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With more than 300 million active customers worldwide, Amazon gives course creators, coaches, and educators an opportunity to reach a global audience that’s already searching for solutions.
If you’ve ever wondered how to sell courses on Amazon, the good news is: it’s easier than you think. Amazon offers multiple pathways to package and monetize your expertise, like ebooks, audiobooks, and physical course materials.
But while the potential is huge, the process can feel confusing – especially when it comes to Amazon’s various digital product formats and marketing options.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to sell courses on Amazon: from creating your seller account and listing your course, to pricing strategies, fulfillment, and marketing tactics inside and outside Amazon. Along the way, you’ll see real-world examples, compliance tips, and explore different ways to maximize your sales potential.
Can you sell courses on Amazon?
The short answer is yes. You can sell courses on Amazon, but not always in the way you might expect. Amazon doesn’t allow you to upload a self-contained online course directly in the same way you would on a learning management system (LMS). Instead, you need to package your course in a format Amazon supports.
That means your course could take the form of:
Each format has its own compliance requirements and revenue model, but the key point is this: if your course can be turned into an ebook, video, audio, or physical product, it can be sold on Amazon.
Many successful course creators use Amazon as a top-of-funnel strategy. For example, they might publish a book, audiobook, or tutorial that introduces learners to their expertise, then funnel buyers into their full online course hosted on a platform like LearnWorlds. This hybrid approach combines Amazon’s reach with the flexibility of a dedicated elearning platform.
Why sell courses on Amazon?
Selling your courses on Amazon comes with some unique advantages. It’s not a replacement for your main course platform, but it can be a smart way to expand your reach and create another stream of income.
Reach a global audience
One of the biggest Amazon course sales benefits is access to a global audience. Amazon is one of the largest marketplaces in the world, with 2.8 billion daily visitors. Many are already looking for books, tutorials, and learning resources.
Listing your course content there gives you instant access to unlimited reach on Amazon without the upfront cost of building traffic from scratch.
Build credibility quickly
Amazon is a trusted marketplace. That trust can work in your favor, especially if you’re just starting out. Someone who’s never heard of you may feel more comfortable buying a Kindle course or audiobook on Amazon than through a site they’ve never visited before. It’s a way to lower the barrier for new learners to give your content a try.
Add another revenue stream
Relying on one sales channel can be risky. Amazon gives you a chance to diversify, whether you’re selling a full video series, a workbook, or a Kindle edition of your course. Some creators use it as a low-cost entry point, guiding readers toward their full course later. If you’re not sure what format to start with, we’ve put together a guide on how to sell content online that walks through different options.
Create passive income opportunities
Once your listing is live and optimized, Amazon can generate sales in the background. With the right setup, you can build a steady trickle of passive income from courses—which means less time managing every sale, and more time to create new content.
Take advantage of Amazon’s tools
Beyond exposure, Amazon offers seller tools that can help you grow like Sponsored Products ads, customer reviews, and detailed analytics inside Seller Central. These features can help you test pricing, improve your listings, and build social proof over time.
Types of course content you can sell on Amazon
Amazon doesn’t allow you to upload a traditional online course directly, but you can package your material into formats the marketplace supports. Here’s a roundup of the main options for course creators.
Ebooks
One of the easiest formats to start with is an ebook. By publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can create Amazon eBook courses that guide readers step by step through a topic. Many creators use ebooks as a low-cost entry point, offering practical lessons in text form. This approach, known as Kindle course publishing, works particularly well if your course already has written material like lecture notes, transcripts, or workbooks.
💡If you’re interested in creating an ebook version of your course, our guide on how to create an ebook breaks down the process in detail.
Video courses
Video is one of the most popular ways to learn. While Amazon doesn’t host streaming-only digital classes, you can still create an Amazon video course listing by packaging your content on DVDs or other approved formats. These count as an Amazon video course listing, where your digital content is packaged into a product page.
Another option is to adapt parts of your digital course videos into shorter companion products—eg a video guide that complements a book or workbook.
Audio courses / audiobooks
For learners who prefer to listen, you can repurpose your material as an audiobook. This opens up opportunities for audio learning on Amazon, especially through Audible. Using Amazon’s ACX platform, you can publish audiobook-style courses that students can consume while commuting or multitasking. This is especially effective for courses that focus on personal development, language learning, or storytelling.
Interactive tutorials
While Amazon doesn’t fully support hosted online courses, you can design interactive learning Amazon products by combining physical or digital components. For example, a printed workbook can guide learners to online exercises, or a DVD can include links to extra activities. Framing your offer as a tutorial course will attract more customers who want hands-on learning, not passive content.
Physical products
For some audiences, physical media is still valuable. You might consider:
This mix of formats means you can meet learners where they are—whether they prefer reading, listening, watching, or practicing interactively.
Amazon guidelines for selling courses
On your journey to understanding how to sell courses on Amazon, it’s important to understand the platform’s policies. While Amazon doesn’t allow direct uploads of online classes, you can still sell course-related products if they meet the Amazon digital product rules.
Following these guidelines from the get-go helps you avoid takedowns or wasted effort:
Know the rules for digital content
Amazon is pretty strict about what actually counts as a digital product. Courses can’t be hosted as streaming video or direct downloads on Amazon, but they can be packaged into accepted formats like Ebooks, Audiobooks, DVDs, or bundled learning kits.
These rules are part of Amazon course compliance, which ensures listings align with the categories Amazon officially supports. You can review the latest Kindle Direct Publishing guidelines for ebooks or the ACX rules for audiobooks before publishing.
Course listing requirements
Every Amazon product has to meet certain course listing requirements, from having a clear title and description to using the right product category. For physical formats like DVDs or books, you’ll also need an ISBN or UPC. Amazon requires sellers to:
💡For a deeper look at how to turn your existing lessons into structured products, see our guide on how to create an online course.
Staying compliant long term
Compliance doesn’t stop at publishing. Amazon regularly audits listings, and customer reviews play a role in whether your product remains active. Monitoring your Seller Central dashboard and keeping course materials updated is part of staying within Amazon course compliance.
If you plan to expand into multiple formats (like pairing an ebook with a video companion), it’s worth reviewing the Amazon Seller Central help page to stay up to date.
How to sell a course on Amazon: A step-by-step process
Selling a course on Amazon isn’t complicated, but it does involve following the right process. Here’s how to get started, step by step.
Step 1: Create an Amazon seller account
The first step is to set up your Amazon seller account. You’ll need to choose between two types of accounts:
You can learn more about the differences on Amazon’s official Seller Central page.
When deciding between a professional vs individual seller, think about your long-term goals. For example, if you plan to sell multiple course formats (ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs), the professional account gives you more flexibility.
Step 2: List your course
Once your account is ready, the next step is creating an Amazon course listing. This is where you’ll upload your product details, eg a title, description, images, and category. Treat it like a storefront: a clear, engaging listing will attract more learners.
For this step, you’ll need to pay attention to digital product page optimization. Use keywords that match what learners are searching for, highlight the benefits of your course, and add images that make the product feel professional. For ebooks and audiobooks, a strong cover design is key.
Step by Step Self-Publishing with KDP: Book Publishing on Amazon
Step 3: Price your course
Setting the right price is extremely important. Your course pricing strategy for Amazon should balance affordability with the value you’re offering. Look at similar products to understand the market and aim for competitive pricing without undercutting yourself.
For example, Kindle ebooks often sell in the $9.99–$19.99 range, while audiobooks might be more expensive (depending on length). DVDs or bundled products can be a slightly more premium price if they include extras like worksheets or companion materials.
💡For more ideas, have a read through our full guide on pricing strategies for online courses.
Step 4: Choose a fulfillment option
Next, you’ll decide how to deliver your product to customers. With Amazon, you can choose between FBA vs FBM for digital products (Fulfilled by Amazon vs Fulfilled by Merchant).
For most course creators, Amazon fulfillment options like FBA are easier for scaling, but FBM can work well if you’re just starting out. Amazon explains both models in more detail in their FBA help center.
Step 5: Promote your course
Getting visibility is just as important as creating a listing. You can use Amazon course advertising tools to give your product a boost. Sponsored Products ads let you place your course in front of people already searching for related content.
Investing in Sponsored Products for courses can be especially effective in competitive categories like business skills or personal development. For example, Amazon’s Sponsored Products guide explains how targeting and bidding work. Pair this with external marketing—social media, email, or a course platform like LearnWorlds’ flexible courses, for even better results.
Step 6: Get reviews
Social proof is crucial on Amazon. Positive Amazon course reviews build trust and improve your ranking in search results. Luckily, getting reviews isn’t difficult. You can encourage early buyers to leave honest feedback by following up with an automated ‘check-in’ message after each purchase.
Pay attention to the student feedback Amazon provides, as this shows future customers that your product is credible. A steady flow of reviews can make the difference between a listing that struggles and a listing that consistently generates sales.
Marketing strategies beyond Amazon
Amazon is a powerful channel, but relying on it alone limits your growth. To maximize sales, you’ll want to combine Amazon’s tools with outside marketing efforts. This boosts visibility and helps you engage more deeply with your audience.
Leverage social media promotion
One of the most effective ways to drive traffic to your Amazon listing is through social media promotion. A recent Hootsuite study found that more than 4.7 billion people actively use social media, making it an unmatched channel for building awareness.
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn give you space to showcase your expertise, share behind-the-scenes content, and link directly to your course products.
Use course marketing tips that work outside Amazon
Consistency matters. Don’t just announce your course once. Instead, create a content calendar where you share tips, behind-the-scenes posts, and testimonials over time. These are simple but effective course marketing tips that keep your product visible without overwhelming your audience. Pair this with email marketing to nurture interest.
💡If you’re looking for a full framework, our ultimate guide to marketing and selling online courses breaks down strategies you can adapt, whether you’re new or experienced.
Focus on audience engagement
Amazon is transactional by nature, but your long-term success depends on deeper connections. Consistent audience engagement through live Q&A sessions, interactive video lessons, or personalized follow-ups will keep your learners interested in your content beyond a single purchase.
Selling courses on Amazon: Expert insights
Selling courses can be a highly profitable side hustle, and these experts can back it up, offering recommendations on the products and learning formats that work best for the popular platform.
Most practical products that are results-oriented tend to work out the best, especially when they are designed to address a particular need or gap among a specific group of people. The brief, image-intensive, and modular structure of the digital courses is in line with the consumption preferences of the customers of Amazon. Video demonstrations, files that can be downloaded, and interactive features like quizzes or templates are a better format that will generate stronger engagement and completion. Bundling can often be used to increase the perceived value and conversion, eg a core course with complementary ebooks or checklists.
Ydette Macaraeg, Part-time Marketing Coordinator at ERI Grants
Amazon is all about clear deliverable structure and digestible content. For educational content, these might be e-books, mini guides, how-to videos, multimedia, or interactive courses; really anything that users can quickly take in and apply. And it’s more important than ever that convenient and relevant formatting combines with good categorization and search optimization so materials can be found easily and turn into a sale. The secret to success is to find the balance between content quality and visibility in the platform.
Victor Karpenko, Chief Executive Officer at SeoProfy
Top course categories that sell on Amazon
Not every subject resonates equally with Amazon’s audience. The best-selling Amazon course niches tend to align with entrepreneurship and skills that directly drive business growth.
In 2025, these are the most popular online courses on Amazon:
💡If you’re considering expanding beyond Amazon, resources like this guide on selling online courses can help you compare marketplaces and platforms.
Common mistakes to avoid when selling courses on Amazon
Even with Amazon’s massive reach, not every course creator finds success right away. Many sellers have stumbled because of common Amazon course-selling errors that you can avoid with a little preparation.
Let’s look at the most frequent pitfalls course creators face and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Poorly optimized listings
One of the biggest mistakes is creating a bare-bones product page. Without detailed descriptions, clear learning outcomes, and engaging visuals, your course is unlikely to stand out. Amazon learners expect the same level of clarity and polish as they do when buying a book or physical product. Taking time to optimize your course listing—keywords, images, and preview materials—can make all the difference.
2. Ignoring compliance requirements
As we discovered, Amazon has some pretty strict rules around digital products. Uploading the wrong format, skipping metadata, or failing to follow course listing requirements can result in rejections or account suspensions. Resources like Amazon Seller University are worth reviewing so you know what’s allowed—and what isn’t—before you launch.
3. Mispricing your course
Another common misstep is setting prices too high or too low. Without a clear strategy, you risk alienating potential learners or undervaluing your work. A balanced pricing approach—considering Amazon’s referral fees and the competitive landscape—is crucial.
4. Overlooking reviews and engagement
Courses with little to no feedback rarely gain traction. Many creators forget to actively encourage reviews from their early students. Positive ratings and student feedback on Amazon play a critical role in building trust and improving search visibility.
5. Treating Amazon as the only channel
Some educators rely solely on Amazon, missing out on opportunities to promote their courses elsewhere. While Amazon is a powerful sales channel, combining it with your own website or platforms like LearnWorlds gives you more control over branding and learner experience. If you’re exploring alternatives, check out this list of the best online course platforms.
For a broader perspective, EcomClips’ breakdown of common Amazon seller mistakes shows just how many errors stem from a lack of planning or incomplete knowledge. By learning from these lessons upfront, you can avoid setbacks and build a stronger foundation for success.
Additional strategies for boosting Amazon course sales
If you’re wondering how to sell on Amazon more effectively, bundling is a proven tactic. Instead of offering a single course, package multiple lessons together with complementary resources like ebooks, templates, or recorded Q&A sessions. This increases the perceived value and helps justify a higher price point.
For example, combining an introductory “basics” course with an advanced module creates a natural learning path—a true “learn list” of resources students can follow. Bundling works particularly well for creators selling digital downloads on Amazon, since it encourages larger purchases in one transaction.
How to leverage Amazon Author Central for credibility
Many course creators overlook Amazon Author Central, but it’s one of the easiest ways to build credibility. By setting up a professional profile, you can showcase your bio, credentials, and all your published digital products (ebooks, guides, or related learning materials). This adds trust and helps differentiate your work in the crowded Amazon course marketplace.
It’s especially valuable if you plan to repurpose course content into Kindle ebooks, since readers browsing for “courses Amazon” will immediately see your expertise.
Cross-selling strategies for related learning products
Cross-selling is another overlooked opportunity. If you’re selling a video course, consider offering a workbook or audiobook-style version as an add-on. Or, if your content covers entrepreneurship, link it with digital resources like productivity templates or niche ebooks.
Amazon’s recommendation engine prioritizes sellers who diversify their catalog, so every additional listing improves visibility. Using Amazon Brand Registry also ensures your intellectual property is protected, giving you more freedom to experiment with creative bundles and course formats.
How to bundle courses for higher sales
One way to stand out in the Amazon course marketplace is by offering bundles. Instead of selling a single module, you can package related topics—say, a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level—into one product. Bundling raises perceived value and simplifies buying decisions for students who want a clear ‘learn list’ of everything they’ll master.
Ready to start selling online courses?
Selling courses on Amazon isn’t complicated once you’ve nailed the process. The opportunity is there, but it’s only the beginning. Once you’ve figured out how to sell courses on Amazon and built your first listings, you’ll want to continue growing your audience, collecting reviews, and experimenting with marketing channels on top of Amazon.
That’s where platforms like LearnWorlds come in. With features like interactive video and flexible course creation tools, you can go beyond Amazon’s limitations and deliver a richer, branded learning experience.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can explore the platform with a 30-day free trial.
Jaye Hannah
Jaye Hannah is a London-based copywriter and content strategist with a background in EdTech and SaaS. She’s passionate about inclusive, learner-first experiences and exploring how digital education is evolving to meet the needs of diverse, global audiences.
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Amazon supports a range of formats, depending on how you publish:
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