New software platform launched to help users create online schools

A London-based entrepreneur has launched a new platform that enables influencers, creators and experts to create and monetise their own content using white label software.

HowNow, founded by Nelson Sivalingam, allows experts to create interactive online courses and sell them to their followers, setting their own pricing, choosing how people should pay them, and owning all their customer data.

Educators can also use HowNow for £22 a month plus 10% commission on each sale, considerably lower than YouTube’s current commission of 45%.

HowNow enables influencers, tutors and experts to create and sell online courses from their own website, with no coding required. Experts can brand their own online schools, teach live classes, upload videos and pull in content from around the web.

The platform is also designed to engage with smart assessment and gamification tools, with also the functionality to deliver certificates for accredited courses.

Currently, content creators and influencers can monetise their expertise online through video sharing sites like YouTube and subscription content services like Patreon, where they earn through advertisements and donations.

YouTube recently changed its partnership programme criteria, which makes it more difficult for content creators with smaller audiences to make money from the videos they upload.

Before being eligible to earn, YouTubers must accrue 4,000 hours of watch time over 12 months and have 1,000 subscribers. YouTube will then take 45% commission on the revenue generated through adverts.

HowNow makes it easier for small and large influencers and content creators to monetise their knowledge and content with a new revenue stream. Educators of all sizes are using the service, with prices ranging from £22 a month to £239 a month with low or no commissions.

HowNow said that experts are currently experts are teaching a wide range of subjects from marketing to music using the software in over 30 countries.

Nelson Sivalingam, founder of HowNow said: “The gig economy has grown tremendously over the last five years, with more and more people wanting the control and flexibility that it offers them.

“We’ve further enabled this by giving customers the tools to monetise their knowledge in a way they have all the control - very different to what YouTube has been doing where content creators are pretty much giving their content away for free.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the response from experts, tutors and influencers who have used HowNow. The majority can’t believe how easy it is for them to set up an online school with their own branding and start teaching people who are willing to pay for their time and knowledge.

“You no longer need millions of views to get a few thousand pounds. Instead you can have a small but loyal community of followers who pay for your expertise.“N