Skillshare is an online learning platform that has gained popularity among learners and professionals alike, thanks to its vast selection of courses spanning a variety of topics.
From creative arts to entrepreneurship, Skillshare offers lessons and workshops to suit every interest and skill level. In this article, we will be discussing how much Skillshare costs so you can make an informed decision whether to invest in its services.
When considering the cost of Skillshare, it's essential to understand the platform's pricing structure. Skillshare offers both free membership and paid subscription options, allowing users to choose the level of access they prefer based on their budget and needs.
Free membership offers a limited selection of classes, while the premium subscription unlocks the platform's entire content library and additional features.
The premium subscription is available in two pricing tiers: monthly and annual. We will now delve into the specifics of each pricing plan and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option, ensuring you have all the information needed to make a well-rounded decision about utilizing Skillshare as your go-to learning platform.
What is Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of professional courses in various fields such as design, business, writing, photography, graphic design, and web development.
This platform enables users to access thousands of classes taught by industry experts, allowing them to enhance their skills, explore new interests, or pursue career development.
As an online learning community, Skillshare connects learners from different backgrounds, encouraging them to interact, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.
The classes offered on the platform are tailored to ensure that users can easily comprehend the content and apply their learnings in real-life situations. Through a combination of video lessons, in-class projects, and peer-reviewed assignments, learners can expect a hands-on and engaging learning experience.
Skillshare's course offerings cater to various skill levels, from beginners to professionals, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
The classes are short and concise, allowing users to learn at their own pace and integrate their learnings into their daily routine. Additionally, the platform is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, facilitating learning on-the-go.
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The Skillshare Story
The story of Skillshare began in 2010, It was founded in New York in November 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong. Only a year after, in 2011, the Skillshare platform went online and, since then, has recorded various breakthroughs and expansions. Skillshare introduced 15 independently paced online courses with group project completion in August 2012.
By November 2013, Skillshare had held over 250 courses and opened its School of Design. The School of MakeOurMark, which stressed individual creativity via classes in photography, tattooing, and different types of drawing, was eventually launched by Skillshare in collaboration with Levi's.
In March 2019, Skillshare offered more than 2,000 free lessons and over 27,000 paid programs. Skillshare has continuously broadened creativity and tweaked its platform to fit use. They are now a purveyor of high-quality courses. Users may engage with other artists, share their work, and improve their talents through engaging discussions and challenges using the platform's new "Groups" function.
In September 2021, Skillshare, however, ceased providing lessons for free and began requiring users to join up for either a premium subscription or a free trial in order to access all courses (including those that had previously been offered for free).
Today, Skillshare proudly boasts over 13 million Skillshare account users, including college and university students, with over 11,000 teachers creating classes up to 34,000.
Understanding Skillshare Memberships
Skillshare is an e-learning platform that offers a wide range of courses for people looking to improve their skills or learn new ones. They offer two main types of memberships: Free Membership and Premium Membership. In this section, we will discuss the features of each Skillshare pricing type and help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Free Membership
Skillshare's free membership, also known as Skillshare Free, provides users with limited access to their courses. With a free account, members can:
● Browse and explore the courses available on Skillshare.
● Enroll in a selection of free classes.
However, a free plan lacks some crucial features, such as offline access to courses or full access to all premium courses.
Premium Membership
Skillshare Premium Membership plan, on the other hand, unlocks several benefits not available for free accounts. By upgrading to a premium plan, members can enjoy the following features:
● Unlimited Access: Gain access to all courses on the platform, giving you a wealth of knowledge and learning opportunities.
● Offline Viewing: Download classes and watch them without an internet connection, perfect for users on the go.
● Skillshare Teams: Access to Skillshare's team learning platform, allowing companies and organizations to provide employees with premium accounts.
There are two options when it comes to Skillshare premium plan:
- Monthly Membership: Pay a month-to-month Skillshare subscription fee.
- Annual Memberships: Pay a yearly subscription fee, which comes with a discount compared to the monthly plan.
In addition to these plans, Skillshare also offers a free trial for users who want to experience the premium membership before committing to a paid plan.
The Skillshare free trial usually lasts for a limited time, allowing users to enjoy all the benefits of premium membership during this period. After the free trial ends, users can choose to continue with a premium account or revert back to the free membership.
Range of Available Classes
Skillshare offers a diverse range of over 35,000 video classes across various categories. This platform allows users to discover and explore new skills through well-organized courses. Here, we will delve into some popular categories, such as Design, Writing, and Photography.
1. Design
Design enthusiasts will find an extensive array of classes: graphic design, web design, UX/UI, and illustration, among others. Users can learn from professionals in the field who teach both foundational and advanced design principles and techniques. Some key aspects taught in these classes include:
● Typography
● Color theory
● Layouts
● Logo and branding design
● App and web interface design
2. Writing
Skillshare's Writing category offers courses to help writers at all experience levels improve their craft. From fiction to nonfiction, poetry to screenwriting, there is a wealth of content for any wordsmith. The courses in this category cover:
● Creative writing
● Business writing
● Blogging
● Editing and proofreading
● Storytelling
3. Photography
Photography enthusiasts have access to countless Skillshare classes that cater to all skill levels, ranging from beginner to expert. These courses cover various genres of photography, such as portrait, landscape, and street photography. Key learning aspects include:
● Basics of camera settings
● Composition techniques
● Lighting strategies
● Post-production
● Ethical considerations
Through its range of diverse and engaging classes, Skillshare provides a platform for users to expand their skill set and delve into new areas of interest, led by industry professionals in a clear and accessible format.
Skillshare Cost Structure
Monthly Subscription
Skillshare offers a Monthly Subscription plan for those who prefer a short-term commitment. The Skillshare worth for the monthly subscription cost starts at $19, which allows unlimited access to thousands of classes across various domains.
Payment methods accepted for this plan include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, SEPA, iDeal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Users can opt for their preferred payment method at the time of subscription.
Annual Subscription
For users who are committed to learning for a longer period, Skillshare provides an Annual Subscription plan. Priced at $99 per year, this subscription offers cost savings compared to the monthly plan.
Payment methods for the annual subscription are similar to the monthly plan, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, SEPA, iDeal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
By selecting a suitable plan, users can effectively manage their Skillshare costs based on their needs and preferred payment methods. It's important to consider the benefits and pricing when deciding which subscription to choose.
Talking of benefits, the annual premium membership payments have one benefit that gives it an edge over the monthly membership. This is the Skillshare refund policy available for only the annual premium membership plan. But note that to get a full refund, you must reach out to Skillshare within 7 days from the date of payment.
Also, it may take about 14 business days to get your refund, even after following the due process for the Skillshare annual membership. Also, with the Skillshare annual membership plan, you can receive discounted offers on other platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud and Squarespace.
Special Discounts and Offers
Skillshare offers various discounts and promotional offers to make its platform more accessible. One of the most common offers is 50% off the regular subscription price when a user chooses to be billed annually. This allows members to benefit from a significant discount compared to the monthly billing option.
In addition to the annual billing discount, Skillshare often collaborates with partners to provide exclusive promotions. These can include temporary discounts and access to special courses or features.
Skillshare also emphasizes educational access and, as such, has established a Skillshare scholarship program. Skillshare scholarships are available for those who may face financial barriers, allowing them to access Skillshare’s extensive library of courses at a reduced rate or even free of charge.
Applications usually require a brief description of the financial situation, educational goals, and interests of the applicant in order to be considered.
Skillshare's Teaching Community
Skillshare's teaching community is a diverse and vibrant group that consists of creatives, designers, photographers, artists, and experts across various fields. The instructors on Skillshare come from different backgrounds and showcase their skills and expertise in their unique teaching styles.
The community fosters collaboration and support between teachers, enabling a warm, nurturing environment for instructors to share their knowledge.
The extensive range of classes available covers numerous subjects and disciplines, making it a valuable resource for individuals looking to expand their skill set and learn from experienced professionals.
Skillshare teachers are the backbone of the platform, offering invaluable insight and guidance for students. These instructors commit to sharing their expertise in a way that is concise, engaging, and accessible.
From beginner-friendly lessons to advanced workshops, Skillshare's teaching community is dedicated to helping users grow, learn, and achieve their goals.
Through a combination of video lessons, projects, and class discussions, Skillshare offers a dynamic learning experience where teachers can motivate and inspire students.
The platform's emphasis on building a strong community enables teachers and students to work together, share their progress, and learn from one another. This collaborative environment solidifies Skillshare as a valuable resource for both educators and learners.
Skillshare Workshop
An instructor or the Skillshare teams will organize a series of lessons into a predetermined timetable. The topics are based on a specific subject area; for example, it can be on a particular design concept using Adobe Illustrator or mastering a particular style of dance.
Since the same students are present the whole course, you get the opportunity to get to know them while you study and build a solid network with other people in your field.
You may not require a Skillshare Premium membership to gain access to some workshop sessions because they are free to attend. However, you might need to upgrade your membership in order to attend if any of the classes in the package are Premium classes. Before beginning a workshop, certain instructors or the Skillshare staff may also request a one-time payment for that particular session.
To cover any particular workshop topic, you will be ready to attend up to two or three class sessions. Project completion may also be demanded of you, and it goes without saying that Skillshare workshops often have a specific number of people to admit.
Comparing Skillshare with Other Platforms
1. Coursera
Skillshare and Coursera are both online learning platforms, but they cater to different audiences and offer varying content. Coursera focuses more on academic and professional courses offered by universities and institutions, whereas Skillshare emphasizes creativity and personal growth.
Coursera membership plans vary, with some courses being available for free, while others require payment or a subscription fee. In comparison, Skillshare offers a flat monthly or annual fee, giving users access to their entire course catalogue.
2. Udemy
Udemy is another popular e-learning platform that differs slightly from Skillshare. Udemy's course offerings are on a pay-per-course basis, unlike Skillshare's unlimited access with its subscription model.
While both platforms focus on skill development, Udemy has a more extensive catalogue covering various subjects like business, technology, and personal development. Skillshare, on the other hand, primarily targets creative and artistic sectors.
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3. Masterclass
Masterclass distinguishes itself from Skillshare by offering courses taught by celebrity instructors and industry experts. These highly produced classes are aimed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of a particular subject.
Masterclass charges an annual subscription fee, granting access to their complete course library. Skillshare, in contrast, has a broader focus on creative disciplines with a wider range of instructors and self-paced learning.
4. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda) is a platform geared towards professional development and career advancement. It offers numerous courses in business, technology, and creative domains.
LinkedIn Learning's pricing is based on a monthly subscription model, similar to Skillshare. However, its primary focus is on developing industry-specific skills to boost employability, whereas Skillshare is more focused on personal growth and creative pursuits.
How to Cancel Skillshare Membership
To cancel a Skillshare membership, one must follow a few simple steps. Begin by logging in to the Skillshare website using the appropriate account credentials. Once logged in, navigate to the Account Settings page by clicking on the profile icon located in the upper right corner of the site.
In the Account Settings page, locate the Payments tab and click on it. Within the Payments tab, there will be an option to cancel membership. Select this option and follow any further prompts to confirm the cancellation. If the cancellation is successful, the membership status will update, and future payments will be disabled.
For those who subscribed to Skillshare through a third-party platform, such as Apple or Google Play, the cancellation process might differ. To cancel an Apple or Google Play-based subscription, access the platform's respective subscription settings and follow the provided instructions.
Upon cancellation, it's essential to be aware of Skillshare's refund policy. Typically, Skillshare does not offer refunds. However, if there are any eligible extenuating circ*mstances, members are encouraged to reach out to Skillshare's customer support team. The team can review the situation and determine if a refund is warranted.
Remember, cancelling a Skillshare membership will remove access to the platform's premium content and features. If one wishes to re-join Skillshare at a later date, simply sign up for a new membership and resume enjoying the vast library of educational resources.
Skillshare for Businesses and Teams
Skillshare offers a tailored solution for businesses and teams who want to enhance their employees' skills and encourage their professional growth.
Skillshare Teams is a platform specifically designed for organizations to provide their workforce with access to thousands of classes and workshops in various fields, including design, technology, business, and more.
One of the main benefits of Skillshare for businesses is its ability to provide personalized learning paths for each employee. This ensures that team members can focus on the skills most relevant to their roles, maximizing their learning efficiency.
In addition, Skillshare Teams offers workshops led by industry experts, giving employees the opportunity to engage with mentors and improve their capabilities in their chosen fields.
Skillshare for businesses also facilitates collaboration and team-building. Employees can share their progress and learning milestones within the platform, allowing teams to support and encourage each other throughout the learning process. This feature promotes a sense of camaraderie and shared goals, ultimately benefiting the overall work environment.
Organizations can choose between two pricing plans: Essentials and Enterprise. The Essentials plan includes:
● Access to Skillshare's full library of classes
● Unlimited learning paths
● Collaborative workshops
● Admin dashboard and user analytics
● Discounts for annual billing
On the other hand, the Enterprise plan offers additional features, such as:
● Custom integrations
● Dedicated customer success manager
● SCORM compatibility
● Advanced user analytics
Skillshare Teams is compatible with various Learning Management Systems (LMS) and can be seamlessly integrated into the organization's existing infrastructure. This compatibility ensures a smooth implementation process and allows businesses to efficiently manage their employees' learning journeys.
Reviews and Opinions about Skillshare
Skillshare has received a range of reviews and opinions from users who have utilized the platform for learning and personal development. Many users find the variety of courses available to be quite impressive, catering to a wide range of skills and interests.
The quality of the courses on Skillshare also garners praise, with many users appreciating the expertise and knowledge offered by the instructors. They often mention the well-structured lessons, engaging content, and useful tips that have enhanced their learning experience.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the subscription model and its pricing. Although Skillshare offers a great deal of content for a monthly fee, customers who are interested in only one or a few specific courses may not find the subscription worth it.
There have also been complaints about billing issues or difficulties in canceling subscriptions, which have led to dissatisfaction for some customers.
In spite of these drawbacks, the general consensus among Skillshare users leans towards the positive side. They appreciate the platform's mission to provide quality content and support creators who share their knowledge. Additionally, those who make the most of their subscription by enrolling in multiple courses find the value for money to be substantial.
In summary, the reviews and opinions about Skillshare highlight its extensive course catalog, the quality and expertise of instructors, and the potential value for money for users who take advantage of their subscription. However, the subscription model and occasional billing issues might deter some potential customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly subscription fee for Skillshare?
Skillshare offers a monthly subscription for its Premium membership. The cost is $19 per month, which gives users unlimited access to all classes on the platform. Users can also opt for an annual subscription, which has a lower monthly cost overall.
Are there any discounts available for Skillshare?
Yes, Skillshare often provides discounts and promotions for new users. They occasionally offer discounts for their annual membership plan, reducing the overall cost. Students and educators can also take advantage of special pricing, making the platform more affordable.
How does Skillshare's pricing compare to MasterClass?
Skillshare's monthly subscription cost, at $19, is generally less expensive than MasterClass, which offers an annual membership for a one-time payment of $180.
While both platforms provide a wide range of courses, Skillshare has a more extensive library of classes.
Does Skillshare offer a free trial?
Skillshare does offer a free trial for its Premium plan. Users can get a 7-day free trial, giving them access to all classes on the platform. After the trial period, users can choose to continue with a Premium plan or downgrade to a free account with limited access.
Does Skillshare provide certificates for completed courses?
Skillshare does not provide certificates for completed courses. Their focus is on learning new skills and applying them in real-life projects. Although users will not receive a formal certificate, they can showcase their completed projects as proof of their new skills.
Is a Skillshare Premium membership worth it?
A Skillshare Premium membership can be worth it for those who frequently take online courses or want access to Skillshare's extensive class library.
With its affordable price and an array of topics, ranging from arts to business, many users find it valuable for both personal and professional development.
