#sociallms #lmssoftware #onlinelearning #heartbeat #circle.io #podia #mightynetworks
AI Create Index 540 (meaning that although the copy is original and product testing was caried out, AI was used in the research for the content, and the copy was refined and improved using AI. AI was also used in the generation of some graphics) THIS IS 60% ORIGINAL CONTENT.
Back in 2018, we published an article outlining three distinct categories of Learning Management Systems (LMS): academic, corporate, and commercial. At the time, these categories covered the majority of platforms on the market and reflected the way learning was being designed, delivered, and consumed.
Earlier this year, we revisited that article and introduced a fourth category: community-led LMSs. Since then, we’ve been reflecting more on this trend, and believe a more accurate term is social LMS—platforms where learning is deeply intertwined with community. This shift marks a significant evolution in digital learning since LMS’s first became mainstream.
From Traditional LMS’s to Social Learning
In earlier articles we explored the three broad categories of LMS:
Academic – (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle) – built for schools and universities, prioritizing administration, assignments, and assessment.
Corporate – (e.g., Cornerstone, SAP SuccessFactors, Docebo) – designed for compliance, workforce development, and employee training at scale.
Commercial – (e.g., LearnWorlds, Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi) – serving the creator and entrepreneur market, monetizing courses and knowledge products.
These models work well within their contexts. But increasingly, learners want more than just access to content—they want connection, accountability, and a sense of belonging. This demand has given rise to the social LMS.
What Makes a Social LMS Different?
A social LMS puts community at the core rather than treating it as an add-on. It blends structured learning (courses, modules, workshops) with ongoing community interaction (discussion threads, live events, peer support). Instead of the one-way delivery of knowledge, learning becomes collaborative and interactive.
Why this matters:
- Engagement – Learners are more likely to complete and apply what they learn when they’re part of a community.
- Accountability – Peer interaction keeps learners motivated.
- Sustainability – For creators and organizations, communities extend the lifecycle of learning far beyond a single course.
Why Social LMSs Are Expanding So Quickly
The rapid rise of social LMSs is being driven by a combination of powerful forces. At the heart of this shift is the creator economy, where millions of educators, coaches, and subject matter experts are monetizing their knowledge online. While traditional online courses can feel transactional, social LMSs extend the value by fostering ongoing communities that keep learners engaged long after the initial content is delivered.
This movement has also been accelerated by a growing demand for connection. In a post-pandemic, remote-first world, people are no longer satisfied with passive, one-way learning. They seek meaningful interaction with peers and mentors, looking for spaces that replicate the engagement and accountability of real-life communities.
At the same time, blended models are making learning more seamless. Social LMSs combine the structure of traditional LMS features with the energy of platforms like Slack or Facebook Groups—without requiring learners to jump between separate systems. Finally, sustainable revenue models are helping these platforms thrive. By supporting subscriptions, memberships, and bundled offerings, social LMSs create ongoing value for both learners and educators while ensuring creators and organizations can build viable businesses around them.
Major Contenders in the Social LMS Space
Several platforms are leading the charge in this growing category:
- Podia – A creator-friendly platform that combines course hosting, email, and community features with simple monetization tools.
- Heartbeat – Purpose-built for community engagement, offering live chat, groups, events, and integrations that make it a central hub for learning.
- Mighty Networks – A pioneer in the space, combining courses, memberships, and vibrant community features all in one place.
- Circle – Known for sleek design and intuitive usability, Circle has become a popular choice for creators and organizations looking to build thriving learning communities with flexible course and membership options.
These platforms—and others emerging in the space—are blurring the line between a learning platform and a social platform.
Commercial LMS’s are also entering this space
It’s worth noting that some commercial LMS’s have added community features—for example, LearnWorlds offers tools that allow course creators to foster peer interaction. However, these platforms are still primarily designed around content delivery and sales, with community sitting as an optional layer. Social LMSs, by contrast, are built with community as their foundation. While it’s unlikely that social LMSs will evolve to match the full depth of mainstream commercial platforms, the reverse may well be true: commercial LMSs are increasingly moving toward the social-first model to meet learner expectations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Learning is Social
The rise of social LMSs represents more than just a new product category. It signals a fundamental shift in how people want to learn: with others, not alone.
As these platforms evolve, we can expect even greater integration of community, learning, and commerce. The distinction between LMS, social network, and membership platform will continue to blur.
For educators, creators, and organizations alike, the lesson is clear: the future of learning is not just about delivering content—it’s about building communities that learn together.
Contact us if you need help or advice
Still unsure which option is best for your requirements? Contact us — we’re happy to help you evaluate your setup and find the LMS for your specific needs and budget – asking our advice is free! Only getting us to do it for you is chargeable.
Affiliate Agreements
Thinkific LearnWorlds LearnDash Kajabi
NOTE: Profile Learning Technologies has a number of affiliate agreements with suppliers mentioned above and we may receive payment if you follow those links and subsequently place an order for the product (this will not affect the price you pay).
Be assured we only sign agreements with products we know and trust!