In the world of online learning, Skillshare stands as a popular platform that has garnered attention for its creativity-driven courses, interactive learning, and diverse content.
Whether you’re a freelancer looking to sharpen your skills, a creative professional trying to stay ahead of industry trends, or a complete beginner looking to learn something new, Skillshare has something to offer. However, with so many platforms available in the online education space, is Skillshare worth the investment in 2025?
In this review, we will explore Skillshare’s features, its course offerings, its pricing model, and the value it provides to learners.
What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning platform that focuses on providing a variety of courses in creative fields, including graphic design, photography, animation, and writing, as well as business, technology, and lifestyle topics. Founded in 2010, Skillshare aims to offer a more hands-on, project-based learning experience. The platform encourages learners to engage with projects and apply their knowledge immediately rather than just absorbing theoretical concepts.
Unlike traditional educational platforms, Skillshare operates on a subscription model, giving learners access to all its courses with a single membership. This approach allows for flexibility, enabling students to explore a variety of topics without being limited to a specific course or subject.
Skillshare Features
1. Project-Based Learning
One of the standout features of Skillshare is its emphasis on project-based learning. Unlike conventional educational platforms that often rely on lectures or readings, Skillshare encourages students to actively engage with the material by working on real-world projects. This learning method helps reinforce skills and ensures that students can immediately apply what they’ve learned.
Whether you’re taking a course on digital illustration or video editing, most Skillshare classes include a hands-on project that you can complete and share with the community. This approach is particularly beneficial for creative learners, as it allows them to build portfolios, showcase their work, and receive constructive feedback from both peers and instructors.
2. Unlimited Access with Subscription
Skillshare operates on a subscription model. Once you sign up for a Premium membership, you gain unlimited access to all of the platform’s courses. This means you don’t have to pay for individual classes or worry about hidden fees. You can explore as many topics as you like, take as many courses as you want, and revisit them whenever you need.
This subscription model is appealing to those who want to explore a variety of subjects without committing to one specific path. Whether you’re interested in learning new creative techniques or expanding your business knowledge, the ability to access everything at once can be a significant benefit.
3. Interactive Community
Skillshare isn’t just about learning in isolation. One of the key components of the platform is its community features. Students can interact with one another through forums and discussions, share their work, ask questions, and provide feedback on others’ projects. This sense of community is crucial for creative learners who can benefit from feedback and support as they develop their skills.
The community aspect also extends to instructors, who often interact with students by providing feedback on submitted projects, answering questions, and engaging in discussions. This creates a more dynamic and interactive learning experience compared to platforms that only provide passive content.
4. Mobile App for Learning on the Go
With today’s busy schedules, learning on the go has become increasingly important. Skillshare offers a mobile app that allows users to access courses from their smartphones or tablets. The app supports offline viewing, which is a great feature for learners who want to take classes during their commute or in locations where internet access is limited.
The mobile app makes it easy to pick up where you left off, watch videos, and work on projects from virtually anywhere. This flexibility means you can fit learning into your day, no matter how hectic your schedule may be.
5. Skillshare Originals
Skillshare Originals are exclusive, high-quality classes created by top instructors in their respective fields. These classes go beyond the typical course format and often feature in-depth lessons with industry experts. Skillshare Originals are designed to offer deeper insights into specific subjects and provide unique perspectives on how to master particular skills.
These classes are often highly produced and feature industry leaders or well-known professionals who share their expertise. If you’re looking for comprehensive and high-level learning, Skillshare Originals are a great resource to dive deeper into your chosen subject.
6. Personalized Recommendations & Learning Paths
Skillshare offers personalized course recommendations based on your interests, past learning activity, and skills you’re looking to develop. This feature allows you to discover relevant courses without having to search through the entire catalog. It’s particularly useful if you’re not sure where to start or are looking for related classes to build on your current knowledge.
In addition to recommendations, Skillshare offers curated learning paths. These are guided course sequences that take you through a series of classes to help you master a particular skill or topic. Whether you want to learn how to build a brand from scratch or improve your digital drawing techniques, learning paths provide a structured approach to skill development.
Skillshare Courses Offered
Skillshare offers courses across a wide variety of fields, with a particular emphasis on creative disciplines. Below are the major categories of courses you can expect to find:
Creative Arts
Creative fields make up the majority of Skillshare’s offerings. You’ll find classes on graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, video production, and more. Many of these courses are designed for beginners, but you can also find more advanced classes for experienced professionals. Instructors often focus on teaching practical skills that can be immediately applied to real-world projects, such as building a portfolio, creating digital art, or producing videos.
Business & Entrepreneurship
In addition to creative skills, Skillshare also offers a wide range of business and entrepreneurship courses. These cover topics like digital marketing, branding, freelancing, productivity, leadership, and starting your own business. If you’re looking to grow your career or start your own venture, Skillshare provides a variety of tools and strategies to help you succeed in the business world.
Technology
Though Skillshare is primarily known for its creative content, it also offers courses in technology-related fields, including web development, coding, and digital tools. These courses are typically aimed at beginners or those who want to learn new digital skills to enhance their work, such as building a website, learning Photoshop, or mastering social media management tools.
Lifestyle
Skillshare’s lifestyle courses include topics such as personal finance, cooking, wellness, mindfulness, and fitness. These courses provide a more holistic approach to learning, allowing you to improve not only your professional skills but also your personal well-being and lifestyle.
Skillshare Pricing
Skillshare operates on a subscription model, offering two main pricing plans:
- Monthly Subscription: $29 per month
- Annual Subscription: $167.88 per year (approximately $13.99 per month)
Skillshare also provides a 30-day free trial for new users. This gives you an opportunity to explore the platform and see if it’s a good fit for your learning needs before committing to a paid subscription.
The pricing for Skillshare is relatively affordable compared to other platforms like MasterClass or Coursera, especially if you opt for the annual subscription. Given that you get unlimited access to the entire course catalog, Skillshare offers a great value for learners who want to explore multiple subjects without paying for each individual class.
Is Skillshare Worth It?
Whether Skillshare is worth it depends on your goals, learning style, and the value you place on certain features. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide if Skillshare is right for you.
1. Variety of Classes
Skillshare offers a vast array of courses across a variety of topics, with a focus on creative fields. Whether you’re interested in learning a new design technique or improving your writing skills, Skillshare has a wide range of classes to choose from. This diversity makes it an attractive option for learners who want to explore multiple interests or build a range of skills.
2. Project-Based Learning
The project-based approach is one of Skillshare’s key advantages. By incorporating hands-on projects, Skillshare allows students to immediately apply their learning. This practical approach makes the platform especially valuable for creative professionals who want to build portfolios or showcase their work.
3. Pricing
Skillshare’s subscription model is relatively affordable when compared to other learning platforms. The ability to access all classes with one subscription is a great value for those who want to explore different subjects. The annual plan, in particular, offers significant savings, making it an excellent option for serious learners who plan to take multiple courses.
4. Community & Feedback
The interactive community is a highlight of Skillshare. Being able to share your projects, receive feedback, and connect with others who are learning the same skills can be incredibly motivating. The community aspect makes Skillshare more engaging than platforms that focus solely on video-based learning.
5. Quality Control & Consistency
Although Skillshare offers many high-quality courses, the platform lacks the kind of formal quality control that other platforms like Coursera or Udemy have. Since anyone can upload a course to Skillshare, the quality can vary from one instructor to another. However, you can check ratings and reviews before enrolling to get a sense of whether a course will meet your needs.
6. Certificates & Credibility
One drawback of Skillshare is that it does not offer accredited certificates for course completion. While this might not matter for those learning for personal enrichment or skill development, it may be a concern for people who are looking to earn credentials that they can add to their resumes or LinkedIn profiles.
7. Learning Depth & Career Usefulness
While Skillshare is great for beginners and intermediate learners, it may not provide the level of depth that more advanced learners are looking for. If you’re seeking highly specialized or expert-level knowledge, other platforms may be more suitable. However, Skillshare is an excellent choice for those looking to acquire new skills or build on existing ones in a relatively short amount of time.
Pros of Skillshare
- Extensive Course Library: A wide range of courses across creative, business, and lifestyle subjects.
- Hands-On Learning: Project-based learning helps reinforce skills and create tangible results.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive subscription rates for access to all courses.
- Engaged Community: Opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and networking with other learners.
- Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, with mobile app support for learning on the go.
Cons of Skillshare
- Variable Course Quality: Not all courses are of the same quality, and some may not meet your expectations.
- No Accredited Certificates: Skillshare does not offer certifications, which could be a downside for those looking to gain formal credentials.
- Limited Advanced Courses: Some learners may find the courses less comprehensive for advanced topics.
Conclusion: Is Skillshare Right for You?
Skillshare offers an exceptional learning experience for creatives and hobbyists looking to explore new skills or enhance their existing knowledge. Its project-based approach, variety of courses, and engaging community make it a great option for people who prefer a more interactive and hands-on learning style. However, if you’re looking for highly specialized content or formal certifications, Skillshare might not be the best fit.
For those who want flexibility, affordability, and access to a diverse range of topics, Skillshare provides excellent value. Whether you’re a freelancer looking to expand your skillset or a hobbyist looking to learn something new, Skillshare is worth considering in 2025.
FAQs
Is Skillshare free?
Skillshare offers a free plan with limited access to courses, but to unlock the full catalog, you’ll need a Premium membership.
Can I download Skillshare classes?
Yes, Premium members can download classes for offline viewing.
How much does Skillshare cost?
The monthly subscription costs $29, and the annual subscription is $167.88.
Does Skillshare offer certificates?
No, Skillshare does not offer accredited certificates for completing courses.
Can I cancel my Skillshare subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time via your account settings.