-consuming. Seasoned content creators can complete tasks more efficiently due to their familiarity with the video production process.
Quality Standards: Striking the Balance
Defining your quality standards is another contributing factor. Do you aim for a flawlessly scripted presentation, or are you comfortable with a more natural delivery that might include occasional “uh’s” and “um’s”? Your preference influences the time spent on editing and post-production. If you’re meticulous about perfection, meticulous editing will naturally take longer. However, if you’re content with a more authentic feel, you can save time during this phase.
Average Time Investment for Me
For me, a 1-hour course typically takes me around 40 hours of work. This includes everything from content planning and scripting to recording and editing. Keep in mind that this is based on a part-time effort alongside a full-time job. Your availability will also impact the time frame.
Varying Timelines: Understanding the Range
It’s important to realize that course creation timelines can vary widely based on individual circumstances. For some, especially those new to content development and video creation, the process may take longer than anticipated. On the other hand, experienced creators who are well-versed in their subject matter and video production might work more efficiently.
Extensive Courses: A Lengthier Endeavor
For creators tackling longer courses that span 15 hours or more, the time investment naturally increases. This category of courses often involves a significant amount of preparation, research, content organization, and video production. It’s not uncommon for these projects to take around 4 to 6 months on average. While the time commitment might be higher, the payoff can be substantial in terms of the value provided to learners.
If you’d like to learn more, check out “Create & Sell an Online Course on the Side” to learn how to publish bestselling courses on Udemy