Unbiased SkillShare Review | Is It Worth Paying In 2024?

Are you looking for an honest Skillshare Review? You have come to the right place. 

I tried the Skillshare platform for 30 days during its free trial, and here is what I found out.

The trial period includes access to all courses and features, allowing you to explore the platform entirely.

Here are the complete details of the platform’s best features and cons. Let us get started. 

What Is Skillshare?

Skillshare is not just another e-learning platform; it’s a hub of knowledge that offers various courses on various topics.

From beauty to website building, there’s something for everyone’s interests and aspirations.

Founded in 2010, Skillshare has grown into one of the most popular creative and professional development destinations, with 600k+ users worldwide.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned artist, or someone simply looking to pick up a new skill, Skillshare has something for everyone.

Skillshare’s approach is refreshing if you are new to online learning. Unlike other platforms, Skillshare doesn’t host traditional online classes.

Instead, it offers high-production-value videos that are both informative and engaging. It’s like watching a YouTube video but with the added benefit of learning a new skill.

Now, let’s get into the details, shall we?

What Are The Skillshare Pros & Cons?

Pros:

1. Extensive Course Catalog: Skillshare offers a wide range of classes, covering topics like graphic design, photography, marketing, business, and even lifestyle subjects. Skillshare hosts over 35000 online classes from which you can learn.
2. Affordable Subscription Model: Skillshare’s membership allows you to take multiple courses in the same year, compared to buying individual courses.
3. Interactive Community: The platform encourages community interaction through projects, discussion boards, and workshops, creating a collaborative learning environment.
4. Free Trial: Skillshare offers a 1 month free trial period, giving you ample time to get to know the platform before you commit.
5. Offline Viewing: Mobile users can download classes for offline viewing, which is convenient for online learning.
6. Study Resources: Downloadable workbooks, tests, certificates, and learning resources are available on Skillshare.

Cons:

1. No Accredited Certificates: Unlike some other learning platforms, Skillshare doesn’t offer accredited certificates, which might be a hiccup if you want proof of learning for your career.
2. Varied Course Quality: Since anyone can become an instructor, the quality of Skillshare courses can vary significantly.
3. Lack of Technical Subjects: Skillshare has many courses in the creative category, while it may lack courses in the technical category, such as programming, data science, finance, etc.

Skillshare Users Review

Here are some testimonials of real-life Skillshare users providing their experience with the platform.

“I had a subscription issue as a minor, and my experience with Skillshare’s support team was really positive. They quickly understood the situation, handled everything with patience, and offered a fair refund solution. Rustum, my support contact, was super helpful and kept the communication clear and polite. The process was smooth, and I felt like my concerns were genuinely taken into account. Overall, very impressed with the support and the way they handled my case!” – Violetta Acquaviva on Trustpilot

“Skill share has been a great app to use while I’ve had ill health, and I learned new crafts for fun and as a distraction. I forgot to cancel the subscription this year while having cancer treatment and on a low income. I explained my predicament, and they were very helpful helping me cancel the subscription and giving me a refund. Thanks so much, Erlyn!” – Laura Rigby on Trustpilot

“The best thing is I can enroll in all the courses after subscription. That makes me free from buying the courses individually. I love its interactive courses for learning graphic design and going freelance. My homepage always comes with courses related to my interests. Also, their 60 days trial is really appreciable. However, it’s a library of various types of courses that can take my skills to the next level.” – Swopon K on G2

“Absolutely love Skillshare, definitely recommended for designers! The variety and quality of classes available, the structure of classes, ease of follow-through, website UI/UX, the way they support teachers + payment systems, and Subscription Plan.” – Krittika M on G2

How Much Does Skillshare Cost?

Now, let’s talk about Skillshare Pricing. Since 2021, Skillshare has updated its pricing plans to a membership-based model.

Skillshare now offers monthly and annual membership plans, which offer unlimited access to all the courses and features on the platform for the period of your membership. 

There are two types of plans on Skillshare in November 2024. 

Individual Memberships

For individuals looking to get Skillshare subscriptions, here are the options

1. Skillshare Monthly Plan: Available at $29/month (billed monthly). Billed monthly, this plan will cost you $348/year in total.
2. Skillshare Annual Plan: This plan is available at $99/year (billed annually). With this plan, you get a 40% discount on your annual plan and can save up to $250 in a year. 

You can grab your 40% discount for a limited time using the Skillshare coupon in November 2024. So, hurry up now!

Teams Plan

For teams and organizations, the subscription prices are as follows: 

For teams of 50+ users: Custom Pricing is available that you can negotiate according to your needs with their sales team. 

For teams of 2-49 seats: Plans are available at $159/seat annually.

How Many Courses Are Available On Skillshare?

Skillshare is a creative platform with a course for almost anything creative. They have over 35000 courses in the following categories for you to explore:

• Creative Career
• Creativity & Inspiration
• Design
• Art & Illustration
• Film & Video
• Photography
• AI & Innovation
• Animation & 3D
• Music & Audio
• Productivity
• Writing & Publishing
• Marketing & Business
• Development
• Crafts & DIY
• Home & Lifestyle
• Personal Development

Some of the most popular courses on Skillshare are:

• Social Media Content Creation in Canva: From Beginner to Advanced by Maggie Stara
• Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn GREAT Design by Lindsay Marsh
• Video Editing With Adobe Premiere Pro For Beginners (2024) by Jordy Vandeput
• Learn to Draw: A Comprehensive Introduction to Drawing Foundations & Style by Mimi Chao
• Kickstart your Creativity with Procreate: 20 Fun Drawings for Beginners and Beyond by Lisa Bardot
• Notion Masterclass: Maximise Your Productivity & Organisation by Ali Abdaal
• How to Draw: A Beginner’s Guide – Part 1 of The Drawing Laboratory by Brent Eviston
• Productivity Masterclass – Principles and Tools to Boost Your Productivity by Ali Abdaal
• Figma UI UX Design Essentials by Daniel Scott
• Basic Skills / Getting Started with Drawing by Brent Eviston
• Find Your Style: Five Exercises to Unlock Your Creative Identity by Andy J. Pizza
• Art Journaling for Self-Care: 3 Exercises for Reflection and Growth by Amanda Rach Lee
• Start Drawing: 3 Fun, Freeing Exercises to Spark Your Creativity by Carly Kuhn
• Start Your Creative Career: Build a Sharp, Smart Online Presence by Sonja Rasula
• Plants at Home: Uplift Your Spirit & Your Space by Christopher Griffin
• Holistic Interior Design: Transform Your Personal Space for Well-Being by Clear Studios

What Do You Get With Skillshare? 

Now that we know how much Skillshare costs, let’s see what we get with a Skillshare membership. 

• Thousands of Classes: You can choose from over 30,000 classes in various categories, including design, business, photography, and more.
• Project-Based Learning: Many classes include hands-on projects to help you apply what you’ve learned and develop practical skills.
• Offline Viewing: Download classes to watch offline on the Skillshare mobile app so you can learn anytime, anywhere.
• Community Interaction: You can engage with fellow learners and instructors through class discussions, projects, and feedback.
• Skillshare Originals: With a membership, you can also access exclusive classes produced by Skillshare in collaboration with industry experts.
• Learning Paths: Follow curated learning paths tailored to specific goals or interests, making navigating Skillshare’s vast content library more accessible.

Skillshare Features That Could Be Better

But how do you know a platform is right for you if you don’t see the area it lacks? Here are some features that could be improved in Skillshare. 

• Limited Offline Access: While it is convenient to download classes for offline viewing, this feature is only available on the mobile app and not on the desktop.
• Variable Class Quality: While most classes are of high quality, some may lack depth or production value compared to others.
• No Certificates: Skillshare does not offer certificates or formal accreditation for completing courses, unlike other online learning platforms.
• Less Revenue as an Educator: Skillshare educators earn $1-2/month/student, which can be more on other platforms.

If these cons are not a hiccup for you, I have encountered no issues during my 30-day free trial period. 

What Are The Features Of Skillshare?

Now, let’s discuss the best features in detail so you can better understand the platform. 

1. Skillshare User Interface

Skillshare’s user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re browsing classes, interacting with the community, or tracking your progress, everything is just a few clicks away.

The website is colorful, intuitive, and easy to navigate, as is their app; it has an enjoyable user interface. 

I rate it a 5/5. 

2. Skillshare Course Catalog and Learning Paths 

Skillshare’s extensive course catalog covers various topics, including art, design, business, technology, and lifestyle.

Whether you’re interested in learning a new creative skill or developing professional expertise, Skillshare has something to offer.

Skillshare’s ever-growing course catalog currently has 30k+ classes for you to explore. Additionally, Skillshare has introduced a new feature.

Curated learning paths that guide learners through a series of related courses, helping them develop comprehensive skills in specific areas without manually searching for them.

The classes are of good quality and taught by experienced professionals; I rate them a 4.5/5. 

3. Skillshare Community Features and Interaction 

One of Skillshare most significant strengths is its vibrant and supportive community. Learners can interact with instructors and peers through class discussions, projects, and feedback, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.

Additionally, Skillshare hosts live events, workshops, and challenges that encourage community engagement and participation. The platform offers community features like.

• Projects and Assignments: Many courses on Skillshare include group projects for students to complete and share with others.
• Workshops: Skillshare runs regular workshops, creating a cohort-like experience for all the students participating in the workshop.
• Discussion Boards and Comments: Skillshare includes discussion sections and a Comments section on every course, where students can ask questions, share ideas, and get instructor and peer feedback. All courses have a dedicated course below where students and teachers can interact and discuss the quality of the course or debate on topics present in the course

In this category, Skillshare is a 5/5. 

4. Skillshare Educator Experience

Anyone can be an educator on Skillshare. Here is the breakdown of the revenue specifics. You can start earning only if you have over 25 students enrolled and you earn $1-2 per student per minute watched.

As a new online educator, Skillshare provides resources and support for instructors to create and publish high-quality courses, including guidance on course development, production, and promotion.

Educators earn royalties based on student enrollment and engagement, making it a lucrative opportunity for skilled professionals to demonstrate their skills and earn money from them.

I rate Skillshare a 4/5 in this category.

5. 30-Day Free Trial

Skillshare is one of the few platforms that offers a 30-day free trial of its premium subscription plan. This allows users to explore the platform and access premium features at no cost.

The free trial provides an excellent opportunity to test drive Skillshare offerings and determine if they align with your learning goals and preferences.

Remember that canceling your subscription before the trial period ends will prevent you from being charged, but if you do not, you will be charged for the Plan you chose during the sign-up.

Does Skillshare Offer Student Discounts?

Yes, Skillshare is an education platform meant for students. It understands their constraints and thus often offers Student discounts and offers.

Currently, they have two offers ongoing on their website for students.

1. 50% OFF Yearly Subscriptions: With this 50% discount on yearly subscriptions, you can enjoy unlimited access to thousands of classes for half the price. All you must do is apply for the scholarship with a valid student address.
2. Skillshare FREE for 1 Year: Skillshare offers a free yearly subscription to 10 students meeting their monthly criteria. 

However, these are time-limited offers currently available for November 2024. Hurry if you want to take advantage of them before they expire. 

Skillshare Alternatives (Free and Paid)

If you’re considering Skillshare but want to explore other platforms, here are some popular alternatives:

Udemy is a popular online course platform with a pay-per-course model and a wide selection of courses across various fields, including technical subjects.

I have covered SkillShare or udemy, which would best fit your learning goals, so you can make an informed decision about choosing between these two e-platforms.

Many Udemy courses also offer accredited certificates. However, the platform also provides a few free courses.

Coursera: Coursera partners with universities to provide more academic-oriented courses, many offering certificates and specializations.

MasterClass: MasterClass focuses on celebrity-led classes, with experts like Gordon Ramsay and Serena Williams teaching skills in their respective fields.

LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn offers business, technology, and creative courses with certificates that can be added directly to your LinkedIn profile.

Domestika: Similar to Skillshare, it specializes in creative courses. However, it also offers a pay-per-course option and strongly focuses on high-quality production.

If you want to explore more alternatives, here is a list of Best skillshare alternatives, each with its pros and cons, pricing, and features.

How Does Skillshare Compare To Its Competitors?

It is best to compare a platform that fits needs with other alternatives so we know we are spending our money on the right platform. 

I will list other alternatives for Skillshare that have the features that Skillshare lacks here. You can also read my review here for a detailed overview of the best Skillshare options. 

1. If you are looking for accredited certifications, you can look for Udemy or Coursera. 
2. Masterclass is the best alternative if you are looking for similar video quality and production value in the classes. 
3. If you want free courses, Coursera is the way to go. 
4. If you want to earn more revenue as a teacher and need website-building tools and business features to promote your courses, you can look at Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkfic, or Teachfloor. 

However, these tools mostly have variable prices and a limited number of courses.

You can also try Skillshare for free, like I did, to better understand what the platform provides to decide for yourself. 

How To Cancel a Skillshare Subscription?

If you want to cancel your Skillshare subscription, here is what you have to do:

Step 1: Log in to your Account: Visit Skillshare’s website and log in to your account.

Step 2: Go to Account Settings: Click on your profile icon and select “Account Settings.”

Step 3: Manage Subscription: In the “Payments” section, you’ll see an option for “Manage” next to your subscription details.

Step 4: Cancel Membership: Click “Cancel Membership” and follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.

If you’re on a free trial, you can also cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged and try out the platform for free.

Conclusion (Is Skillshare Worth it?)

In this Skillshare review 2024, we’ve explored Skillshare’s features, pros, and cons and compared it to its competitors. Now, let’s see if Skillshare is the right online learning platform.

It excels in course quantity and quality and also has a mobile app for viewing on the go. It is one of the cheapest alternatives and provides the bang for your buck.

If you are okay with not getting a certificate for a course and want to learn or upgrade your skills, it is definitely worth it. 

So what are you waiting for? Try the tool for free for 30 days and decide for yourself. 

If you want to earn on this platform as a teacher, then you should check how much Skillshare pays to their instructors.

Find what people also ask about Skillshare.

Frequently Asked Questions