Skillshare review: A comprehensive online learning platform aimed at creative professionals

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• Skillshare has over 35,000 online video courses, most taught by experts in their fields.
• Below is an overview of the Skillshare platform, FAQ, and 15 great online courses to take.
• If you’re a new user, you can try a 1-month free trial. 

Whether you want to pick up a new career skill or tap into your creativity, online platforms democratize higher learning for a fraction of the cost required to enroll in universities. 

Of those many online resources, Skillshare is one of the most popular platforms. It has over 34,000 video courses taught by experts in the field, including high-profile names like bestselling author Roxane Gay. 

How does Skillshare work?

Like ClassPass for e-learning, a Skillshare membership gives you unlimited access to thousands of expert-led online courses across disciplines like design, illustration, business, technology, photography, and writing, whether your objective is advancing your career or simply pursuing new hobbies. 

Classes are usually comprised of short, digestible lessons and a hands-on project, which you can share with your class to get feedback from peers or collaborate directly with the Skillshare community. 

How much does Skillshare cost? 

The monthly membership is free to try for one month. After the trial, a monthly membership is $32 per month, and the annual Premium membership is $168 for the year (which breaks down to roughly $14 per month).

You can also look into volume discounts for teams or discounts on products like Squarespace and Todoist Premium when you sign up for Skillshare.

If you’re currently a college student, you can get 50% off a Skillshare membership with a valid .edu email address.

Is Skillshare worth it?

It depends on your needs and interests — there are a handful of other great e-learning platforms, like edX, Coursera, and MasterClass.

One advantage of edX and Coursera is you can take many courses for free or pay per course for certificates of completion. Other than the free trial, Skillshare doesn’t offer free courses or any certificates to add to your LinkedIn for employers to see.

But if you’re looking for quick ways to improve your skills in topics like design or marketing, a Skillshare membership gives you access to great career advice and tips whenever you have time to watch a video.

How does Skillshare compare to YouTube?

Like YouTube tutorials, Skillshare offers a lot of straightforward, quick video tips from experts in their fields.

While YouTube videos are free, Skillshare requires a membership, but it offers the benefits of submitting projects, interacting with a built-in community, and access to many well-produced tutorials.

15 popular Skillshare classes:

• iPhone Photography: How to Take Photos on Your iPhone
• Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design
• Basic Skills / Getting Started With Drawing
• Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Perfect Your Space
• Social Media Marketing: Top Tips for Growing Your Followers and Going Viral
• Productivity Masterclass
• Starting a Successful Side-Hustle
• Youtube Success: Script, Shoot & Edit with MKBHD
• How to Study for Exams – An Evidence-Based Masterclass
• Procreate for Beginners: Learn the Basics & Sell Your Artwork
• Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course
• Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training
• Intro to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad
• Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners
• Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity
• Fundamentals of DSLR Photography

The bottom line

All in all, Skillshare is a good tool for professionals looking for an affordable way to sharpen skills as well as lifelong learners who want variety, expertise, and flexibility. You can take multiple classes across thousands of disciplines for $32 per month or $168 annually ($13.99 per month). 

Browse all Skillshare classes here.