Skillshare Courses Review: My Honest & Students Feedback 🎨

Skillshare Courses Review: My Honest Experience & Student Feedback after very deep search in internet? Worth or not?

Ever wondered if those Skillshare courses you see advertised everywhere are actually worth it? 🤔 I was in the same boat. As a curious lifelong learner (and a sucker for creative classes), I decided to dive into Skillshare headfirst. In this review, I’ll share my first-person experience after paying for Skillshare, along with genuine student feedback on whether it’s worth the money. Get ready for an informational, engaging, and fun ride! 🎢

(Oh, and if you decide to give Skillshare a try, I’ve got you covered with an affiliate link for a free trial – no pressure, but it’s there if you need it!)

Introduction to Skillshare 📚

What is Skillshare? Skillshare (visit website) is an online learning community offering on-demand courses across a range of creative and practical topics. Unlike traditional e-learning platforms, Skillshare’s focus is on creative education and personal growth. It’s often described as the “Netflix of learning” because you pay a flat subscription to access thousands of classes on everything from illustration and graphic design to photography, marketing, freelancing, productivity, and more​

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In fact, there are over 25,000 courses available, organized into categories like Business, Technology, Creative, and Lifestyle​

speedreadinglounge.com. Most classes are short, project-based video lessons (usually pre-recorded tutorials) that you can watch at your own pace, and there are even some live sessions and workshops for a more interactive experience​

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What makes Skillshare different? For one, it’s subscription-based – you pay a membership fee to unlock all the classes, instead of buying courses one-by-one. This means you can dip into a wide variety of topics without worrying about individual price tags​

g2.com. Skillshare also emphasizes community: many classes include a hands-on project, and students often share their projects in the class gallery for feedback and inspiration​

pcmag.com. Some teachers are very engaged and will leave comments or critiques on student projects, fostering a creative community vibe​

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Another key difference is that Skillshare courses are not accredited – there are no official certificates or grades​

speedreadinglounge.com. The platform is all about learning new skills for your own development or portfolio, rather than earning formal credentials. This can be a plus or minus depending on your goals. It’s great if you want to learn informally in a no-pressure environment (no exams here, yay! 😅), but if you need a certificate for your resume or job, Skillshare won’t provide that​

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Who is it for? Skillshare is perfect for creatives, hobbyists, and professionals looking to broaden their skills. Are you an aspiring artist, designer, writer, photographer, or entrepreneur? Do you enjoy bite-sized lessons you can fit into a busy schedule? Skillshare was basically made for you. It’s open to all levels – whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro wanting to learn a new trick. It’s also a great place for teachers; experts and enthusiasts can create courses on Skillshare and even earn income from them (which is why there’s such a huge variety of classes, taught by people from all over the world).

In short, Skillshare is an affordable online learning hub geared towards creative and practical skills, with a unique community-driven twist. Now, let me tell you how it went when I signed up and started taking Skillshare courses. 👇

My Experience with Skillshare 🎬

I’ll be honest – I signed up for Skillshare on a whim one evening after seeing one too many YouTube sponsorships. 😅 The promise of unlimited classes for one price sounded tempting. So, I headed to the Skillshare site and grabbed the free trial (at the time, it was a 7-day free trial for new members​

skillshare.com, which was plenty to explore the platform before committing). The sign-up process was pretty straightforward. I was prompted to choose a few topics of interest from a list (I picked illustration, graphic design, and creative writing – my personal passions). Right away, the platform’s algorithm got to work and my home feed was filled with recommended classes in those areas. It felt like stepping into a candy store of creativity! 🍫🎨

Navigating the platform: The Skillshare interface is clean and user-friendly. I could search for specific skills (e.g. “logo design” or “watercolor basics”) or browse by categories. Each course page shows a series of video lessons, the total runtime, a description, and reviews from other students. Many courses also show a class project (with examples of student submissions). I loved that I could see student feedback and projects even before enrolling – it gave me a sense of what I’d be doing and how others fared.

My first class: I decided to start with Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design, one of the popular Skillshare courses. It consisted of a series of short videos (most were 5-10 minutes each) totaling about an hour of content, plus a project to create a simple poster using the principles learned. I was delighted by the format – the lessons were bite-sized and engaging, so I never felt overwhelmed or bored. I could pause and come back later, since the content was on-demand. In fact, one of Skillshare’s strengths is that many classes are broken into very short segments (even 1-2 minutes for some!), making it easy to learn in quick bursts between other obligations​

pcmag.com. As a busy person, I really appreciated being able to squeeze in a lesson during a coffee break. ☕

After watching the lessons, I dove into the class project. I uploaded my poster design to the project gallery, feeling a bit nervous about sharing my work. To my surprise, within a day I got a couple of encouraging comments from other students! This little interaction gave me a warm fuzzy feeling – it’s not every day that strangers on the internet cheer on your learning. 😊 It showed the community aspect of Skillshare in action: students learning together and supporting each other.

Trying out different courses: Over my first few weeks, I explored a variety of classes. I took an illustration class on drawing cute characters, a productivity class to help organize my work routine, and even a photography class to level up my Instagram game. The quality varied a bit from course to course (more on the pros and cons soon), but generally I found the instructors knowledgeable and approachable. Many instructors are practitioners in their fields – like designers, artists, entrepreneurs – rather than formal professors. This made the tone of lessons feel friendly and down-to-earth. In one class, the teacher was filming from her home studio and speaking to us like we were just hanging out, which I loved. It felt personal.

I also tried Skillshare’s mobile app to continue learning on the go. The app experience was smooth for watching videos, and I could even download lessons for offline viewing (great for when I was traveling without reliable internet). Creating and uploading a project from the app was a bit fiddly, but watching content on my phone or tablet while commuting was seamless. Notably, some reviews mention the app lacks certain features like discussing projects, but for me it worked fine for consuming content.

By the end of the trial, I had completed several classes and was honestly hooked. I decided to upgrade to a paid membership for the year. (It worked out cheaper to get an annual subscription than pay month-to-month – more on pricing in a bit.) The fact that I was consistently using Skillshare a few times each week made the decision easy. I wanted to keep the learning momentum going! 🚀

That’s my personal experience in a nutshell: sign-up was easy, the variety of courses kept me engaged, and the learning format fit perfectly into my life. But no platform is perfect, and Skillshare is no exception. Let’s talk about what other students have experienced after paying for Skillshare – the good, the bad, and the ugly. 😈💡

Student Feedback After Paying – Is Skillshare Worth It? 💭

I didn’t want this review to be just my perspective. To give you a well-rounded picture, I looked at feedback from other students and online reviews who have paid for Skillshare. The consensus? Skillshare has fans and critics in equal measure. Here’s what real users are saying:

Pros of Skillshare (According to Students) 👍

• Unlimited learning for one price: This is by far the biggest draw. Students love that with a subscription, you can access all courses without extra fees​g2.com. Unlike platforms where you pay per class, Skillshare lets you hop into any course that piques your interest. One reviewer said the best thing is being free from buying courses individually, likening Skillshare to a vast library of skills at your fingertips​g2.com. If you’re someone who likes to dabble in many topics, this offers huge value.
• Bite-sized, easy-to-digest lessons: Many users appreciate Skillshare’s short video lessons and flexible structure. Classes are often broken into micro-lessons (~5-10 minutes each), so you can learn even if you only have a few minutes to spare. As one student noted, Skillshare “has made education easy and bite-sized” with quick lessons you can fit into your day​g2.com. There’s no pressure to sit through hour-long lectures – unless you want to binge a bunch of videos in one go (which I’ve definitely done on a lazy Sunday 😄).
• Diverse range of topics (especially creative ones): Skillshare started with a focus on creative fields, and it shows. There are tons of classes in illustration, painting, graphic design, photography, writing, filmmaking, crafts, and more. Students often mention finding inspiration in areas they hadn’t considered before, thanks to the variety. You might sign up to learn watercolor and end up also exploring logo design or video editing, since it’s all included. The platform also has business and lifestyle classes (productivity, freelance tips, marketing, etc.), though the creative arts are where it really shines. As a result, many learners feel it’s a fantastic resource to spark creativity and explore new hobbies. Overall, the breadth of content gets a big thumbs up. 👍

• Learn at your own pace, anytime: Because all classes are on-demand, students love the freedom to learn whenever and wherever. You can pause, rewind, or speed up videos. You can start a class on your laptop and finish it on your phone. This flexibility is frequently praised in reviews. For example, busy professionals have noted they enjoy being able to squeeze in lessons during commutes or breaks. There are no deadlines, so you can take a 2-hour class over a month if you want – it’s completely self-paced.
• Community and teacher interaction: This one can depend on the class, but many students (myself included) value the interactive elements. Posting your project and seeing others’ work is motivating. In popular classes, students sometimes form discussion threads or exchange tips. Some instructors actively engage in the discussion section or comment on projects, which adds a nice personal touch​pcmag.com. Knowing that the teacher might actually answer your question can be reassuring, and it makes the online learning experience feel less isolating. Not every class has a bustling community, but when they do, it’s a huge plus.
• Affordable compared to traditional courses: Several users pointed out that Skillshare ends up being cheaper than taking multiple individual courses elsewhere. For example, taking one high-quality class on another platform might cost $50-$100 by itself, which could cover multiple months of Skillshare membership. The value for money (when you actually use the service) is cited as a pro by many students – essentially, the more you learn, the more you get out of the money you spent.

Cons of Skillshare (According to Students) 👎

• Inconsistent course quality: Because anyone can become a Skillshare teacher, not all courses are created equal. This is a common gripe. Some classes are taught by industry experts and are polished, while others might be by newbies and feel amateur. As one user bluntly put it, the “quality of courses [is] not so great” in some cases, since courses are often created by non-experts​g2.com. If you’re unlucky, you might start a course and realize the instructor isn’t very experienced in teaching, or the content is too surface-level. The good news is you can usually tell from the reviews and preview whether a class is well-received. Also, Skillshare has rating and review systems, and they’ve been auditing and removing low-quality classes over time​pcmag.com. Still, the open marketplace nature means quality can vary. It’s wise to read the student reviews before investing your time in a class.
• Not for deep, comprehensive learning: Most Skillshare classes are short (often 30 minutes to 1.5 hours total). While that’s great for quick learning, it can be a downside if you want in-depth coverage of a topic. Some students felt that a lot of courses are “very short to provide [truly] relevant knowledge” on complex topics​g2.com. In other words, Skillshare is fantastic for introductions, tips, and creative inspiration, but it might not make you a master in an advanced field. For example, you can learn the basics of Python or UX design on Skillshare, but if you need a deep 40-hour bootcamp, you might find Skillshare’s content lacking. One reviewer noted that certain domains like advanced finance or programming have limited offerings on Skillshare​g2.com. It’s something to consider if your learning goals require a lot of depth or very specialized knowledge.

• Subscription and billing issues: Here’s a pain point that came up often in student feedback – the auto-renewal of the subscription. Skillshare operates on an auto-billing model (like most subscriptions), but some users reported trouble when they tried to cancel. A few angry posts on forums and review sites even called Skillshare a “scam” for charging them after cancellation or making it hard to get refunds​reddit.com. 😬 From what I gathered, these experiences usually involve users forgetting to cancel a free trial, or not realizing that the annual plan renews all at once. In fairness, I had no issue canceling during a previous trial (yes, I had tried Skillshare once before a couple years ago and canceled successfully). But the lesson is: if you subscribe, set a reminder for the renewal date. And if you do cancel, make sure you get the confirmation email. While I wouldn’t personally label Skillshare a scam (my experience with billing has been fine), it’s clear some users have felt burned by unexpected charges. So just be mindful of the commitment when you sign up.
• Content overlap with free resources: Another critique is that much of the content on Skillshare can be found for free on platforms like YouTube. It’s true – if you search hard enough, you might find YouTube tutorials covering similar ground for many topics. One Reddit user complained that Skillshare “isn’t worth any money” because YouTube channels are often higher quality and free​reddit.com. They even mentioned that the way some Skillshare classes chop up content into segments felt a bit contrived compared to a well-edited YouTube video​reddit.com. I can understand this point. For very popular subjects (say, Photoshop basics or how to knit a scarf), you likely can find decent free videos online. The difference with Skillshare is curation and structure – classes tend to be more organized, ad-free, and come with projects. But if you’re a very resourceful self-learner on a tight budget, you could piece together learning from free sources. So this con really depends on how you value convenience and curation versus spending time hunting down free content.
• No formal recognition: Since Skillshare doesn’t provide certificates or accreditation, some students feel there’s a lack of closure or accomplishment upon finishing a course. You do get a little “finished” mark and you can share your project, but if you were hoping for a certificate to show your boss or add to LinkedIn, you’ll be disappointed. This isn’t exactly a flaw (Skillshare is up front about being non-accredited​speedreadinglounge.com), but it’s a consideration. A few users mentioned they miss having some tangible proof of completing a course – even if just for personal satisfaction.
• Community can be hit or miss: Earlier I listed community as a pro, but it can also be a con. Not every class has active discussions, and not every project gets feedback. Some users expected more of a social learning experience and felt let down when most classmates stayed quiet. One review on G2 noted the community is “not so great” in actually sharing work or skills​g2.com – perhaps because it really depends on the group of students you happen to have at the time. Skillshare doesn’t force interaction; it’s voluntary. So if you thrive on peer engagement, be aware it varies. In niche or less popular classes, you might hear crickets in the discussion board.

That covers the major pros and cons students report after using Skillshare. As you can see, the platform has a ton of strengths in flexibility and creative breadth, but it’s not without its weaknesses. In my experience, a lot comes down to how you use it – choose good courses, actually dedicate time to learning, and be aware of the subscription details. If you do that, you’re likely to have a positive experience like I did. Next, let’s look at some of the best courses on Skillshare that I recommend trying out!

Best Courses to Try on Skillshare 🔝

One of the hardest parts of starting Skillshare is figuring out which classes to take first – there are so many! To help narrow it down, here are some popular and highly-rated Skillshare courses across different subjects. These courses are fan-favorites and a great way to get a taste of what Skillshare has to offer:

• Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design – Instructor: Ellen Lupton (a well-known design educator). This beginner-friendly class covers the fundamentals of graphic design – typography, color, layout, and more – in a concise, practical way. It’s one of the most popular design courses on Skillshare, with over 100k students​classcentral.com. If you’re new to design, this is a perfect starting point to build a solid foundation.
• Logo Design with Draplin: Secrets of Shape, Type, and Color – Instructor: Aaron Draplin. Draplin is a bit of a legend in the design world, and his Skillshare class doesn’t disappoint. In this fun course, he walks you through his process of creating bold, iconic logos. It’s hands-on and packed with personality (Draplin’s known for his humor!). Thousands of students have given it a thumbs up, making it a top-rated class​classcentral.com for aspiring logo designers.
• Mastering Productivity: Create a Custom System that Works – Instructor: Thomas Frank (productivity YouTuber). This class dives into productivity techniques and helps you build your own system to get more done. It’s highly actionable – you’ll learn about habit tracking, scheduling, and organizing your tasks effectively. Given how popular productivity hacks are, it’s no surprise this course is among Skillshare’s top enrolled​classcentral.com. I personally found it helpful to streamline my day-to-day work.
• Fundamentals of DSLR Photography – Instructor: Justin Bridges (fashion photographer). If you want to step up your photography from auto-mode shots to manual magic, this class is a gem. It covers DSLR basics: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition – all explained in simple terms. Many budding photographers on Skillshare start with this course, as it’s highly rated and beginner-oriented​classcentral.com. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident with your camera (I certainly did!).
• YouTube Success: Script, Shoot & Edit with MKBHD – Instructor: Marques Brownlee (aka MKBHD, famous tech YouTuber). Yes, a YouTube star teaches this class! 🏆 Marques shares how he plans and produces his high-quality videos. This includes tips on scripting content, filming techniques, and editing tricks. For anyone interested in video creation or starting a YouTube channel, learning from one of the best in the biz is incredible. This course quickly became one of the most watched classes on Skillshare when it launched​classcentral.com, and for good reason – it’s engaging and super informative.
• Hand Lettering Essentials for Beginners – Instructor: Mary Kate McDevitt. A treat for art lovers, this class teaches you the art of hand lettering (creating decorative, illustrated text by hand). It’s a relaxing and creative course that guides you through lettering basics and a final project to create your own hand-lettered piece. It’s very popular among art students on Skillshare​classcentral.com, and by the end you’ll have a beautiful piece of work and a new skill.
• Social Media Marketing: Top Tips for Growing Your Followers & Going Viral – Instructor: Cat Coquillette (entrepreneur & artist). In this class, Cat shares strategies for building an online presence and leveraging social media to promote your work or business. Given that she herself grew a successful brand via Instagram and beyond, her tips are practical and proven. This course has helped many creatives and small business owners amp up their social media game​classcentral.com. If you’re looking to boost your follower count or learn content strategies, add this to your list.

These are just a handful of standout courses – honestly, there are tons more I could list (shoutout to “Introduction to Procreate” for digital art lovers, and “Creative Writing for All: 10-Day Journaling Challenge” for writers!). The key takeaway is that Skillshare offers quality classes in a variety of niches, taught by passionate individuals. It might take a bit of searching to find the perfect class for you, but the above are safe bets that have resonated with thousands of students.

And remember: if you start a course and it’s not clicking for you, it’s no big deal – you can drop it and try another, since it’s all included in your membership. I definitely abandoned one or two classes that weren’t my cup of tea and hopped to something else without any guilt or extra cost. 😌

Value for Money 💰 – Is Skillshare Worth the Subscription Fee?

Let’s talk dollars and cents (or whatever currency you use). Is Skillshare worth the money you pay? In my opinion – yes, but with some caveats depending on your usage. Here’s a breakdown of the value:

Pricing: Skillshare operates on a subscription model. The premium membership (which gives you unlimited access to the full library of courses) currently costs around $165–$180 per year (usually billed annually up front)​

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pcmag.com. That comes out to roughly $14 per month. Skillshare sometimes advertises deals or discounts for new members (like a percentage off or an extended trial). Prices can vary by region too. As of writing, in the US the annual plan was about $167.88/year​

pcmag.com. There is no month-to-month option publicly shown (they really push the annual plan), though occasionally a monthly plan (~$32/month) is offered if you try to cancel or via special links.

Importantly, Skillshare offers a free trial for new users – typically 7 days by default​

skillshare.com, and often up to one month with certain promotions or referral links. This trial is a great way to gauge if you’ll use the platform enough. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide it’s not for you (to avoid being charged).

Also, Skillshare has a free tier, but it’s extremely limited. Free users only get access to a small selection of classes (often older or introductory ones)​

pcmag.com. To unlock the vast majority of courses, you’ll need Premium.

Comparing the cost to alternatives: When evaluating value, it helps to compare Skillshare’s price to other learning options:

• Udemy (and similar marketplaces): On Udemy, you buy courses individually. Prices range widely – often listed at $50-$200, but practically always on sale for $10-$25. If you only want one specific course, Udemy can be cheaper (you pay once and keep access for life). However, if you plan to take multiple courses, Skillshare’s all-you-can-learn model for ~$14/month can end up cheaper overall. For example, 3–4 Udemy courses might cost you $60 total (if on sale), which is about the same as 4 months of Skillshare — but with Skillshare in those 4 months you could do dozens of courses. It’s more cost-effective if you utilize it frequently.
• MasterClass: MasterClass is a similar subscription model but features celebrity instructors and high production values. It’s about $180 per year (no monthly option)​pcmag.com, slightly more than Skillshare. MasterClass courses are super polished, but they are more about insight into experts’ minds than teaching practical skills step-by-step, in my experience. Also, MasterClass has far fewer courses (around 100+) compared to Skillshare’s 25,000+. If you want breadth and hands-on projects, Skillshare gives more bang for your buck; if you want to be entertained by famous creatives or entrepreneurs, MasterClass might appeal despite the cost.
• LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda): This is another subscription platform, priced at $29.99 per month or ~$240 per year​pcmag.com (though many get it free via library or work). LinkedIn Learning has thousands of courses on professional skills (business, software, etc.). It’s more formal and corporate. In comparison, Skillshare is about half the price and focuses more on creative and hobbyist skills. If you’re purely looking for business or tech training, LinkedIn might have more depth. But for creative pursuits, Skillshare is a better value and the content feels less stiff (LinkedIn courses can be a bit dry and scripted​pcmag.com).
• Coursera / edX: Many courses on Coursera or edX are free to audit, but to get full access or certificates you often pay per course or per specialization. Those can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars for a multi-month program. These platforms shine for academic or career-focused learning (often in partnership with universities or companies). Skillshare is far cheaper and more casual, but you won’t get the accredited content or certificate that Coursera/edX can provide. It’s almost a different category – casual learning vs. academic/professional development.
• YouTube: Free, massive content, but quality and depth vary. The cost here is $0, but you pay in time spent searching and possibly frustration with ads or lack of structure. Skillshare’s value proposition over YouTube is that you’re paying for curation, structure, and an ad-free experience. Whether that’s worth ~$14 a month is up to you. For me, having a guided path and not getting distracted by cat videos mid-lesson is worth it. 😸

Given the above, I’d say Skillshare is reasonably priced for what it offers. If you are someone who loves learning new things and will take even 1-2 classes per month, the cost per class becomes just a few dollars or less, which is fantastic. However, if you think you might sign up and then forget about it for months, the value drops quickly. (Nobody likes paying for something they don’t use!)

My tip: if you decide to subscribe, go for the annual plan if you can afford the upfront cost – it’s cheaper in the long run​

g2.com, and it kind of commits you to using it (since you’ve paid for the year, you have incentive to make the most of it). Set some learning goals or pick a few courses you definitely want to complete. That way you’ll ensure you actually extract the value from your membership. I treated it like a gym membership: I scheduled “Skillshare time” a couple evenings a week, so I wouldn’t waste the subscription. And guess what – I ended up completing over 20 classes in the year, which for the ~$170 I spent, comes out to about $8.50 per class. Not bad at all. 💪

In summary, Skillshare can be absolutely worth the money if you use it regularly and are self-motivated to learn. It offers a huge return in knowledge and creative growth relative to its cost. But if you’re not sure you’ll use it often, definitely utilize the free trial first to test the waters.

Skillshare vs Other Learning Platforms 🔄

How does Skillshare stack up against its competitors? We touched on this in the pricing section, but let’s do a quick comparison on other aspects:

• Skillshare vs Udemy: Udemy has a larger catalog of topics (including more technical and academic subjects) and you purchase courses individually. Udemy’s strength is one-time purchases and often more in-depth courses for things like programming, IT, etc. Skillshare’s strength is the subscription model and creative community. If you want just one course on, say, Java programming, Udemy might be a better one-and-done choice. But if you’re a curious mind who wants to explore lots of topics (and especially creative fields), Skillshare’s subscription is more convenient and cost-effective. Also, Skillshare’s production quality is a bit more consistent for creative courses – many Udemy courses are great, but some are very low quality (again, open marketplace issues). Both suffer from the “anyone can teach” problem, so you have to choose courses wisely.
• Skillshare vs MasterClass: MasterClass is almost like the Hollywood version of online learning – big names, beautifully shot videos, very inspirational. But it’s less about step-by-step skill teaching and more about high-level insight. Skillshare’s classes tend to be more practical and task-oriented (projects to do, skills to practice). MasterClass might inspire you by hearing from a famous author or chef, but Skillshare will actually walk you through doing the thing yourself. Also, MasterClass lacks community projects or interaction; it’s purely watch and learn. For the price, I personally find Skillshare a better fit for active learning, whereas MasterClass is something I’d watch on my couch like an educational Netflix.
• Skillshare vs LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning is great for professional skills (Excel, management, coding basics, etc.) and it gives certificates of completion. The vibe is more corporate and the instructors often follow a scripted curriculum. Skillshare is more grassroots and creative. If you want to improve your resume or need hard professional skills, LinkedIn might serve you better. But if you want to explore creative passions or entrepreneurial skills in a more laid-back setting, Skillshare wins. Also, LinkedIn Learning is pricier unless you already have it via work or school. I found LinkedIn courses useful for software training, but frankly a bit dry. On Skillshare, I rarely felt bored because of the shorter lesson style and variety.
• Skillshare vs Coursera/edX: This is a bit apples to oranges. Coursera and edX offer university-style courses and even degrees. They are more academic and can be rigorous (with assignments, exams, peer reviews, etc.). Skillshare is casual learning. If you need a structured course with depth and credential, go Coursera/edX. If you want to just learn a new hobby or improve a skill informally, Skillshare is far more fun and zero pressure. Also, courses on Coursera have set start dates or schedules, whereas Skillshare is always-on. They really serve different audiences, though with some overlap in subjects (you might find an “Intro to Graphic Design” on both, but one will be a formal 8-week course and the other a 1-hour tutorial series).
• Skillshare vs CreativeLive / Domestika: These are platforms more directly comparable in the creative space. CreativeLive offers live-streamed workshops with creative professionals (and recordings for purchase). Their classes are high-quality and often deep dives, but you pay per class or bundle – can get expensive. Domestika is a Spanish-origin platform (with many English classes now) where you also buy courses individually, usually very affordably (like $10-$15 on sale). Domestika’s production quality is excellent and classes focus on creative skills too. The difference is again subscription vs ownership: Skillshare you subscribe to access everything (but lose access if you stop paying), Domestika you buy to keep a specific course. If you are a voracious learner, Skillshare’s unlimited model might serve you better. If you just want one specific skill course and want to keep it forever, Domestika is an interesting alternative.

And of course, free resources (YouTube, blogs, etc.) are always there. But as mentioned, free learning can lack structure and reliability. It’s great alongside Skillshare – e.g., I often supplement a Skillshare class with some YouTube videos for extra tips – but I like having Skillshare as a “home base” for learning a topic comprehensively in one place.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Skillshare? 🤔

By now, you have a good idea of what Skillshare offers. But is it the right platform for you? Here’s my take on who will benefit most from Skillshare, and who might want to steer elsewhere:

✅ You’ll love Skillshare if:

• You are a creative soul or curious learner. Skillshare is fantastic for artists, designers, crafters, writers, photographers, and all kinds of makers. It’s equally great for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and DIY hobbyists who want to pick up new skills (be it marketing tips, video editing, or watercolor painting). If you have multiple interests, you’ll enjoy the smorgasbord of classes available.
• You prefer learning by doing. Most Skillshare courses involve a project or at least encourage you to follow along and practice. If you learn best through hands-on experience rather than theoretical lectures, Skillshare’s style will suit you well. You’ll actually create things as you learn, which helps retain the skills.
• Short, flexible lessons fit your schedule. Not everyone can block out 10 hours a week for a course. If you have a busy or unpredictable schedule, Skillshare’s bite-sized lessons and self-paced structure are ideal. You can do 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there. It’s learning on your terms, which is great for parents, students, or working professionals squeezing in personal development on the side.
• You plan to take multiple courses. If your goal is to continuously learn new stuff or you have a list of topics you’re eager to explore, Skillshare’s subscription will be of great value. The more you use it, the cheaper each course effectively becomes. For lifelong learners who are always picking up new hobbies or skills, Skillshare is like a playground. 🎠
• You enjoy community and informal networking. With Skillshare, you have the opportunity (in popular classes) to interact with fellow students, see their projects, and even get feedback. If you thrive in a community learning environment but don’t want the formality of a graded class, Skillshare provides a nice middle ground. You might even make some online friends or collaborators through class discussions.

🚫 Skillshare might not be for you if:

• You need accredited courses or certificates. If your main aim is to earn a certificate, CE credits, or something to put on your professional profile, Skillshare won’t meet that need​speedreadinglounge.com. There are no certificates upon completion. Employers and schools typically won’t recognize Skillshare learning (aside from the skills you personally gain). For that, you’re better off with platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning (which at least gives certificates of completion), or official certification courses.
• You require very structured, in-depth curriculum. Some people learn best in a step-by-step program that goes from A to Z with lots of depth. Skillshare courses tend to be standalone and of limited scope. If you need a full program (like from beginner to advanced in sequence with consistent structure), Skillshare may feel too scattered. For example, if you want to become a full-stack web developer, a bootcamp or a multi-month guided course might serve you better than piecing together various short Skillshare classes. Skillshare is awesome for exploring and getting a foundation or specific techniques, but not always for mastery of a complex field.
• You’re only interested in one specific topic and nothing else. Let’s say all you want is to learn only Python programming and then you’re done. In such a case, paying for a year of Skillshare might be overkill; you could just get a dedicated Python course elsewhere. Skillshare’s value shines when you take advantage of many courses across perhaps different interests. If you really have a one-track learning need, consider if a single-course purchase on another platform is more cost-effective and targeted.
• You might forget to cancel (budget concerns). This is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but if you know you’re forgetful with subscriptions and you’re on a tight budget, be cautious. Skillshare will auto-renew, and as mentioned, some folks have been unhappy with being charged when they didn’t expect it​reddit.com. If you’re just testing it out, set an alarm to reassess before the renewal. In general, if money is very tight and you can’t commit to making the most of the membership, you might want to stick to free resources for now.
• You expect personal mentorship or extensive feedback. While some Skillshare teachers interact, it’s not the same as having a tutor or mentor. The classes are mostly one-to-many. If you need a lot of hand-holding, live coaching, or to have every question answered immediately, Skillshare could fall short. There are live workshops on Skillshare, but they’re supplementary and not guaranteed for every topic. In that case, a live course or coaching might be more suitable (albeit much more expensive typically).

In essence, Skillshare is best for self-motivated learners seeking informal, accessible education. It’s amazing for creative exploration and continuous learners, but not the go-to for formal training or one-and-done certification needs.

Final Verdict 🎉

After spending considerable time with Skillshare courses, I can confidently say that Skillshare has been a worthwhile investment in my personal growth. From learning how to design a logo and edit videos, to picking up productivity hacks and even trying my hand at watercolor, it’s been an enriching journey. I love the freedom to follow my curiosity – one week I’m into photography, the next I’m learning how to launch a small business. It’s all there under one roof.

Would I recommend Skillshare? Yes – with the recommendation tailored to the type of user. For creatives, multipotentialites, and anyone who enjoys learning new things for fun or self-improvement, Skillshare is a fantastic platform. It offers a supportive community vibe, a huge range of topics, and a binge-worthy library of content at a fair price. I’ve found it absolutely fueled my creativity and skills, and I often feel inspired and accomplished after finishing a class. 🎨✨

However, keep your expectations realistic. Know what Skillshare is and isn’t. It’s not a magic pill that will turn you into a professional animator or earn you a promotion overnight. You get out what you put in. The resources are there, but it’s on you to do the work – practice the craft, engage with the community, and apply the lessons to real projects. If you do that, Skillshare can truly be a game-changer for lifelong learning.

For me personally, the pros far outweighed the cons. Any minor annoyances (like stumbling on a dud class or the lack of a certificate) didn’t diminish the overall value I got from the platform. Plus, Skillshare continues to evolve – I’ve noticed they add new classes constantly, and improve features (the new ones on AI tools and updated software skills keep things fresh). So I plan to renew my membership and keep exploring new courses.

Final tip: If you’re on the fence, use the free trial and take a couple of classes that really interest you. That experience will tell you more than I ever could. You might find, like I did, that you’re soon saying “Just one more class!” at 1am because you’re hooked on learning. 😁 And if it’s not for you, no harm done – at least you tried and you’ll know.

In conclusion, Skillshare offers a unique and valuable learning experience for the right audience. It turned out to be a treasure trove of knowledge and creativity for me, and I’d encourage anyone curious to give it a shot.

Happy learning! 🚀

Affiliate Note: If you decide to join Skillshare, you can start a free trial or sign up here (affiliate link). I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support my blog. I only recommend it because I genuinely enjoyed it – hopefully you will too! 🙌

FAQs 🙋‍♀️

I hope this FAQ and review gave you a clear picture of what Skillshare courses are all about. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a new Skillshare class waiting in my queue (I’m thinking of trying calligraphy next ✍️!). Happy learning and stay creative!​

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