Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning platform based in the United States that offers a wide range of educational video courses. Founded in November 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong, Skillshare has grown into a global community of learners and creators

Skillshare provides access to over 35,000 courses taught by industry experts across various categories, including design, business, technology, and creative arts. The platform operates on a subscription-based model, allowing members unlimited access to its entire course library for a monthly or annual fee.

Key Features

1. Diverse Course Library: Skillshare offers courses in marketing, business, design, art, illustration, film, video, photography, animation, music, productivity, and writing.
2. Project-Based Learning: Courses are designed around practical projects, allowing students to apply their newly acquired skills immediately.
3. Community Engagement: Students can share projects, receive feedback from peers and instructors, and participate in discussions.
4. Learning Paths: Curated sequences of courses that guide learners through a specific skill or topic.
5. Personalized Recommendations: An algorithm suggests courses based on user interests and past learning activities.
6. Mobile App: Allows for offline viewing and learning on-the-go.
7. Live Sessions: Digital events offering real-time learning experiences with direct interaction between teachers and participants.

Benefits

1. Affordability: Skillshare offers a cost-effective subscription model compared to traditional education or individual course purchases.
2. Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
3. Practical Skills: Focus on real-world applications and project-based learning.
4. Community Support: Engage with a global community of learners and creators.
5. Career Advancement: Acquire new skills relevant to various industries and professions.
6. Continuous Learning: Regular updates and new course additions keep content fresh and relevant.
7. Teaching Opportunities: Professionals can become instructors and earn income through the platform.

Additional Information

• Skillshare offers a free trial period for new users to explore the platform.
• The company has raised over $100 million in funding as of 2020.
• Skillshare for Teams provides specialized plans for businesses and organizations.
• The platform emphasizes creativity and lifelong learning as core values.
• Skillshare partners with companies to offer discounts on creative tools and services to its members.

Skillshare’s combination of affordable pricing, diverse course offerings, and community-driven approach makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking to enhance their skills or explore new creative pursuits.

What types of courses are most popular on Skillshare

The most popular courses on Skillshare tend to focus on creative and technical skills, reflecting the platform’s emphasis on practical learning. Here are some of the most popular categories and courses:

Popular Categories:

1. Art & Illustration: Courses like Procreate tutorials, watercolor, drawing, and illustration are highly sought after. Procreate, in particular, has seen significant demand due to its versatility in digital art
2. Design: Graphic design, Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and logo design are consistently popular. Tools like Figma and Canva continue to grow in demand due to their ease of use and versatility
3. Creative Career: Classes that help build a creative career, such as building a brand or creating a successful online business, are well-attended.
4. Film & Video: Courses on video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro and motion graphics with Adobe After Effects are popular among creatives

Specific Popular Courses:

1. Procreate Animation: Make Fun GIFs & Videos – This course teaches users how to create engaging animations using Procreate
2. Illustrating in Procreate: Drawing a Shareable Timelapse – Focuses on creating time-lapse illustrations with Procreate
3. Social Media Content Creation in Canva: From Beginner to Advanced – Helps users master social media content creation using Canva
4. Video Editing With Adobe Premiere Pro For Beginners – A foundational course for those new to video editing
5. Figma UI UX Design Advanced: Become a Figma Pro – Designed for those looking to advance their UI/UX skills using Figma

How do Skillshare’s free courses compare to its paid ones?

Skillshare has transitioned away from offering completely free courses, meaning users now need a paid subscription or a free trial to access the full library. Previously, Skillshare provided limited free classes, but now, all content falls under its premium membership model. The paid version offers full access to thousands of classes across different creative and professional fields, along with benefits like offline viewing and additional learning resources.

• Free Trial Access: New users can sign up for a free trial that grants access to the full course catalog for a limited time.
• Paid Membership Benefits: A subscription unlocks exclusive content, project-based learning, and additional course materials.
• Course Quality: Whether free or paid, Skillshare maintains a high standard of content, often created by industry professionals.
• Additional Features: Paid members can download courses for offline access, receive subtitles for different languages, and access community discussions.

If you’re looking for a platform that offers stock videos, motion graphics, and creative assets for your projects, Storyblocks is a great resource to complement your learning on Skillshare.

What are the most popular courses on Skillshare for 2025?

Skillshare’s most popular courses frequently shift based on trends in creative industries, personal development, and business. Some of the most in-demand topics include graphic design, animation, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing.

• Illustration & Digital Art: Courses on Procreate and Adobe Illustrator consistently rank among the highest-rated.
• Photography & Videography: Classes on smartphone photography, DSLR techniques, and video editing gain high engagement.
• Creative Writing & Storytelling: Many students seek courses on improving writing skills, from fiction writing to copywriting.
• Entrepreneurship & Marketing: Courses focused on social media growth, freelancing, and branding strategies are highly popular.
• Productivity & Personal Development: Topics such as time management, goal setting, and building creative habits attract a large audience.

For those interested in selling their own designs on print-on-demand platforms, TeePublic is another great platform that allows artists to monetize their work through custom apparel and merchandise.

Are there any Skillshare courses focused on AI and creativity?

Yes! AI-powered creativity is becoming a major topic on Skillshare, with many courses teaching how to integrate artificial intelligence into art, design, writing, and music production. These classes help creators understand and utilize AI tools to enhance their work rather than replace their artistic vision.

• AI-Generated Art & Design: Courses focus on tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Adobe Firefly for creating AI-assisted artwork.
• AI in Animation: Students can learn how AI is used in animation software to streamline workflows and create complex designs efficiently.
• AI for Music Production: Some classes cover AI-based music generators and how they can be incorporated into compositions.
• AI Writing Tools: Courses explore how writers can use AI-powered assistants to generate content, brainstorm ideas, and improve their creative process.
• AI & Business Creativity: Entrepreneurs and marketers can find courses on using AI for content creation, branding, and automation.

Skillshare partner or Affilated Program

The Skillshare Affiliate Program offers a fantastic way for content creators, bloggers, and influencers to earn commissions by referring new customers to Skillshare. Affiliates receive a 20% commission (up to $34) for every new member they refer, with the opportunity to promote over 25,000 online classes and 60,000 student projects. The program is flexible and easy to join, and affiliates can share their referral link across websites, blogs, social media, and newsletters to reach their audience and generate income.

Key Features:

• Commission: Earn 20% of the revenue for each new paid membership referred (up to $34).
• Cookie Duration: 30-day cookie, meaning you can earn commissions if the user subscribes within 30 days.
• Content Access: Promote 25,000+ online classes and 60,000+ student projects.
• Exclusive Offers: Access special monthly promotions to help boost conversions.
• Real-Time Tracking: Monitor clicks, referrals, and earnings through a personalized dashboard.
• Monthly Payouts: Receive payouts each month after a 30-day hold period.

Eligibility:

• Open to anyone with a blog, social media channel, YouTube channel, or email list aligned with Skillshare’s audience.
• Must create an Impact account and a free Skillshare account to participate.

This program is an excellent way to monetize your audience while promoting valuable educational content.