As professionals, we’re always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. And, as the saying goes, you’re never too old to learn (or teach). That’s why, when Skillshare approached us to review their platform, we were intrigued.
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers over 17,000 classes in a variety of disciplines. You can take classes on everything from marketing and business to design and photography. They also have a wide variety of classes for creatives and entrepreneurs.
In this article, we’ll share our honest thoughts on Skillshare after having used it for a while. Is it worth your time and money? We’ll help you decide.
What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is a learning platform that lets you choose from a variety of courses to improve your professional skills. You can learn things like how to design your own logo, market your business on social media, or write a bestselling novel.
There’s a course for just about everything on Skillshare, and the best part is that they’re all taught by experts in their field. So whether you’re looking to learn new coding techniques or brush up on your public speaking skills, you can be sure that you’ll be getting first-hand knowledge from the best.
Skillshare Pros and Cons:
There are a lot of things to love about Skillshare: the classes are affordable and there are tons of them to choose from, ranging from creative writing to web development. Plus, the instructors are generally experts in their fields, and they willingly share their knowledge in an easy-to-follow format.
That said, Skillshare isn’t perfect. The main downside is that it can be tough to find high-quality classes amongst all of the mediocre ones. And if you’re not willing to invest in a premium membership, you’re limited to just a handful of classes each month.
Overall, we think Skillshare is a great learning resource and it’s perfect for people who want to learn new skills without breaking the bank. Just be sure to do your research so you can find the best classes for you.
How much does Skillshare cost?
Skillshare is not expensive. You can get a monthly subscription for $32 which gives you access to the entire library of classes. Or, you can pay a little more and get a yearly subscription which comes out to be $14 per month.
- Monthly plan: $32 a month
- Annual plan: $168 a year ($14 per month)
If you’re not sure if Skillshare is right for you, they offer a free trial that allows you to take three classes. This is a great way to test out the platform and see if it’s a good fit for your needs.
How to create a Skillshare account?
Creating a Skillshare account is easy, and it’s a great way to get access to many incredible courses. All you need is an email address and you can create your account in minutes!
Once you’ve created your account, a few steps will be needed to get started. You’ll need to provide some information about yourself, including what interests you have and how you prefer to learn. This helps Skillshare recommend the best classes and projects that match your goals.
Then, it’s time to select your membership plan and start taking classes. You can get a free trial that lets you take three classes for free, or if you decide that Skillshare is the right fit for you, there are several membership plans with different levels of access.
Lastly, once your account is set up and you have selected a plan, it’s time for the fun part—taking classes!
What courses are available on Skillshare?
Skillshare offers a wide variety of classes and learning experiences in over 23 different categories. They provide Learning Paths, which are curated paths of related classes meant to help you reach your learning goals. Additionally, they have the ChromaCourse initiative. This is where popular creators upload courses that are then edited and approved by the Skillshare team for a more comprehensive learning experience.
If you’re looking for more than just a course, you can also join the Skillshare Community for exclusive access to student projects, live workshops and more. Plus, their platform is available in localized languages so anyone from any part of the world can join and benefit from their courses.
With the wide variety of courses available, Skillshare has something for everyone – whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, there’s something here that can fit your needs.
Skillshare live sessions:
Skillshare also offers live sessions with some of its most popular instructors. These are great ways to get real-time feedback and learn from the best in a more intimate setting. Check the schedule to see when the next live session is happening.
How are Skillshare courses structured?
When you decide to take a course on Skillshare, you’ll find the structure quite simple. Each course generally includes an introduction and welcome to the class, a series of lectures that are around 10-20 minutes long, and one or more project assignments.
On each page, you’ll be able to see the complete syllabus and get an overview of what topics will be covered in each lecture. There may also be discussion topics and bonus materials included depending on the teacher.
Most teachers also include access to transcripts of their lectures, so you can read along if needed. Plus, many courses have project resources available so students can easily download templates or other materials needed for their assignments. You can read reviews from past students to get a better idea of how helpful these materials are before enrolling in a course.
Who are the Instructors on Skillshare?
One of the key aspects to consider when deciding if Skillshare is right for you is who are the instructors teaching the classes. Thankfully, Skillshare has a wide selection of high-quality teachers who specialize in different topics and skill sets.
The instructors on Skillshare come from all walks of life, ranging from filmmakers and photographers to entrepreneurs, graphic designers, illustrators, YouTubers and much more. There are countless passions and specialities represented on Skillshare, so whatever it is that you’re looking to learn, you can rest assured knowing that one of their instructors is likely to have expertise in that area.
In addition to coming from various backgrounds and professions, some of the teachers are also well-known professionals in their fields. This gives students access to high-quality instruction from credible experts who know what they’re talking about.
Skillshare also provides an easy way for users to rate their instructors after the class concludes which helps potential students get a better gauge of who will be best suited for them.
Tips to find the best classes for you:
We have some tips to help you find the classes that are best for you. First, you may want to consider joining Skillshare’s Premium Membership. With this membership, you get unlimited access to all content for $32/month.
If you’re looking for a specific type of class or course, search directly for it in the search bar or browse through the categories. Skillshare also offers a Career Growth program with dozens of classes tailored to help propel your career.
Just be sure to read the descriptions thoroughly and watch any free previews before signing up, so that it’s clear what kind of material is being offered in each course.
Also, keep an eye out for special offers and discounts! For example, right now Skillshare is offering its new members two free months when they sign up with an annual plan!
Skillshare Community:
A big part of being successful on Skillshare is having a strong network of peers and mentors. That’s why the Skillshare community is so important. The Skillshare community is full of supportive people who are eager to help each other out. Plus, the platform allows you to connect with other members and collaborate on projects or even just chat about ideas.
The platform also makes it easy to provide feedback and guidance on projects that you find interesting. This helps create a positive, helpful atmosphere that can help you learn faster and become a better creator in the long run.
In addition to connecting with others, you can also join existing groups or create your own, giving you the opportunity to network with like-minded people from all over the world. There’s also a dedicated mentor program that connects learners looking for guidance with experienced professionals who can help them reach their goals.
Skillshare Alternatives:
If you’re finding that Skillshare isn’t the right fit for you, you might be considering other options like MasterClass, Udemy, Mindvalley and Coursera. All of these online learning platforms offer courses on various topics, but it’s important to understand the differences between them.
Skillshare vs MasterClass:
MasterClass offers a more exclusive lineup of instructors including celebrities and award-winning professionals. Skillshare classes are more engaging and interactive while also covering a wide range of subject areas.
Check my complete article about MasterClass review…
Skillshare vs Udemy:
Udemy offers a larger selection of content and discounts than Skillshare. With Udemy you can access courses with lifetime access after purchase while Skillshare memberships give access to all course content.
Check my complete article about Udemy review…
Skillshare vs Mindvalley:
Mindvalley is an online learning platform that covers a wide range of topics beyond just business and entrepreneurship. If you’re looking for more than just business courses, then Mindvalley might be a good option for you.
Skillshare vs Coursera:
When comparing Skillshare vs Coursera, Coursera focuses on higher education courses and degrees while Skillshare caters primarily to creative professionals. Coursera also charges for additional features such as specializations or certification programs that are free on Skillshare.
Is Skillshare worth it?
Skillshare classes are definitely worth it if you’re looking to learn something new or build on existing skills. For example, if you’re just starting out with graphic design and want to get a head start on the basics, there are tons of beginner classes available for free. And for a nominal fee, you can take more advanced courses that offer more detailed instruction.
What’s more, Skillshare classes are designed by industry experts and professionals who can provide valuable insights into their industries. So if you’re seeking practical knowledge and advice from experienced professionals, Skillshare is a great option.
Plus, there are tens of thousands of classes to choose from across a wide range of topics so you can be sure to find something that fits your needs—from business and finance to creative arts and technology.
Skillshare FAQs:
How long are the courses on Skillshare?
Most of the courses on Skillshare are around 2-3 hours long. However, the length of a Skillshare class depends on the subject matter and teaching style. Plus, some classes may include additional resources which can extend the overall time it takes to complete the course.
How often are new courses added to Skillshare?
Skillshare regularly uploads new content across multiple categories, so students can access new courses. Additionally, Skillshare allows teachers to create and upload their own classes, which also contributes to the platform.
Can I download the courses on Skillshare?
Yes, Skillshare allows its users to download the courses to watch them offline. This feature is available for Skillshare premium members. It allows them to download the classes to their device, so they can complete classes offline.
What are the benefits of a Skillshare premium subscription?
A Skillshare premium subscription gives you access to all of the courses on Skillshare, as well as some exclusive benefits, such as discounts on other learning platforms and access to premium content.
Is Skillshare better than Youtube?
Yes, Skillshare offers structured classes taught by experts in a wide range of subjects, while YouTube features a variety of videos, including user-generated content and educational videos.
Which is better Udemy or Skillshare?
It depends on personal preference and learning goals. Skillshare focuses on a community-based approach, offering interactive classes and a subscription-based model, while Udemy offers a more traditional, self-paced course format with a larger selection of courses and a pay-per-course pricing model.
Does Skillshare give you a degree?
No, Skillshare does not offer degree programs. It is a platform that offers a wide variety of classes and courses, but it is not accredited and does not provide degrees or certifications.
What is the Skillshare refund policy?
The Skillshare refund policy states that if a student is not satisfied with a course, they can request a refund within 14 days of the purchase date. However, the refund policy may vary depending on the type of subscription. For example, some promotions and discounts may not be eligible for a refund.
Can you put Skillshare on my resume?
Yes, you can put Skillshare on a resume. Skillshare can be included as a form of professional development or continuing education, as it can demonstrate your commitment to learning and expanding your skills.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Skillshare is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn new skills or improve their current skill set. With thousands of courses to choose from in a variety of subject areas, Skillshare is sure to have something to offer everyone. The best part is that Skillshare is affordable and comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
