Membership.io vs. Kajabi: 6 Things Membership.io Does That Kajabi Can’t (From a Proven Membership.io Expert)
I first started using Membership.io back when it was still called Searchie about five years ago. Since then, I’ve built, launched, and optimized many hundreds of Membership.io Hubs for coaches, course creators, and membership owners.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or migrating from another platform like Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkific or something else, I know how to get your Membership.io site launched fast, looking professional, and built to convert.
If you want to see one of my original deep-dive reviews of the platform back in its Searchie days, check out my Searchie Review. It’s a great snapshot of where the platform started and how far it’s come.
Kajabi is a solid platform. I’ve even recommended it in the past and still help some clients with it today. But for creators managing video-rich, interactive, and scalable memberships, Membership.io offers unmatched features, flexibility, and automation.
1. Smart Search + AI Chat
Membership.io automatically transcribes all your video and audio content in 25+ languages, making it fully searchable. Members can type a keyword or phrase and jump straight to the exact moment it’s said.
With AI Chat, members can go one step further, asking questions in plain language and getting instant answers pulled directly from your content, complete with time-stamped references.
2. Built for Non-Techies (But With Advanced Tools for Power Users)
You don’t need to know code or hire a developer to launch on Membership.io. The platform offers drag-and-drop templates, an AI Hub generator, and smart automations so you can:
Auto-import content from Zoom, YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram (and more!)
Auto-transcribe and caption everything
Organize videos and playlists with minimal manual upkeep
If you’re a power user, Membership.io still has the flexibility to create complex, customized experiences.
3. Gorgeous, On-Brand Hubs
Your membership space should feel like your brand the moment someone logs in.
Apply your colors, images/graphics and style
Use pre-built templates
4. Netflix-Style Experience + Personalization
Membership.io offers sleek, binge-worthy layouts and advanced personalization:
Show content based on purchase
Tailor visibility using onboarding answers or CRM tags
Unlock bonus content for VIPs
Drip modules as members complete prerequisites or based on date (perfect for courses!)
5. Accessibility for All Learners
Membership.io makes your content inclusive by automatically:
Adding captions to every video
Creating downloadable transcripts
Offering audio-only versions for learning on the go
6. Real-Time Analytics That Actually Help You Grow
Membership.io’s live dashboard shows you exactly what’s working—and what’s not—so you can make smart, fast decisions. Track:
Total and active members
Monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
Churn rate (% of users leaving)
New signups
Top-performing content
Community activity
Drop-off points
7. AI Assistant for Instant Repurposing
Membership.io’s built-in AI Assistant can turn one piece of content into:
Blog posts
Email newsletters
Social captions
YouTube descriptions
Key takeaways for summaries
Frequently Asked Questions About Membership.io
-
Great question!
Honestly, it depends on your business model.
Most creators can get away with one Hub that houses everything: courses, memberships, and client resources, all organized by access level. But, that can complicate the set up so if it’s your first launch, I suggest beginning with one offer and one hub.
But if you run distinctly different offers (like a coaching program and a membership), having two Hubs can keep the experience cleaner and easier to manage.
Inside my VIP Intensive, I help you decide what makes sense based on your goals, tech setup, and how your audience interacts with your content so you don’t overbuild or overcomplicate things.
-
For most membership and course creators, yes. It handles hosting, payments, community, and member engagement in one place.
For those seeking an all-in-one, it does not replace it.
-
Yes. Membership.io is the new name for Searchie, now with expanded features.
-
Coaches, course creators, and membership owners who want a professional, interactive experience for their clients. If your business involves video, audio, or community—this is your platform.
-
Membership.io focuses on user experience…smart search, personalized access, community, ease of use and deep analytics. It’s designed for creators who care about usability and scalability.
-
Not at all. Membership.io is built for non-techies with drag-and-drop templates and smart automations. But if you are techy, you’ll love how flexible and customizable it is.
-
You can connect it directly to Stripe or use external carts like ThriveCart for more advanced sales tools.
I help clients choose the best option based on their goals.
-
I’ve been building on Membership.io since its earliest days and am a trusted partner of the Membership.io team, who often refer creators to me. I’ve helped many hundreds of clients launch professional, user-focused, branded Hubs quickly.
-
With my VIP Intensive, we can launch in a single day, sometimes even an hour or two.
-
After your VIP Intensive, you can join my Shell, Yes! Membership. It’s a super supportive, close-knit community of growing entrepreneurs.
You’ll get ongoing strategy, updates, and tech support, plus direct access to me for questions and guidance.
It’s like having an expert in your back pocket and a group of peers who truly get what it’s like to grow a business with heart.
Work With a Proven Membership.io Expert
Two ways to work with me:
DIY Program Hub Up! — 5-minute lessons, actionable tasks, expert tips, templates, and a clear path to launch for just $27 (or bundle with Check My Hub for $74.50)
Done-for-You VIP Intensive — Your Membership.io Hub built in a day so you can launch with confidence
Top Past Blog Posts
*Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may get a commission if you purchase. However, none of the fees of these resources have been increased to compensate me. When possible, if special discounts are provided to me, I extend them to you!
If you’re comparing Membership.io and Kajabi, here’s the truth from someone who’s built hundreds of Hubs. Membership.io makes it easier to manage video-rich memberships, automate your content, and deliver a Netflix-style learning experience your members will love. From smart search and AI chat to built-in repurposing tools, it’s a powerhouse for creators who want a professional, on-brand, and scalable platform—without the tech overwhelm.