Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers thousands of video-based classes across creative, business, technology, and lifestyle subjects. Designed for individuals looking to develop practical, in-demand skills, Skillshare provides a flexible and engaging environment where users can learn at their own pace.
Founded in 2010, Skillshare has become a go-to resource for creatives, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Its subscription model gives users unlimited access to a wide variety of courses, most of which are project-based and led by industry experts. Whether you’re learning graphic design, productivity, marketing, or illustration, Skillshare makes skill-building accessible, affordable, and community-driven.
Features
Skillshare offers a feature-rich platform focused on interactive, community-supported learning for modern learners.
Extensive Course Library: Skillshare has thousands of classes in categories like graphic design, photography, writing, business analytics, web development, marketing, personal productivity, and more.
Project-Based Learning: Each course typically includes a hands-on project that helps students apply what they’ve learned. These projects are visible to the Skillshare community and promote peer feedback and engagement.
Unlimited Access: A single subscription unlocks unlimited access to all classes, enabling learners to explore multiple interests or career paths without additional fees.
Mobile and Offline Learning: Skillshare’s mobile app allows users to download classes and learn on the go, even without an internet connection.
Class Reviews and Ratings: Every course includes user ratings and written reviews to help new learners choose the best class for their goals.
Curated Learning Paths: Skillshare offers curated class collections for users looking to follow a structured learning journey in areas such as freelancing, branding, or productivity.
Community and Discussions: Users can interact with instructors and fellow students through discussion boards under each class, encouraging a sense of connection and community learning.
Teacher Opportunities: Experts and content creators can earn income by teaching on Skillshare. The platform supports creators with resources to help them build high-quality courses.
Skillshare Originals: Exclusive classes created in collaboration with top instructors and brands. These tend to be more polished and often feature high-profile industry professionals.
Team Plans: Skillshare for Teams provides access to the course library for organizations and offers reporting and admin tools to support employee learning.
How It Works
Getting started on Skillshare is simple. New users create an account and can begin a free trial of the Premium plan, which grants access to the entire course library. After the trial period, users subscribe to continue accessing all content.
Learners can browse by category, search for specific topics, or follow recommendations based on their profile and past activity. Each class consists of a series of short video lessons, often under 10 minutes each, making it easy to complete a course in a few sessions.
At the end of each class, learners are encouraged to complete and upload a project. This hands-on component reinforces the material and allows for peer engagement through comments and feedback.
Instructors upload video lessons using the platform’s course creation tools. Skillshare provides guidance and support to help new teachers structure and publish their content. Teachers are compensated based on watch time and referrals.
Skillshare for Teams allows businesses to onboard employees, assign courses, and monitor progress through a centralized dashboard.
Use Cases
Skillshare caters to a wide range of learners and professionals in both personal and business contexts.
Creative Professionals: Designers, illustrators, animators, and photographers use Skillshare to improve their technical skills and stay updated on tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate.
Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: Users learn skills related to branding, digital marketing, content creation, and business growth to support their freelance or startup ventures.
Students and Career Changers: Skillshare is an affordable way for students and individuals exploring new careers to develop practical skills without enrolling in expensive degree programs.
Working Professionals: Employees can improve productivity, learn leadership strategies, or master communication skills that help them perform better at work.
Lifelong Learners: Hobbyists and learners use Skillshare to explore interests such as cooking, journaling, music, or creative writing.
Teams and Organizations: Companies use Skillshare for Teams to upskill their workforce, encourage innovation, and support employee engagement through continuous learning.
Pricing
Skillshare uses a subscription-based model. As of the latest information available on the Skillshare pricing page, here is the breakdown:
Free Plan:
Access to select free classes
No project feedback or community features
Limited in scope and functionality
Premium Membership:
$168 per year (billed annually) or approximately $14 per month
Unlimited access to all classes
Offline viewing via mobile app
Participation in community projects and discussions
Priority support
Free Trial:
Skillshare typically offers a 7-day free trial for new users, with occasional promotions extending up to 30 days
Skillshare for Teams (Business Plan):
Custom pricing based on team size
Includes admin tools, reporting, and team onboarding support
Designed for businesses seeking to provide learning opportunities to employees
Strengths
One of Skillshare’s biggest strengths is its focus on creative and practical skills. Its project-based approach encourages active learning, helping users apply what they learn immediately. The platform’s community aspect further enhances motivation and retention through peer feedback and engagement.
Its pricing model is simple and cost-effective, particularly for users who want to explore multiple topics throughout the year. Unlike platforms that charge per course, Skillshare’s subscription grants full access to the library, making it more economical for frequent learners.
Skillshare’s instructor model also benefits creators, enabling talented professionals to earn passive income while sharing their expertise with a global audience. The platform’s consistent user experience across desktop and mobile is another plus for busy learners.
Drawbacks
Skillshare’s biggest limitation is that it does not offer accredited certifications or formal credentials. While great for skill-building, it may not be ideal for users seeking resume-boosting certifications.
Another drawback is the variability in course quality. Since many instructors are independent creators, not all courses meet the same production or instructional standards. However, Skillshare Originals help offset this by providing professionally produced classes.
Some users may also find the subscription-only model restrictive if they prefer one-time payments or only want access to a single course. Additionally, the focus on creativity and entrepreneurship may leave those seeking deep technical or academic subjects underserved.
Comparison with Other Tools
Compared to Coursera or edX, Skillshare is more informal and creativity-focused. It does not offer university partnerships or accredited courses but excels in practical, hands-on learning for everyday skills.
Versus Udemy, which charges per course, Skillshare’s subscription model is better for users who want to take multiple classes across different subjects. Udemy’s advantage is lifetime access to purchased courses, while Skillshare access ends if the subscription is canceled.
Against platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare offers a more community-driven experience, especially for creative disciplines. LinkedIn Learning is stronger in business and enterprise training, while Skillshare is better for freelancers and makers.
Compared to YouTube, Skillshare provides more structured and distraction-free learning with dedicated course projects, which makes it more conducive to intentional learning.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Skillshare is widely praised by learners for its flexibility, range of topics, and emphasis on creativity. On review platforms such as G2 and Trustpilot, users highlight the platform’s intuitive design and affordability.
Instructors often appreciate the earning opportunities and global reach of the platform. Many testimonials mention that Skillshare helped them improve career-relevant skills, launch creative projects, or even start businesses based on what they learned.
Criticism usually centers on the lack of formal accreditation and inconsistent video quality across different instructors. However, most users report a high level of satisfaction, especially those who use the platform regularly.
Conclusion
Skillshare is a highly accessible, project-based learning platform ideal for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking practical skills for personal or professional development. Its affordable subscription model, strong community features, and wide range of topics make it a valuable resource for modern learners.
While it doesn’t offer formal certification, Skillshare excels in delivering actionable, real-world knowledge in a flexible and engaging format. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, start a side hustle, or learn something new just for fun, Skillshare is a well-rounded platform worth exploring.
