Curious about the differences between Online Courses, Communities, and Digital Downloads? You’re in the right place. 😉

As an all-in-one digital storefront, Podia lets you sell all three. This guide breaks down what makes each product type unique and helps you decide which one fits your goals.

Best for: Teaching students how to achieve a specific outcome

Online Courses are designed to help students reach a clear, defined result.

Examples:

Students typically pay once for access (you can also offer a payment plan to make them more accessible).

Best for: Building long-term relationships with ongoing value

Unlike a course, a Community doesn’t have an “end.” It’s built to deliver continuous value and connection over time.

Communities are ideal for fostering engagement and creating a space for ongoing interaction.

Members pay monthly or annually, giving you recurring revenue.

Best for: Delivering a single file or set of files

Digital Downloads are great for selling individual resources. They may or may not teach something specific.

Examples:

They’re perfect for eBooks, worksheets, templates, or standalone lessons.

Like courses, Digital Downloads are usually a one-time purchase (but you can offer a payment plan if needed).

Need a hand deciding? Reach out to us at [email protected] or click the chat icon below—we’re happy to help!