According to Thinkific, the report uses consumer survey findings from over 2 500 Americans and expert creator insights to predict trends in the online learning industry and wider creator economy.

After a year of massive shifts across the technology sector and the wider economy, the data reinforces the message that online learning is growing and offers financial stability for a consistently increasing body of creators, says Thinkific.

The key trends highlighted in the 2024 report include the following:
  • AI isn't destroying online education; it's increasing creator productivity.
  • Downloadables emerge as the quickest path to creator monetisation.
  • All platforms become learning platforms.
  • Private communities provide welcome respite from social media fatigue.
  • The creator economy is no longer monopolised by a younger demographic.

Among the many data points in the report, key findings say that:
  • ninety-two percent of people dedicate at least one hour per month to learning digitally
  • sixty-two percent of people say they're more interested in creators who make digital content for educational purposes than entertainment purposes, and 
  • almost one out of every five people (19.2%) between the ages of 41-56 consider themselves digital creators. This is up 16% since 2023.

"The consumer insights that form the foundation of our latest report should be very reassuring and invigorating for creators," says Greg Smith, co-founder and CEO of Thinkific.

"More people than ever are dedicating time to learning online, and AI is making it easier than ever to start and grow your business online. However, consumers have a clear preference for the personality, authenticity and personal brand that come from human creators," adds Smith.

"We're excited to share these insights with creators in the hopes it helps more of them embrace the incredible opportunities that exist today," Smith concludes. 

Thinkific says that within the report, popular creator and former YouTube and Instagram employee Jon Youshaei offered his own unique trend predictions for the wider creator economy, including a bet on the rise of even shorter-form content and the return of unedited content.

For more trends in digital learning, key research findings or insights from expert creators, access Thinkific's full, free 2024 Online Learning Trends Report here.

For more information, visit www.thinkific.com. You can also follow Thinkific on Facebook, X or on Instagram.