In today’s digital world, online learning platforms have become a key resource for individuals looking to improve their skills, explore new interests, or even shift careers. One such platform that has gained significant attention is Skillshare. Launched in 2010, Skillshare offers an extensive library of classes designed to help users enhance their creative, technical, and professional skills.

What sets Skillshare apart is its unique subscription-based model, allowing users unlimited access to thousands of courses for a single monthly or annual fee. This structure encourages users to explore various topics without the pressure of purchasing individual courses.

The platform focuses heavily on hands-on, project-based learning. Rather than simply watching videos, students are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned through creative projects and receive feedback from instructors and peers.

Whether you’re interested in learning graphic design, photography, writing, marketing, or even personal development, Skillshare offers courses for learners of all levels. With over 20,000 classes across diverse categories, Skillshare caters to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to develop their skills at their own pace.

Skillshare also fosters a sense of community, allowing students to interact with instructors and fellow learners. This adds an element of motivation and accountability that can be particularly beneficial for those who thrive in collaborative learning environments.

In this review, we’ll dive deeper into Skillshare’s features, course offerings, pricing, pros, and cons, helping you decide whether it’s the right platform for your learning journey.

What is Skillshare?

Skillshare is an online learning community that focuses on providing high-quality educational content to individuals interested in honing creative and practical skills. Established in 2010, the platform has since grown into one of the leading providers of online classes, with over 20,000 courses across a wide array of topics.

What sets Skillshare apart from other platforms like Udemy or Coursera is its subscription model. Instead of purchasing individual classes, users pay for access to the entire library of courses. This means you can take as many courses as you want during your subscription period.

At its core, Skillshare is designed to foster creativity and personal growth. Most courses focus on practical, project-based learning, allowing users to immediately apply the knowledge they acquire. Additionally, Skillshare provides a space for its members to interact with others, share their work, and get feedback, creating a more engaging and interactive learning environment.

Skillshare Features

Skillshare is packed with features designed to make the learning process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s a breakdown of its most notable offerings:

1. Project-Based Learning

One of Skillshare’s biggest selling points is its emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning. Many courses require students to complete a project, which allows them to immediately apply the concepts they’ve learned. This focus on practical skills helps reinforce the learning process and gives students something tangible to showcase once they’ve completed a course.

2. Unlimited Access with Subscription

Skillshare operates on a subscription model, which means you pay a monthly or annual fee to access the entire course library. This gives you the freedom to explore various topics without worrying about individual course prices.

3. Interactive Community

Learning on Skillshare isn’t a solitary experience. The platform boasts a vibrant community of students and instructors. In addition to courses, you can engage in discussions, share your work, and receive feedback from others. This interactive aspect adds an extra layer of motivation and accountability to the learning experience.

4. Mobile App for Learning on the Go

Skillshare’s mobile app allows you to take your learning on the go. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or simply away from your computer, the app lets you download classes and view them offline. This feature is especially helpful for those with busy schedules who need flexibility in how they learn.

5. Skillshare Originals

In addition to user-generated content, Skillshare offers a collection of “Skillshare Originals.” These courses are produced in-house by Skillshare and feature experts in various fields. These high-quality courses are designed to be in-depth and provide specialized knowledge.

6. Personalized Recommendations

Skillshare’s algorithm suggests courses based on your learning habits and interests. The more courses you take, the better the recommendations become. This personalized approach helps you discover new areas of interest and keeps you engaged with the platform.

Skillshare Courses Offered

Skillshare offers an extensive library of courses that cover a broad range of subjects. The platform is known for its creative and artistic offerings, but it also has an array of classes in business, technology, lifestyle, and more. Here’s a closer look at the categories of courses you can expect to find:

Creative Arts

If you’re looking to develop your artistic side, Skillshare offers a variety of creative courses. Popular subjects include:

• Graphic Design: Learn the fundamentals of design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as design principles such as color theory, typography, and layout.
• Photography & Video: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll find classes on camera techniques, photo editing, and even video production.
• Drawing & Illustration: Explore courses that teach various drawing techniques, from sketching to digital illustration.
• Crafts: Skillshare has courses on DIY projects, including knitting, crocheting, and woodworking.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Skillshare is also a great resource for those looking to sharpen their business skills. Popular business-related classes include:

• Marketing & Branding: Learn how to create a marketing strategy, build your brand, and manage social media.
• Freelancing & Side Hustles: If you’re interested in starting a side business, Skillshare offers courses on freelancing, building a personal brand, and attracting clients.
• Productivity & Time Management: Boost your productivity with classes on managing your time, setting goals, and staying focused.

Technology

For tech enthusiasts, Skillshare offers a variety of coding and development courses. Some popular topics include:

• Web Development: Courses teach you how to build websites, using languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress.
• App Development: Learn how to create mobile apps for iOS and Android.
• Data Science: Dive into the world of data with classes on data analysis, machine learning, and Python.

Lifestyle

Skillshare isn’t just for creatives and professionals—it’s also great for personal development. Some popular lifestyle classes include:

• Cooking & Baking: Discover new recipes and learn cooking techniques.
• Health & Wellness: Explore mindfulness, yoga, fitness, and stress management.
• Personal Finance: Learn how to budget, save money, and invest wisely.

Skillshare Pricing

Skillshare offers two main pricing plans: a monthly subscription and an annual subscription. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost (Billed Upfront)
Premium	$15	$99 ($8.25/month)
Premium (Student)	$8.25	$49.50 ($4.13/month)

Free Trial: Skillshare offers a 30-day free trial, which allows you to explore the platform and take as many classes as you want before committing to a paid subscription.

Is Skillshare Worth It?

To determine if Skillshare is worth your time and money, it’s important to consider a few factors:

1. Variety of Classes

With over 20,000 courses available, Skillshare offers an incredible amount of content in a wide variety of categories. Whether you’re interested in learning creative skills or business strategies, you’ll find courses tailored to your needs.

2. Project-Based Learning

The platform’s project-based learning model is a standout feature. Instead of just watching videos, you’ll be able to complete assignments and build your skills hands-on. This practical approach helps reinforce concepts and make learning more enjoyable.

3. Pricing

Compared to other online learning platforms, Skillshare offers competitive pricing. The subscription model gives you access to all courses, so you can explore a variety of topics without worrying about individual course prices. If you’re interested in learning multiple skills, this can be a very cost-effective option.

Pros of Skillshare

• Large Course Selection: Skillshare offers a broad range of courses, making it suitable for creative professionals, tech enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike.
• Project-Based Learning: The emphasis on practical, hands-on projects helps learners apply what they’ve learned and build a portfolio.
• Community Interaction: Skillshare fosters a strong sense of community, allowing you to interact with fellow students and receive valuable feedback.
• Affordable Pricing: The subscription model offers excellent value, especially with the annual plan.
• Quality Instructors: Many of Skillshare’s instructors are industry professionals, providing valuable insights and real-world experience.

Cons of Skillshare

• Variable Course Quality: As Skillshare allows anyone to create and upload courses, the quality can vary. Some courses may not meet your expectations in terms of depth or content.
• No Accredited Certifications: While Skillshare provides certificates of completion, they are not officially recognized by universities or employers. If you’re seeking formal qualifications, you may need to explore other platforms.
• Limited Advanced Courses: While Skillshare offers great beginner and intermediate-level courses, it may not have enough advanced content for highly specialized learners.

Conclusion: Is Skillshare Right for You?

Skillshare is a fantastic platform for people looking to learn new skills, particularly in creative fields. Its focus on hands-on projects and community engagement makes it stand out from other online learning platforms. If you’re someone who thrives in a creative environment and enjoys learning through real-world projects, Skillshare is a great choice.

However, if you’re looking for formal certifications or highly advanced courses, you may want to consider other options. Skillshare excels at providing a wide variety of accessible, practical, and engaging courses, and at an affordable price, it’s an excellent investment for anyone looking to develop new skills.

FAQs

Is Skillshare free?

Skillshare offers a 30-day free trial, after which you need to subscribe to continue accessing the courses.

Can I download Skillshare courses for offline viewing?

Yes, Skillshare allows you to download courses on its mobile app for offline viewing.

Are Skillshare certificates recognized?

Skillshare certificates are not accredited but can be added to your portfolio or resume to demonstrate the skills you’ve acquired.

Can I become an instructor on Skillshare?

Yes, Skillshare allows anyone with expertise in a subject to create and teach their own courses.

How does Skillshare compare to other platforms like Udemy?

Unlike Udemy, which charges per course, Skillshare operates on a subscription model that provides access to an entire library of classes. Skillshare also focuses more on creative skills and project-based learning.