Maven vs Thinkific: what every Learning Design professional must know about eLearning marketplaces
"I see you promote Thinkific… but what about Maven?" Ah yes, the classic platform comparison question. I love these. As someone who lives and breathes Learning Design and eLearning, I get asked about platforms all the time. And today we're unpacking the hottest names in the creator course space: Maven vs Thinkific.
Let's dive into what Maven actually is, how it compares to traditional platforms like Thinkific, and what that means for your Learning Design choices.
What is Maven?
Maven is a course marketplace. It promises to help you turn your expertise into a course—and to teach you how to sell it, too. Scroll through Maven, and you'll see a clean, business-focused environment: sales, leadership, marketing, AI… the usual suspects. And hey, I'm not mad at it. It's slick, well-funded, and definitely not the bargain-basement of online learning.
What sets Maven apart is that it focuses on cohort-based eLearning. That's unusual in marketplaces. But here's the catch: not just anyone can jump on and build a course. You have to apply—or take their accelerator first.
Learning Design in Maven vs Thinkific
Here's where things get real for those of us in Learning Design and eLearning strategy.
Marketplaces like Maven are built for visibility—but not necessarily for control. You're listed alongside other creators and competing for learner attention. This can drive pricing down and put pressure on your Learning Design to dazzle fast.
And while Maven does support cohorts (love that!), the backend still limits your customisation. You're playing in someone else's digital house.
Platforms like Thinkific, on the other hand, give you full creative and commercial control over your eLearning. Your branding, your pricing, your data. That means that using Thinkific, you can fully execute your Learning Design vision—from visuals and UX to community building and long-term engagement.
Which should you use?
That depends on your reasons for choosing Maven vs Thinkific. If you're a thought leader with a killer resume, want a done-for-you launchpad, and don't mind competing in a crowd, Maven might work for you.
But if you already have a brand, a community, and a solid grasp on Learning Design, a dedicated eLearning platform like Thinkific will give you far more flexibility. And in a world where not all courses—or course creators—are equal, that autonomy matters.
Don't confuse the categories, marketplace Maven vs Thinkific platform
Comparing Maven vs Thinkific is like comparing an Uber ride to owning your own car. Both get you from A to B—but the experience, control, and long-term value are totally different.
If you're serious about eLearning and you value strategic Learning Design, start by asking: Do I want visibility or control? Then pick your tech accordingly.
Have you used Maven? Got thoughts on marketplaces vs platforms? Let's talk.