6 Student Community Platforms To Leverage Now

Education has undergone significant changes in the last 20 years. 

Traditional teaching methods no longer meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy students. Learning Management Systems (LMS) have long since been an integral part of education, alongside eLearning solutions and platforms. 

However, to keep younger audiences of students engaged, educational institutions and teachers need to go beyond courses delivered in a digital format. Modern learners want real connections, peer-to-peer interactions, and a sense of belonging. Students today don’t just want content; they want to feel engaged.

For educators and institutions, especially when trying to attract new students, the challenge is clear: how do you build a student community that feels real, encourages participation, and makes learning more meaningful?

The answer involves utilizing student community platforms that prioritize genuine, authentic human connections. 

Our research shows that video-based learning experiences — both live and recorded — make students feel more connected and present than text-only platforms. Students today need spaces where online interaction feels personal, like face-to-face conversations. 

Purely digital exchanges aren’t enough and aren’t what students want, not when they’re the generation that has grown up in a digital native environment. 

This guide explores six powerful student community platforms changing how schools, universities, and educators build connected learning environments in 2025.

Let’s dive in 👇

6 Essential Student Community Platforms for 2025

Below are six specific types of platforms that are either specifically designed for students and universities or can be used in an educational setting. 

#1 Video-First Community Platforms: The Future of Student Engagement

The most forward-thinking platforms prioritize genuine human interaction through video. These communities use both live and recorded (asynchronous) video to create online spaces that feel personal and engaging.

Unlike forums or text-based chats, video-first platforms enable students to form genuine relationships with their classmates and instructors. They can join study groups, present projects, debate, and collaborate through face-to-face video. 

All of this captures tone, emotion, and personality; key elements for effective learning. When students are engaged, they’re more likely to stick with a particular course, module, or lesson, and more likely to complete their education. 

Some of the most valuable features of a video-centric learning platform include:

• Video discussion boards

• Peer-to-peer mentoring through video calls

• Asynchronous video assignments

• Live collaboration sessions

The result is an online community that feels more like a classroom than a website or app. Universities, colleges, and other educational institutions can utilize Swarm for this purpose. 

💡Want to make a video-based community for your students? Find out more about Swarm today: Build a home for your learning community on a platform that guarantees higher engagement than anywhere else.

#2 Learning Management System-Integrated Communities

Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Instructure (formerly Canvas), Anthology (formerly Blackboard), and Moodle now include community features. These platforms let students access content, courses, grades, and connect with one another in a virtual environment. 

LMSs are also known as Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), but since they are more commonly referred to as an LMS, we will use that term going forward.

The strength of LMS-integrated communities is their seamless connection to coursework and calendars. Students can easily switch from assignments to class discussions.

At the same time, one of their weaknesses is that LMS platforms are primarily designed for course management, rather than community building. 

While newer versions add video tools and forums, they don’t always create the authentic, personal engagement that students now expect.

For schools already using them, LMS platforms provide a strong foundation. 

However, what you’ll probably need is another platform that sits alongside or integrates with an LMS or VLE, to provide students with a more engaging way to interact with each other, teachers, and the course content. 

Source

#3 Peer Learning and Study Group Platforms

Some platforms are specifically designed for peer-to-peer learning. Examples of these include Mentimeter, SC Training, Discourse, Coda, and Guru. 

These platforms enable students to form study groups, share notes, tutor one another, and schedule sessions.

Features of peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms often include:

• Virtual study rooms

• Document sharing and collaborative notes

• Peer matching by subject or goals

• Gamification (e.g., points, rewards, badges, etc.)

These platforms are most effective when tied to structured programs that encourage or require participation. 

Without active involvement and encouragement from tutors and course leaders, engagement could reduce over time. 

#4 Professional Development and Career-Focused Communities

Many students also seek platforms that aid in career preparation. 

These combine learning with networking, mentorship, and job opportunities. For example, LinkedIn Learning combined courses with professional networking. Students not only gain skills but also connect with industry experts, alumni, and mentors.

The significant advantage is the dual focus: students learn while also preparing for their careers, building valuable networks that last beyond graduation.

#5 Subject-Specific Academic Communities

Some platforms focus on specific fields of study, such as science, medicine, software development, or education. 

These communities give students access to expert instructors, professionals, and advanced peers.

Benefits of joining a subject-specific area include:

• Specialized resources and tools

• Opportunities for research and deeper learning

• Networking within a chosen discipline

These platforms are excellent for deep, subject-focused learning. However, they may limit exposure to broader or cross-disciplinary perspectives.

#6 Hybrid Learning and Community Platforms

The most advanced platforms combine many approaches. They combine content delivery, community features, assessments, and career tools into a single solution.

Hybrid platforms usually include:

• Live teaching

• Fast chat, Q&As, and polls

• Dedicated spaces for discussion and collaboration

Hybrid learning platforms offer flexibility, providing various communication styles and formats to accommodate diverse learning preferences.

Next, we examine key features to consider when selecting a student community platform and how you can enhance your educational provisions with video-based learning using Swarm. 

Key Features to Look For in Student Community Platforms

When choosing a student community learning platform, prioritize features that improve connection and engagement, like the following:

• Video integration: Both live and recorded video for authentic interactions

• Ease of use: A simple, intuitive design that encourages participation

• Mobile access: Students need to join from any device, ideally with an app or an app-like mobile website 

• Privacy and safety: Secure environments for learning, and compliant with the relevant data protection laws in the regions and countries you operate in 

• Integration: Compatibility with existing school tools and systems, including LMS platforms 

• Analytics: Data on engagement and outcomes to guide improvements

The Impact of Video-First Learning Communities

Research indicates that video, particularly in group collaboration, enhances student engagement. 

Seeing and hearing classmates and instructors helps them feel connected and more confident in participating.

Video also supports deeper learning by capturing nonverbal cues, emotions, and the natural flow of conversation. Students often report feeling more motivated and comfortable when learning through video rather than text alone.

The most effective platforms understand this: education works best when it’s built on collaborative learning, discussion, and debates, not just delivering information and content. 

Transform Your Educational Community with Swarm

Want to create a student community that truly engages? Swarm is a video-first platform built for education.

Swarm allows both live and recorded video interactions, making online communities feel personal and authentic. 

It’s designed for educators, schools, and organizations that want to foster genuine connection in digital spaces.

Key benefits of using Swarm include, but aren’t limited to:

• Seamless video integration

• Collaborative learning tools

• Community management features

• Data and analytics for measuring success

With Swarm, educators can create meaningful learning communities that help students thrive.

💡Want to make a video-based community for your students? Find out more about Swarm today: Build a home for your learning community on a platform that guarantees higher engagement than anywhere else.

Swarm in action

Student Community Platforms Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

How do student platforms differ from social media?

Unlike social media, student platforms are designed for educational purposes. They include course integration, instructor involvement, privacy protections, and clear learning-focused guidelines.

How does video improve student communities?

Video enables face-to-face interaction, fosters stronger relationships, facilitates more transparent communication, and promotes more engaging learning. Students can present projects, collaborate in real-time, and develop skills for school and future careers.