App Showcase: Course Hero

What it does

Course Hero is a comprehensive study and homework help platform for students. Its primary function is to provide answers and explanations for academic questions. Users can get help in multiple ways: by taking a photo of a question from a worksheet, by typing a question manually, or by using a dedicated math solver for equations. The app leverages a massive existing database of questions and answers and also offers access to expert tutors.

Where it shines

The app's standout moment is its 'Exact Match' feature. After scanning a question at 01:06, the app confidently confirms it has the answer at 01:24. This removes ambiguity and creates a high-intent moment right before presenting the paywall (01:31). Another strength is its multi-modal input system. The dedicated math solver (02:54) provides a clean, step-by-step solution that is far more effective than just text recognition for complex equations, demonstrating the app's versatility.

UX highlights

• Friction is contextual. Instead of forcing a sign-up at launch, the app waits until the user tries to get an answer (00:16), making the request feel necessary rather than arbitrary.
• Multiple paths to value. The bottom navigation clearly offers different ways to get help ('Type', 'Scan', 'Solve'), accommodating various subjects and user preferences from the start.
• Clear value exchange. The app offers a non-monetary way to gain access by encouraging users to upload their own study materials to 'earn free unlocks' (05:09), creating a powerful content growth loop.
• Polished micro-animations. Small touches, like the loading animation when creating an account (00:34) or the checkmark when adding a course (02:15), add a layer of polish to the experience.
• Immediate feedback. The app processes scanned questions quickly and provides immediate confirmation if a match is found, reinforcing its speed and effectiveness.

Monetization & growth

Course Hero's monetization strategy is direct and recurring. After a user gets an 'Exact Match' for their question, the answer itself is blurred behind a hard paywall at 01:31. The paywall screen (00:39) presents three subscription tiers (Monthly, Quarterly, Annual) without offering a free trial. The annual plan is highlighted with a 'Save' badge to emphasize its value. Growth is driven by a user-generated content loop, where users can upload documents to earn unlocks, which in turn enriches the platform for all users.

Who it’s for

The app is clearly designed for high school and college students who need quick, reliable help with homework, test preparation, and understanding complex subjects like chemistry and math. It caters to users who value immediate answers and step-by-step explanations and may be struggling to find solutions through traditional search engines. The contribution model also appeals to students who want access without a subscription and are willing to share their own resources.

Notes & opportunities

The user journey can feel a bit fragmented, with paywalls appearing at multiple different points (e.g., after scanning a question, after typing a question). This could potentially create some frustration. For instance, after being blocked from seeing a scanned answer, the user explores related questions only to be blocked again (01:41). Consolidating the paywall logic or offering a limited number of free 'previews' could create a smoother path to conversion by more clearly demonstrating the product's value before asking for payment repeatedly.