Tried and Tested: Is Skillshare Still the Best Creative Learning Platform in 2025?
If you’ve been curious about Skillshare and wondering if it’s actually worth your time and money, you’re not alone. With thousands of online courses and a passionate creative community, Skillshare is one of the most popular learning platforms out there. But does it really deliver on its promise of helping you learn new skills? Or is it just another subscription you’ll forget to cancel?
As someone who’s reviewed countless courses and platforms over the years, I decided to dive into Skillshare for an honest, unsponsored 2025 review. I’ll break down the history, content, features, pricing, pros and cons, and ultimately help you decide if Skillshare is the right platform for your learning goals.
Let’s get started.
What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning platform that has been around since 2010. Headquartered in New York, it was founded by just two people and has since grown into a massive educational hub with over 600,000 members and 8,000+ instructors.
As of 2025, Skillshare boasts more than 25,000 classes, primarily focused on creative fields like:
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Animation & illustration
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Film & video production
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Graphic design
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Music & photography
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Creative writing
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UI/UX design
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Productivity & freelancing
It also offers a decent selection of business and marketing courses. While you’ll find some coding and tech-related content, platforms like Coursera or Udemy still dominate that space. So if you’re seeking professional software development or machine learning certifications, Skillshare might not be the ideal fit.
Who is Skillshare For?
Skillshare is perfect for creatives, freelancers, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs who want to build skills in design, writing, video editing, photography, and lifestyle niches. It’s also great for those who appreciate a community-based learning experience.
What sets Skillshare apart is its focus on community engagement. Users can share their projects, get feedback, and even participate in live classes. Unlike many platforms where learning is passive, Skillshare encourages interaction and creativity.
Types of Courses on Skillshare
Skillshare offers two main categories of content:
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Skillshare Originals: These are professionally produced courses created by Skillshare itself, often in collaboration with well-known industry leaders.
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User-Created Courses: Anyone can become an instructor on Skillshare, which allows for a wide range of unique, grassroots-style classes.
All classes are grouped under three primary categories:
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Create: Design, writing, animation, photography, etc.
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Build: Business, marketing, entrepreneurship.
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Thrive: Lifestyle, productivity, freelancing.
Main Features
Here are some unique features that make Skillshare stand out:
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Learning Paths: These are curated course sequences that help you build expertise step-by-step in a specific area—similar to Coursera’s “Specializations.”
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Live Sessions: Skillshare hosts live events (open to non-members via Eventbrite), allowing for real-time interaction with instructors.
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One-on-One Sessions: You can book personal sessions (30–60 minutes) with instructors to get feedback on your work or personalized advice.
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Skillshare for Teams: A plan for businesses and groups looking to provide learning resources to employees.
Pros of Skillshare
✅ Affordable Pricing
Skillshare offers one of the most budget-friendly subscription models. You get unlimited access to all 25,000+ courses for one low monthly or annual price. If you compare it to platforms like Udemy (where one course may cost $100), it’s a steal.
✅ User-Friendly Platform
It’s incredibly easy to navigate Skillshare. Signing up takes seconds, and the class layout is simple and informative.
✅ Excellent Mobile App
Skillshare’s mobile app is polished, responsive, and easy to use—making it a great choice if you want to learn on the go.
✅ Community Engagement
Skillshare promotes project sharing and feedback, which makes it feel more collaborative and engaging.
✅ Free Trial & Refund Policy
You get a 7-day free trial to test the platform. If you purchase an annual plan and change your mind, Skillshare offers a 14-day full refund—no questions asked (limited to one refund per user).
Cons of Skillshare
❌ No Accreditation
Courses on Skillshare do not offer official certifications. If you’re looking for a credential to enhance your resume, platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are better options.
❌ Uneven Course Quality
While Skillshare does have some quality control, anyone can upload a course. This means the quality can vary significantly from one instructor to another.
❌ Limited Technical/Programming Courses
Skillshare is a haven for creatives, but if you’re into hardcore programming or advanced data science, its offerings are limited compared to Coursera or edX.
Skillshare Pricing in 2025
Skillshare offers two subscription models:
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Monthly Plan: Approx. $32/month
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Annual Plan: Approx. $168/year (around $14/month)
You can also try out the platform using the 7-day free trial. And if you’re not satisfied with the annual plan, you have 14 days to request a full refund.
How Does It Compare?
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Skillshare vs. Coursera: Coursera provides accredited courses and degrees, ideal for professionals. Skillshare is more community-driven and creative.
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Skillshare vs. Udemy: Udemy charges per course. Skillshare is subscription-based, offering access to thousands of courses at one price.
Is Skillshare Worth it?
If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or hobbyist looking to sharpen your skills, build a side hustle, or just explore something new—then yes, Skillshare is absolutely worth it.
It’s affordable, flexible, and packed with valuable content across dozens of categories. While it doesn’t offer certifications or intense technical training, it excels in practical learning, creativity, and engagement.
Final Verdict: For under $15/month, Skillshare is a fantastic investment in yourself—whether you’re editing your first video, launching a podcast, or finally learning how to draw.
Still not sure? Take advantage of the free trial and see for yourself.
