Top 9 Online Community Platforms of 2025

Building a loyal community isn’t as simple as posting on social media anymore. Coaches, entrepreneurs, and creators alike are finding that relying solely on platforms like Instagram or Facebook are no longer enough to grow and sustain their audience. Social media algorithms are unpredictable, and engagement can feel like a game of chance.

This is where a good online community platform comes in handy. It gives you full control to nurture relationships, monetize content, and engage your audience on your own terms. In fact, 85% of the brand owners say that having a branded online community provides greater trust among the audience. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top good online community platforms available today, highlighting their features and benefits to help you make an informed choice.

What Are Online Community Platforms?

A good online community platform provides a digital space for individuals with shared interests to connect, interact, and collaborate. These platforms go beyond basic communication tools, offering a range of features designed to grow engagement, build relationships, and facilitate knowledge sharing. For creators, entrepreneurs, and coaches, a good online community platform can be a powerful tool for building brand loyalty, generating leads, and monetizing their expertise.

So, we’ve established what online community platforms are, digital spaces designed for connection and engagement. But understanding what it is, is only half the battle. The real question for creators is: Why should you invest your time and energy into building one? Especially when resources are tight and posting on social media seems like the easiest option.

Well, consider this: a good online community platform offers benefits that extend far beyond simple reach. Let’s explore precisely why building your own community is becoming increasingly essential for content creators.

Why Are Online Communities Important for Creators?

Slapping a ‘follow’ button on your content isn’t community. Creators today need genuine connection, and that’s where a good online community platform steps in. We often talk about community engagement but underestimate its role as an early warning system. Your community, that dedicated core, is the first to signal what’s resonating, what’s flopping, and what fresh ideas are worth pursuing. 

They’re more than fans, they’re your R&D team. Skip the social media noise and build a good online community platform where real feedback drives your next big move. Your community, your control.

Here’s why a good online community platform is essential for creators:

• Personalized Fan Engagement: A good online community platform helps create a niche hub customized for supporters, where intimate connections can be cultivated around shared interests. Online communities are the creators’ primary source for making connections.

• Collaboration and Support: Creators can directly collaborate with supporters who offer complementary skills. These communities provide a support system for feedback, inspiration, and encouragement.

• Brand Advocacy: Community members can become advocates, spreading the word and sharing the creator’s work, which helps to drive brand growth.

• Monetization: Creators can leverage their community to monetize their brand by offering paid subscriptions to exclusive content. A good online community platform supporting multiple revenue streams is essential for creators to generate a stable and sustainable income.

• Mental Health: A supportive community improves mental health, boosts confidence, and enhances ideation processes. Isolation decreases for both the creator and community members when a community of fans celebrates their work.

• Better Ideas and Projects: Communities allow creators to bounce ideas off each other and gain a better understanding of what their fanbase wants, deepening the relationship between creator and community.

• Sense of Belonging: A good online community platform offers a sense of belonging, enabling individuals to find like-minded peers and seek support.

• Knowledge and Expertise: Communities create a space for people to share their knowledge and expertise, and learn from each other while finding like-minded individuals.

So, we understand why creators need online communities more than ever: to combat isolation, foster collaboration, and even boost mental well-being. But recognizing the need is only the first step. 

The next critical question is: what constitutes a good online community platform in 2025, and which platforms are best equipped to deliver these vital benefits? The answer depends on your specific goals and audience, but some platforms are emerging as clear leaders in providing the tools and environment creators need to thrive. Let’s explore the top contenders.

Top Online Community Platforms for Creators in 2025

Creators are realizing that broad social media reach rarely translates into meaningful engagement. Dedicated platforms offer a compelling alternative, providing a focused environment for building genuine connections and fostering a sense of belonging. A good online community platform functions as more than just a communication hub; it’s a curated space designed to facilitate shared learning, provide direct support, and unlock new opportunities. 

In 2025, the key lies in identifying platforms that offer the most robust and relevant tools for cultivating thriving, sustainable communities around your creative endeavors. Let’s explore the leading options.

Feature	Exly	Kajabi	Podia	Thinkific	Mighty Networks	Circle.so	BuddyBoss	Skool	Bettermode
All-in-One Platform	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Course Creation	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Community Features	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Membership Options	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Email Marketing	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Website Builder	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
Live Streaming	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Mobile App	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌
Custom Branding	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
CRM	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Integrations	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
Pricing (Starting)	Start for free	$119/mo	$33/mo	Varies	$41/mo	$89/mo	$299/yr	$99/mo	$49/mo

So, we’ve highlighted some of the top contenders for creators seeking a good online community platform in 2025: Exly, Kajabi, and a few others. But simply listing the “best” isn’t enough. 

To truly determine which platform aligns with your specific needs, we need to dive deeper than surface-level descriptions. Let’s move beyond the broad strokes and examine the specific features that differentiate these platforms, empowering you to make a truly informed decision.

In Depth Feature Analysis 

1. Exly

Exly is a SaaS platform designed for professionals and creators to build, manage, and grow their businesses. It offers tools to monetize content, create interactive courses, and host live workshops and webinars. Exly provides a branded community feature that allows creators to foster a virtual space for individuals to connect. 

• Features: Branded community space, tools for content monetization, creation of interactive courses, hosting live workshops/webinars, mobile app availability, custom no-code website builder, CRM integration, customizable templates for various needs, scheduling tools, and integrated payment methods.
  
• Benefits: Exly provides an all-in-one platform for business management, community building, and streamlined content monetization. Its simplified lead capture, engagement tracking, and easy payment processing make it an ideal solution for creators looking to grow their business. The platform’s comprehensive tools and customizable options enable creators to manage their business efficiently and effectively.
  
• Pricing: Does not restrict features on the basis of price, and starts for free.

Grow your community and business with Exly, host live sessions, sell courses, manage payments, and engage your audience effortlessly, all in one place. Sign up for free!

2. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that provides online courses, memberships, communities, webinars, email marketing, coaching, and marketing automation. Kajabi’s community features include gamification with challenges, points, badges, and leaderboards.

• Features: Comprehensive tools for creating and selling online courses, membership options, community forums, webinar hosting capabilities, email marketing automation, integrated coaching features, and gamification elements to boost engagement.
  
• Benefits: The platform’s robust features and intuitive interface enable creators to build a strong online presence, connect with their audience, and generate revenue.
  
• Pricing: The Basic plan starts at $119/month (billed annually).

3. Podia

Podia is an all-in-one solution with course, community, and email marketing features. It allows creators to create a space that’s entirely theirs, offering multiple community plans to set up tiers. Podia lets you deliver rewards easily, like exclusive online courses or webinars, straight to the community.

• Features: Capabilities to create and sell online courses, digital downloads, and membership subscriptions, coupled with integrated community features and email marketing tools.
  
• Benefits: The platform’s intuitive design and comprehensive tools make it easy for creators to build a strong online presence, connect with their audience, and generate revenue.
  
• Pricing: Podia’s Mover plan starts at $33/month with a 5% transaction fee. Email marketing add-ons are available for an additional fee.

4. Thinkific

Thinkific is a platform with custom branding, unlimited members, community spaces, groups, course integration, reactions and threads, live events, profiles, and notifications. Thinkific’s community feature enables community leaders to host live sessions and coach from inside the community.

• Features: Options for custom branding, unlimited member capacity, dedicated community spaces, group management, seamless course integration, live event hosting, detailed member profiles, and notification systems.
  
• Benefits: Thinkific is a scalable platform that focuses on course creation and community engagement. Its custom branding options and integration capabilities make it easy for creators to create a unique and engaging learning environment.
  
• Pricing: Thinkific offers tiered pricing plans, including Basic, Start, Growth, Expand, and Plus plans. All plans except Plus come with a 14-day free trial.

5. Mighty Networks

A platform designed to help creators build and grow a thriving online presence, Mighty Networks combines community, courses, content, and commerce. It offers features like live streaming, polls, and a checklist manager to streamline tasks and manage communities effectively. The platform is also starting to integrate AI for content suggestions and community moderation.

• Features: Robust community management tools, capabilities for creating and selling online courses and paid memberships, live streaming options, event management features, detailed member insights, and AI-powered tools.
  
• Benefits: The platform’s comprehensive tools and AI-powered insights enable creators to build a strong online presence, connect with their audience, and generate revenue.
  
• Pricing: The Community Plan starts at $41/month.

6. Circle.so

Circle is an all-in-one platform that stands out with its immersive live streams, automated check-ins, and AI-powered community management. It offers standard community tools alongside innovative functionalities. Circle provides in-depth analytics to gain insights into member behavior, engagement levels, and overall community health.

• Features: Discussion boards, group chats, online course builder, native live streaming, advanced analytics, SSO integration, and white-labeling options.
  
• Benefits: Circle.so offers an all-in-one platform with strong community engagement features, robust support for course creation and live streaming, and extensive customization options.
  
• Pricing: Circle.so’s plans include Professional ($89/month), Business, and Enterprise.

7. BuddyBoss

The BuddyBoss platform allows members to organize themselves into public, private, or hidden social areas with separate activity feeds and member listings. Creators can allow members to make connections with one another and focus on those they care about most.

• Features: User profiles, activity feeds, group management, private messaging, e-learning integration, and mobile app support.
  
• Benefits: BuddyBoss offers a comprehensive suite of tools for building and managing online communities. Its seamless integration with LearnDash makes it easy for creators to offer online courses.
  
• Pricing: While the BuddyBoss Platform is a free download with limited features, BuddyBoss Premium starts at approximately $299/year.

8. Skool

Skool is a community platform that focuses on simplicity and ease of use, combining course hosting with community features.

• Features: Community platform, course hosting, member profiles, gamification elements, activity tracking, and unlimited access to courses and members.
  
• Benefits: Skool is a simple and straightforward platform that focuses on community and course creation, offering unlimited access to all features.
  
• Pricing: Skool has one plan at $99/month with access to all features.

9. Bettermode

Bettermode is a community platform designed to integrate seamlessly with existing websites and tools, offering customizable spaces and engagement features.

• Features: Customizable community spaces, engagement features, and seamless integration with existing websites and tools.
  
• Benefits: Bettermode helps businesses create vibrant online communities where people can connect, share ideas, and support each other.
  
• Pricing: Bettermode offers tiered pricing plans, including starter, pro ($49/month) and enterprise.

Other Platforms:

• Discord: While not specifically designed for online communities, Discord’s real-time interactions and community-building capabilities make it a relevant platform. Discord is known for its real-time interactions and community-building capabilities. It offers voice and text channels, making it suitable for various types of communities, including gaming, education, and professional groups.

• Facebook Groups: With a large user base, Facebook Groups can be useful for building a community. Facebook Groups benefit from a large user base, making it easy to reach a wide audience. They offer basic community features such as discussions, events, and file sharing.

• Reddit: Reddit’s community-driven nature is based on strong moderation, niche communities, and anonymous participation. Reddit is characterized by strong moderation, niche communities, and anonymous participation. It is organized into subreddits, each focusing on a specific topic, allowing users to find and participate in communities that align with their interests.

• Slack: Slack’s community management features allow companies to dig deep into specific topics and maintain open channels of communication between users. Slack offers community management features within a business communication platform. It allows for organized communication through channels and direct messaging, making it suitable for teams and project-based communities.

We’ve just dissected the key features that differentiate the top online community platforms. But all that technical detail means little without context. The real challenge for creators isn’t understanding the features themselves but determining which good online community platform best aligns with their specific brand, target audience, and long-term goals. 

Now, let’s translate this feature knowledge into actionable steps, guiding you through the process of choosing the platform that’s right for you.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Brand

A growing online community can significantly boost a creator’s brand, but platform selection requires careful consideration. It’s less about surface-level features and more about deeply understanding your audience’s needs and aligning the platform with your specific brand strategy. This guide explores key and often overlooked factors for choosing the right solution.

• Specificity is Key: Instead of “discussions,” what kind of discussions? Are you hosting weekly Q&As for coding problems, in-depth critiques of creative writing, or sharing wins in a weight loss journey?

• Demographic Details: Are you an executive coach looking for a professional, secure platform to host sensitive discussions and maintain a high level of confidentiality? Or perhaps you’re a fitness coach seeking an affordable, user-friendly platform to connect with clients in a more casual and engaging way? Understanding your own coaching style and audience needs is key to choosing the right online community platform that fits your goals.

• “Customization” Deconstructed: What specifically do you need to customize? Is it just brand colors and logo (most platforms offer this)? Or do you need to heavily modify the user interface, add custom fields to profiles, or integrate with a proprietary CRM? This dramatically narrows down your options.

• “User Experience” Audit: Test, Test, Test! Sign up for free trials (most platforms offer them). Don’t just look at the platform from your admin perspective; experience it as a typical member. Is it easy to find the information they need? Is the mobile experience good? Are notifications clear and not overwhelming? A clunky user experience will kill community engagement faster than anything.

• Content Focus: Don’t just think about “content.” Do you need to host long-form blog posts with advanced formatting ? Short, quick video updates? Or interactive exercises within online courses (like Exly)? The type of content you’ll create directly impacts platform choice.

• Moderation Needs: How hands-on do you need to be with moderation? If you anticipate a highly active or potentially contentious community, platforms with robust moderation tools are essential. If your community is smaller and self-policing, a platform with simpler moderation features might suffice.

• Data Ownership: Read the fine print! Who owns the data generated within the community? What happens if you decide to switch platforms later? Data portability is crucial.

• Support and Documentation: How responsive is the platform’s support team? Is there comprehensive documentation and tutorials available? A lack of good support can be a deal-breaker.

• Scalability: Can the platform handle your community as it grows? What are the limitations on members, storage, bandwidth, etc.?

Choosing the right platform is a crucial step, but it’s only the beginning. Once you have that foundation, how do you actually connect with your community in a meaningful way? Is having a good online community platform enough?

Increasingly, creators are finding videos to be the key. Let’s explore how incorporating video can transform your community interactions from transactional to truly engaging.

Want Deeper Connections? Is Video the Key for Creators?

For coaches, entrepreneurs, and creators, video is more than just another way to share content, it’s a powerful tool for boosting community engagement. Unlike generic stock photos, video lets you show your personality, build trust, and simplify complex ideas in a way that’s easy for your audience to understand.

A good online community platform knows this and makes it easy to integrate video into your interactions. For example, a quick explainer video can onboard new members faster than a long text guide, and live Q&A sessions help you connect with your audience on a much deeper level than static posts can. Studies show that people retain 95% of information when they watch a video, compared to just 10% when reading text.

By using video in your good online community platform, you’re not just sharing content, you’re creating a more engaged, loyal community that learns and connects with you.

Conclusion

A good online community platform does more than host discussions; it becomes the backbone of your brand’s engagement, loyalty, and revenue. The most successful creators don’t just attract an audience; they create a space where people want to stay, interact, and invest.

Many overlook how community-driven businesses see higher retention, stronger word-of-mouth growth, and better monetization opportunities than those relying only on social media. The key is picking a platform that supports your business model, whether through memberships, exclusive content, or interactive learning experiences.

The creator economy isn’t slowing down, and neither should your brand’s growth. A good online community platform gives you control, stability, and a direct connection with your audience, so choose one that doesn’t just support your business today but elevates it for the future.

Ready to build and scale your community? Exly is the all-in-one platform designed for creators and entrepreneurs. With Exly, you can:

• Manage Groups & Channels: Effortlessly oversee multiple groups and chat channels. Share media, interact with members, and drive engagement, all in one place.
• Payments Made Easy: Collect both domestic and international payments for online and offline classes. Offer lifetime access or monthly subscription plans to monetize your community.
• Automated Communication: Automate bookings, reminders, and drip campaigns with ease. Send confirmation emails, WhatsApp reminders, and more, without lifting a finger.
• Growth Marketing Suite: Create limited-time offers, discount codes, and custom promotions for your community, driving sales and loyalty with a robust CRM and powerful insights.

Take control of your community and business today with Exly. Get started for free now.

FAQs Good Online Community Platform:

1. What features define a good online community platform for creators?

A good online community platform offers monetization tools, audience engagement features, and easy customization to fit your brand.

2. Can a good online community platform replace social media for audience growth?

Yes, a good online community platform helps creators bypass social media algorithms, ensuring direct access and deeper connections with their audience.

3. How do I choose a good online community platform for paid memberships?

A good online community platform should support subscription tiers, gated content, and seamless payment integration for recurring revenue.

4. Is a good online community platform necessary for small creators?

Absolutely! A good online community platform helps small creators build loyalty, monetize content, and grow an engaged audience without relying on third-party platforms.

5. Can a good online community platform improve course engagement?

Yes, a good online community platform enhances course engagement by offering discussion forums, live sessions, and direct creator-audience interaction.