When I first wrote this article yoga teacher training online had just boomed. Today there is no shortage of training available which makes it more important than ever to choose carefully as not all training are created equal. I once always vouched for training in person, however, since doing multiple online training courses myself I can confidently say that you can walk away from online yoga teacher training fully ready to teach. In many ways, online yoga training can be even better.
Yoga teacher training that was once unavailable to those who couldn’t take a month off of work or travel to far-off destinations are now available for anyone who has internet access. Part-time options are available that are perfect for those who are parents, or working full-time. Plus flexible training schedules, with on-demand and live calls means that there is now zero excuses to begin your dream of becoming a teacher (or deepening your practice!).
Start your journey now online to learn from world-renowned teachers with these top YTT (yoga teacher training) recommendations.
Online YTT Quick Picks (Start Your Research Here)
Best for Live Support & Business | Best for Time Flexibility | Best Value for Budget Conscious |
Uplifted Yoga - My Personal Recommendation | Akasha Yoga | Movement Wisdom |
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READ MORE: How Life-Changing Yoga Teacher Training Is
Do I Need to Be Certified to Teach Yoga?
You can! But does that mean that you should? Legally there are no issues with teaching yoga without a certification as there is nothing to enforce any rules regarding yoga teachers. That being said, as a teacher you will be informing students how to move their bodies, and learning how to do so safely is best for the greater good to avoid injuries. Not to mention that you will also be passing on ancient philosophical teachings that are best passed on from a teacher.
You will also be hard-pressed to find a studio, gym, or anyone to hire you without your 200-hour yoga certification minimum plus experience. It’s not impossible, but becoming a certified teacher is highly recommended.
What is Yoga Alliance?
Yoga Alliance (YA) is the closest thing that the yoga training world has to a governing body. It’s a non-profit association that represents both schools and teachers. Yoga schools can opt to become Yoga Alliance certified and so can teachers. By doing so it ensures that schools that offer training have some semblance of structure and cover a required amount of hours over various topics that yoga as a whole covers. This ranges from anatomy sections to philosophy, teaching to practice, practicum hours, contact hours, and more.
Does a training need to be Yoga Alliance certified?
The short answer is no. BUT…the wide majority of teachers, yoga schools, and training will say that being Yoga Alliance certified is a big benefit and would recommend only looking at training that are approved by YA.
However, I have noticed a recent trend of teachers and schools opting to not be YA certified. As much good as YA does, I believe that there needs to be a lot of work done. Online certifications are not monitored and thus it’s a bit like the wild west out there. Don’t let this discourage you from looking into an online YTT though. Just keep in mind that a training that is YA-certified doesn’t necessarily make it better than a non-certified training.
Some teachers and schools will opt to not be certified because they believe yoga needs to be more focused on a certain aspect. Yoga Alliance sets the standards but they are the bare minimum, which is why many training opt to go above and beyond (as they should). Yoga is an ancient practice and belief system. The modernized Yoga Alliance does not have a say in what is good training or bad, or how every training should be structured.
However, if you would like a great balance in your future yoga training then opting for a YA certified school is your best bet.
I go into more detail on how to choose the best YTT for you, including the breakdown of Yoga Alliance designations. If you’re unsure or confused, opt for a YA-certified training to keep things simple!
Do you need to be YA certified as a teacher?
Nope! Just like with training becoming certified as a teacher is up to your discretion. Yoga Alliance for teachers is simply a registry. You can also keep track of your hours on the website, and it’s a great place to add links to help your website if you go the online route, especially if you start a blog!
There are perks to being a YA member as a teacher such as discounts on yoga products and insurance, access to free online training, masterclasses, and more.
While I am currently a YA certified teacher, it is something I’ve been debating as of late. Just know that if you choose to go in one direction, you are allowed to change your mind too. There’s no right or wrong way.
Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses
Course | Self-Paced or Live? | Styles Included | Certifications | Yoga Alliance Certified |
Mix, 2x yearly cohorts | Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative | 200, 300, 200 Kundalini, Yoga History, speciality yoga courses | Yes | |
Mix, no cohorts | Hatha, Vinyasa | 200, 300, Yin, Meditation, Pranayama | Yes | |
Mix, no cohorts | Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative | 200 | Yes | |
Mix, no cohorts | Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Kundalini | 200, 300, 200-hour Kundalini, Yin/Yang, Yoga Nidra, Pranayama | Yes | |
Mix, no cohorts | Hatha, Vinyasa | 200, 300, 200-hour Kundalini, 200-houe QiGong | Yes | |
Mix, 3x yearly cohorts | Hatha, Vinyasa | 200, Master Practitioner Program | Yes |
Disclosure: This article includes paid partnerships and affiliate links which I earn a small commission from that are at no additional cost to you.
Uplifted 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
There’s something to be said about being first in an industry, and when it comes to Online YTT, Brett Larkin’s Uplifted 200-Hour stands out. It was the first (and still arguably the best), purely virtual yoga training certification. That doesn’t mean it’s not intimate (or inexpensive).
For over 7 years, Brett’s perfected her online yoga instructor training methodology. Get instant access to over 100 hours of professionally filmed videos that you can download to your iPhone/Android via her mobile app, or stream to your SmartTV or computer. But that’s just the start of training.
Next you move through a 4 month “live” component on Zoom that builds on the pre-recorded material, interacting with the same students each week (and Brett herself). A 600-page color paper YTT manual that corresponds to all the videos, ships to your door. The course material covers everything (and I mean everything), including the chakras and energy, meditation and pranayama, interpreting the Yoga sutras, in-depth yoga anatomy classes, and yoga philosophy from Tantric roots. It’s a truly comprehensive online 200-hour teacher training.
The Uplifted yoga teacher training course is pricey. But you get what you pay for in terms of quality content (get her sample videos and the brochure here). Considering that the course has a 96% certification rate, it’s the best option for students who are serious about becoming qualified yoga teachers.
And now that Yoga Alliance is finally recognizing online yoga teacher trainings, her online yoga school is registered with YA, giving you full certification to become a registered yoga teacher with YA.
Hot tip: register early. Her training live calls always sell out, and the more time you have to watch the pre-recorded content before live calls, the better.
Not sure about Uplifted? Read my review after having taken this program!
Akasha Yoga Academy
This Yoga Alliance certified course by the Akasha Yoga Academy literally checks all the boxes when it comes to picking a YTT. In this 200-hour training, you will learn authentic breath-based Hatha Yoga, which skillfully unites breath & posture and is a powerful way to connect to yourself and to the essence of life.
Akasha has been offering yoga teacher training over the past decade with over 600 graduates worldwide that rave about the online course, proving that doing your YTT at home can be just as great as in a studio.
Training with Akasha Yoga Academy is top-notch with videos filmed in their very own Baliwood TV studios, and includes a program that is well structured, organized, and of premium quality.
You can expect highly interactive daily live Zoom sessions and one-on-one support on all levels. The teachers are dedicated and are always available to guide you every step of the way.
Plus, with the option to start & graduate in your own time you can study in a learning environment that truly supports your individual flow, and benefit from a personalized schedule that fits your specific lifestyle.
The best part? On top of Akasha’s special 50% discount, they have a 3-month payment plan and a free trial so that you can test out the waters and see if this is the best yoga teacher training program for you!
READ MORE: How to Choose the Right Yoga Teacher Training
Vinyasa Yogashala
In the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh, you’ll find Vinyasa Yogashala hosting students from across the globe who gather to learn the basic principles of yoga and beyond with their in-person training. But since times have changed, you can now experience this enlightening course and learn how to become a yoga teacher from top instructors in India all online.
What’s so great about Vinyasa Yogashala’s 200-hour yoga teacher training is that in just 200 hours not only will you dive into the foundation of Hatha yoga, but also learn vinyasa teaching techniques and even yin yoga which is often a separate course.
With over 10 years of teaching experience, Vinyasa Yogashala is a top choice not only for the education you’ll get but also because this online YTT is very affordable. Plus, you can complete it at your own pace, taking up to 6 months to complete the course. And if you’re still unsure which YTT to take, Vinyasa Yogashala offers a free trial for a week so you can see if the school is a great fit for you.
READ MORE: Top Online Yin Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Farm Ithaca
At Yoga Farm Ithaca you can expect the most ‘in-person’ online yoga teacher training in the world. With this online YTT you’re encouraged to show up just as you are (which I love to preach here on Taylor’s Tracks), with a promise to be met where you are with this training. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, this training is focused on its mission to train people to teach yoga and meditation that makes you feel good.
Classes are taught as a hybrid, which means that it includes live sessions, replays, and pre-recorded supporting content. This course is designed to fit into your busy life so over the course of 3 months (and with 12 months total access to all materials) it’s never been easier to complete a YTT. Plus office hours are included where you can speak to the three instructors who each have over 20 years of experience. Without a doubt, you will leave this online training with the connection you would get from in-person training.
Movement Wisdom 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
This training is all about inclusivity, which is why it’s one of my favourites. If you’ve ever wondered what to do if your body doesn’t always fit every pose perfectly, then the Movement Wisdom YTT is exactly the training you need. This highly-rated course emphasizes inclusivity and teaches you how to make yoga work for every single student in the room, no matter shape, size, unique bone structure, or injuries someone is working with. You will learn 4 different styles of yoga and become a versatile and compassionate teacher.
The lead trainer, Jess Rose, is an internationally famed yoga teacher from the incredibly popular yoga websites DoYou.com and YouAligned.com. She has more than 1 million students worldwide and has led hundreds of yogis successfully through her teacher training programs. Her focus on inclusivity is priceless, and the depth of her knowledge on all aspects of yoga – physical, philosophical, and spiritual – makes this training unbeatable. There is a 1-week trial to see if this training is right for you, so it’s completely no risk to sign up!
DoYogaWithMe Flexible & Supportive 200-Hour Online YTT
I believe this 200-hour online teacher training program (that’s been around since 2018, before online YTT was a thing) is a stellar option for those who wish to complete their YTT at a slower pace, while still getting all of the interaction and support. Over 9 months and through a series of 3 levels, you will complete your 200-hours via pre-recorded content and live meetings, classes and assessments, where you have the opportunity to connect with your teachers and fellow students in your cohort. While DoYogaWithMe has a self-paced option available, I highly recommend joining one of 3 yearly cohorts and graduating with your group, as it truly deepens your learning experience.
Even after you’ve finished all of the online material, you can join their in-person, 50-hour retreat. This is ideal for applying your knowledge to bodies in real life, practicing with support from your instructors, and cultivating more connections with fellow trainees.
Not to mention you will be learning from 4 different teachers (which I also think is key to picking a training) who offer different skill sets and a combined 6 decades of teaching experience. A bonus of joining this YTT is that you’ll get a full year of access to DoYogaWithMe’s Sustaining Member content, which includes 1000+ classes, programs, live events and guided meditations, and you can trial the program for free before you commit! With so much to offer, this comprehensive program could work for everyone. It’s 100% worth looking into!
Spirit Sadhana
Spirit Sadhana is one of the most popular yoga teacher trainings in Spain and now it’s available completely online! You can complete this course in anywhere from one to six months. The course focuses on a combination of yoga styles including hatha, vinyasa and ashtanga.
It is also bilingual in both Spanish and English.
If you’re interested in yoga philosophy then this is the course for you. The instructor has an undergraduate degree in philosophy and is able to bring her passion for eastern philosophy and her education around it into the teachings.
Ulu Yoga (200-hour)
Ulu Yoga offers very affordable online yoga teacher training and your payment for online training can then be used as a credit for any in-person training in Bali or Thailand!
You will have up to 12 months to complete the online training with a mix of both live daily classes and pre-recorded training. Plus, as an added bonus you’ll get yin yoga training on top of the vinyasa and Hatha training, and acro and aerial yoga workshops!
You’ll learn from a number of teachers from both western and eastern backgrounds of study, giving you access to a plethora of knowledge from teachers with different styles and teachings.
Ulu Yoga (300-hour)
If you’re doing training already, why not go all out? Ulu Yoga also offers a 300-hour yoga teacher training course that includes Hatha, vinyasa, yin, aerial and acro. Talk about being a well-rounded training!
Same as the 200-hour course by Ulu Yoga, you’ll be able to use your payment as a credit for in-person training in Bali or Thailand for any of the courses offered. You have the option to attend the twice daily online classes that are offered live or watch them after if your timezone doesn’t line up with where the teachers are in Bali, Thailand, India, Kenya, or Columbia.
You will have instant access to 250-hours of already made content, will study for an additional 50 hours which includes reading, teaching, assignments, and more, and you’ll be reviewed by the teachers and given feedback, just like in in-person training.
Bend it like Buddha Yoga
Learn from four teachers who have trained worldwide at one of Portugal’s top yoga schools for teacher training with 180 online contact hours. Your teachers are a combination of yogis who are also spiritual authors, studio owners and more.
In this 200-hour training, you’ll learn vinyasa and hatha plus get a bonus 6-hour Ayurveda massage therapy course included!
Arohan Yoga
This self-paced course is originally offered in the world capital of yoga, Rishikesh, India. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from two teachers with years of experience training teachers in hatha, yin and ashtanga.
With this training you’ll graduate with a strong base in traditional yoga and meditation with holistic knowledge of both.
You have plenty of choices but before you choose be sure to do your research on both the teachers and the yoga schools offering training for an online yoga certification course.
Take a class online with the teacher to see if you like their teaching style, read reviews and definitely reach out to ask questions if you have any! This is an investment for your health and knowledge, you want to learn from a pro who has similar values to you so you can get the best experience possible.
Enjoy your training and who knows maybe you’ll be the next one to become an online yoga instructor!
What’s next?
- Get my How to Choose a YTT Mini Guide! Avoid scams, what you MUST consider & my top course recommendations
- Need a way to deepen your practice before YTT? Try my 30-day yoga adventure – Journey Home
- Practice yin & vinyasa classes with me on YouTube to prepare for your upcoming training