Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a plethora of classes taught by industry experts, covering design, business, the creative arts, and more!
But is Skillshare worth the investment?
In this Skillshare review, I’ll dive into the features and benefits of the Skillshare platform and tell you whether we think Skillshare is worth the cost.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
In our eyes, yes, SkillShare is worth the money. We’ve taken so many courses that work for our blogging business, YouTube channel, and more.
With over 30,000 Skillshare classes, courses, and workshops, there’s something for everyone with topics such as art and design, business, programming, and more.
Easy to use platform that allows you to watch lessons, create projects and collaborate with other learners.
Opportunities to earn money through teaching courses on the platform or referring new members.
Live classes with real-time instructor feedback have an interactive learning experience, unlike any other online learning platform.
You can connect and collaborate with like-minded people through the platform’s growing online learning community of creatives and innovators.
If you’re not familiar with Skillshare, it’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of classes on topics like business, design, technology, finance, and more.
One of the great things about Skillshare is that you can take classes at your own pace, so you can fit learning into your schedule however it works best for you.
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new skill for your job or just want to learn something for fun, Skillshare has a class for you.
You can choose from various classes taught by industry experts, and the platform offers everything from short tutorials to in-depth projects.
Plus, with a Skillshare subscription, you can access all of the classes on the platform, so you can keep learning and growing without breaking the bank.
Pros
Wide range of courses in various subjects
Affordable membership options
Convenient, anytime, unlimited access
Quality instruction by industry experts
Collaborative learning environment in the Skillshare community
Free trial period to test out the platform
Cons
No certification or credits at the end of a course
Some Skillshare courses can be less interactive than others
Skillshare subscription is charged yearly instead of monthly
If you’re wondering who uses Skillshare, the answer is just about anyone!
One of the great things about Skillshare is that it’s so diverse. You’ll find people from all walks of life taking classes on the platform, from artists and entrepreneurs to educators and technologists.
The platform is popular with people of all ages and skill levels, and it all comes down to people looking to learn new things and improve their skills.
Whether you’re a student looking to explore a new career path, a professional looking to stay up-to-date in your field, or just someone who loves learning for its own sake, Skillshare has something for you.
Course Structures
Overall, the structure of a Skillshare course depends on the specific course and Skillshare instructor.
Most courses are self-paced and flexible, allowing you to work through the material at your own pace and in a way that best fits your learning style.
Skillshare courses are typically structured into lessons or modules, each covering a specific topic or aspect of the course material.
A typical Skillshare class also includes quizzes or assignments to help you test your understanding of the material and apply what you have learned.
Some courses may also include additional resources, such as video classes or supplementary materials, to help you learn the material more effectively.
Community discussions or other means of communication with the instructor or other Skillshare members can sometimes be included, which can be a great way to get feedback, ask questions, and engage with the material.
Membership Details
So, how much does Skillshare cost? Skillshare doesn’t offer a monthly premium membership option, only an annual membership plan.
As of September 2021, the price is $165 per year, which is $13.75 per month.
At first glance, it seemed like you could pay for a premium membership monthly. But upon closer look, we realized this was not the case.
Free Trial
If you’re curious about the new pricing for Skillshare members, you’ll only find it listed on their website if you sign up for a free seven-day trial.
Specifically, you’ll need to scroll down to the green “Start Your 7-Day Free Trial” button on the checkout screen.
Refunds
Also, we want to point out that the checkout screen mentions certain exceptions where refunds may be available, but we’re not sure exactly what these exceptions are.
The terms and conditions state, “No refunds are offered for membership fees or any other fees collected by the Service.”
But we found this post on the Skillshare site that says you can request a refund within 14 days of the charge being processed.
Cancellation
One thing to keep in mind if you’re considering a Skillshare premium membership is that you can only cancel at the end of the yearly billing period.
If you no longer want the membership, you’ll have to wait until the end of the year to cancel and stop being charged.
It’s worth considering this commitment before signing up, especially if you’re not sure you’ll use the membership for the entire year.
Rate Increases
Another thing to be aware of is that Skillshare’s membership rates can go up during the year before your subscription is set to renew.
This means that even if you sign up at a specific price, the Skillshare cost could increase when it automatically renews.
On the plus side, Skillshare’s annual membership offers unlimited access to courses and classes, whereas some individual online courses can cost $500+ and come with limited access.
As a Skillshare user, you can take advantage of the wide variety of classes offered by talented and diverse Skillshare teachers.
But did you know that anyone can become an instructor on Skillshare?
That’s right! The Skillshare teaching platform is open to anyone with a skill or talent they want to share with the world.
If you’re interested in becoming one of the Skillshare teachers, you need a passion for teaching and the ability to create engaging video lessons. You also need to be 16 years of age or older.
Skillshare offers the tools and resources you need for creating classes, whether you’re an expert in your field or have a hobby you want to share.
Learning Paths
Skillshare’s Learning Paths are a great way to dive into a subject you’re passionate about. Think of them as a roadmap for your learning journey.
Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill for your career or just for fun, these curated collections of courses and projects and Skillshare originals offer a structured and flexible way to make real progress.
Each path suggests classes and courses tailored to help you achieve a specific objective, such as mastering new software or developing a creative skill.
Another great feature of Learning Paths is that they’re flexible and self-paced. You can take as much time as you need to complete each course and move at your own pace through the path.
This is perfect for busy professionals or anyone with a hectic schedule who can’t commit to a traditional, structured learning program.
Student Community
At one time, Skillshare users could join groups and connect with other students, but it looks like this feature has been discontinued.
However, the platform allows learners to connect through the Student Projects section.
In Student Projects, learners can share their work and receive feedback and critiques from other learners and instructors.
Student Projects is a great way to get feedback from other students and see how your work compares to that of your peers.
While Student Projects is a valuable feature, it does tend to focus more on creative and artistic projects. This may be less relevant for learners interested in more technical or business-oriented skills.
However, the Student Projects section is still valuable for those seeking feedback on their work and connecting with other learners.
Extra Perks
As a Skillshare member, you have access to a host of perks and benefits that can help you make the most of your learning journey.
From exclusive discounts to free trials of popular software, there are plenty of ways to save money and enhance your learning experience.
As a Skillshare member, you’ll also have access to exclusive discounts on popular software and resources.
For example, you can get a free trial of Adobe Creative Cloud or save 20% on annual subscriptions to design tools like Canva Pro.
Whether you’re using the website or the Skillshare mobile app, there are key steps to follow to get the most out of your learning journey.
First, you’ll need to create a Skillshare account. Creating your account is quick and easy, and you can use your email address or sign up with Google or Apple Skillshare app.
Once you have an account, you can browse the platform’s library of courses and start learning.
One of the great things about Skillshare is that you can access the platform on any device, including your phone or tablet.
Just download the Skillshare app from the App Store or Google Play, and you’ll have access to all the courses and resources wherever you go.
Popular Industries For Courses
One of the great things about Skillshare is its diverse course catalog, which covers a wide range of subjects and industries, from UX design to Business analytics.
But which industries are the most popular on Skillshare? Let’s take a closer look:
SEO Marketing
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is improving the ranking of a website or web page on search engines like Google.
It’s a crucial element of any online marketing strategy, as it helps ensure your content is visible to your target audience.
Skillshare offers a range of courses on SEO marketing taught by industry experts and practitioners.
These courses cover a range of topics, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.
You’ll learn the skills and strategies you need to improve your website’s ranking on search engines and drive more traffic to your site.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a great way to make a living doing what you love – writing.
Whether you’re interested in creative writing, journalism, or content marketing, there are plenty of opportunities for writers in today’s digital world.
But how do you get started? That’s where Skillshare comes in. The platform offers a range of courses on freelance writing taught by experienced writers and industry professionals.
These writing classes cover various topics, including finding clients, pitching ideas, and writing for different audiences. You’ll learn the skills and strategies you need to succeed as a freelance writer.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is about creating visual content that communicates a message or idea.
Whether you’re interested in print design, web design, or branding, there are plenty of opportunities for graphic designers in today’s digital world.
Skillshare offers a range of courses on graphic design taught by experienced designers and industry professionals. These courses cover topics including typography, color theory, and layout.
You’ll learn the creative skills and techniques you need to succeed as a graphic designer.
In addition to traditional video classes, there are Skillshare workshops and projects, so you can get hands-on experience and apply what you’ve learned.
Photography
Skillshare offers a wide range of photography classes taught by experienced photography professionals.
These classes cover portrait photography, landscape photography, street photography, and more.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of photography or an experienced photographer looking to improve your skills, there is a class on Skillshare for you.
In these classes, students can expect to learn about camera operation, lighting techniques, composition, and more.
Illustration
Are you an artist looking to improve your illustration skills? Look no further than Skillshare!
This online platform offers a wide range of illustration classes taught by teachers experienced in illustration.
Whether you are a beginner just starting or an experienced artist looking to learn new techniques, there is a class on Skillshare for you.
In these classes, students can expect to learn about illustration techniques and styles and how to use different software programs like Adobe Illustrator.
Many classes also include hands-on exercises and assignments to help students practice what they have learned.
Skillshare isn’t the only online learning platform available. Other excellent online learning platforms offer unique features, free trials, and more that make them worth considering.
From traditional classroom-style courses to self-paced learning tools and subscription-based programs, there’s something out on these online learning platforms for everyone!
So check out our list of other learning platforms to find the best online courses for you!
LinkedIn Learning
Recently, we decided to look at LinkedIn Learning to see how their prices compared to Skillshare pricing.
LinkedIn Learning offers two pricing plans – you can either pay monthly for $39.99 or pay annually for $19.99 a month.
The annual plan is a slightly better value, as you’re paying less per month than the monthly plan.
LinkedIn Learning also offers a 30-day free trial before you’re charged. This is a great way to try out the service and see if it’s a good fit for you before committing to a paid membership.
Udemy
Udemy is a popular eLearning platform that competes with Skillshare as an online learning marketplace. It offers many courses taught by knowledgeable professionals on various topics.
With its vast library and low prices, many students opt for Udemy over Skillshare.
Udemy courses typically cost less than Skillshare, although there are premium courses available that may be more expensive. Udemy courses typically run anywhere from $14.99 up.
The sheer number of courses offered on Udemy makes it great for those looking to learn something new or improve an existing skill.
Most courses feature video lectures, homework assignments, and quizzes to engage the student throughout the learning process further.
Overall, both platforms offer valuable educational resources for anyone looking to acquire different skills or develop existing ones.
It depends on your goals and which approach you prefer – the focus on creativity or affordability – when choosing between them!
Coursera
Coursera is a major competitor of Skillshare regarding online learning resources.
It offers a wide range of free and paid classes taught by renowned professors from top universities around the world.
Unlike Skillshare, Coursera focuses on academic learning and certifications rather than creativity or community engagement.
Coursera charges $9.99 for Guided Projects and $39.99 for Specializations and Professional Certificates.
Depending on your goals and budget, you can choose between the academic learning available on Coursera or the creative focus offered by Skillshare.
MasterClass
MasterClass offers expert classes taught by renowned professionals and celebrities from various industries, such as acting, music, business, and technology.
Unlike Skillshare, which focuses on creativity and community engagement, MasterClass emphasizes high-quality educational content from inspiring instructors.
MasterClass courses typically cost more than Skillshare courses but offer discounts for those signing up with more than one device.
In terms of pricing, MasterClass charges an annual fee that gives users access to all the courses offered by the platform.
FAQs
Overall, Skillshare is an excellent choice for online classes and courses, with a wide selection of subjects, affordable pricing, high-quality instructors, and an interactive learning experience.
Here are a few reasons why Skillshare might be the right choice for you:
Wide selection of courses: With over 30,000 courses in various subjects, you’re sure to find something that interests you on Skillshare.
High-quality instructors: Most classes on Skillshare are taught by experts in their field, so you can be confident that you’re getting top-notch instruction.
Interactive learning experience: Skillshare courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, with exercises, quizzes, and projects to help you practice and apply your learning.
What sorts of online courses are offered?
Whether you’re looking to gain skills, advance your career, or just pick up a hobby, you’ll find something that interests you on Skillshare.
Some of the types of courses you’ll find on the platform include:
Creative courses: These courses cover subjects like art, design, photography, and video. You can learn how to take better photos, create digital artwork, or even start your own business as a creative professional.
Business courses: If you’re looking to start or grow a business, Skillshare has a variety of courses to help you get there. You can learn about marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and more.
Technology courses: If you want to improve your technical skills, Skillshare has you covered with courses on programming, data science, web development, and more.
Lifestyle courses: Skillshare also offers courses on various lifestyle topics to help you learn new skills, such as cooking, wellness, and personal development.
Skillshare is an interactive online learning platform, but don’t expect any certifications or credits after taking a class. Skillshare isn’t recognized as an official educational institution and cannot provide you with a certificate or credits for college after completing your course.
You can add information about your new skills to your job resume or CV.
Skillshare classes are easy to put together and can be created by anyone, regardless of expertise. Because of this, these classes cannot offer any certification.
Unfortunately, as of September 15, 2021, Skillshare no longer offers free classes or courses.
Before you get too disappointed, though, let me explain the reasoning behind this change from free courses and classes.
According to Skillshare, they decided to build a more predictable royalty pool for their teachers and provide a more streamlined experience for their students.
While it’s a bummer that there aren’t any more free classes, it’s important to note that Skillshare still offers a seven-day trial for students.
It gives you a chance to test out the platform and see if it’s the right fit for you before committing to a paid membership.
It’s super easy to access the Skillshare online learning platform. All you have to do is head to the Skillshare website and sign up for an account.
You’ll have the option to start with a free trial, which gives you full access to all of Skillshare’s classes and features for a week.
Remember that you’ll need to provide your credit card information during the sign-up process.
Don’t worry; if you don’t want to continue with a paid membership after the trial period ends, you can easily cancel your subscription through your account settings.
Once you’ve signed up and created your account, you can start to explore and enroll in as many classes as you’d like.
And the best part? You can access Skillshare on your desktop or through their convenient mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Final Thoughts
We hope our Skillshare Review helped you better understand the platform and what it offers.
Skillshare is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn new skills, expand their knowledge, or start a business from scratch.
With the seven-day free trial, you can test the platform and see if Skillshare works before committing to a paid membership.
There is no doubt that this platform can provide you with the knowledge needed to take your career or hobby to the next level with its practical skills-building approach!
So don’t wait any longer and start your learning journey today with a Skillshare membership!
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