Skillshare Review Not Sugar Coated: Is It Worth It In 2024? (2024)

The hunger for knowledge never dies, and I'm on a relentless quest to keep feeding my brain. Over the past decade, I've pretty much taken a deep dive into every online learning platform the Internet has to offer, and now it's time to spill the beans on Skillshare, one of my go-to's for the past five years.

I've taken dozens of courses on Skillshare, investing both time and money into this platform. And, for me, it's been a worthwhile ride. But let's not sugarcoat it: Skillshare isn't perfect, and it's not for everyone. It's got its pros and cons, like everything else, and I'm about to share them with you.

In this review, I'll walk you through my journey with Skillshare, highlighting what rocks and what stinks. I'll dive into its features and discuss where it falls short. If you're on the fence about where to invest your learning energy (and cash), stick around. By the time we're done, you'll have a clear picture of whether Skillshare is the right choice for you. Oh, and about that free trial? I've got you covered with a link to give Skillshare a test drive.

What is a Skillshare?

Skillshare is one of the most popular online learning platforms. It was founded in 2012, and at that time, there were only 25 courses in the library. Fast forward to now, and the library now boasts over 35,000 classes across a myriad of niches. For a monthly fee, it gives members unlimited class access—and yeah, they've thrown in a bunch of freebies, too. Don't expect traditional accreditation here, but what you do walk away with—practical, real-world skills—is golden.

In my opinion, Skillshare isn't just another educational platform; it's what education needs to evolve into. It's not about racking up degrees; it's about learning new skills that mean something in the real world. Skillshare ensures that you not only consume content but also get your hands dirty with practical projects.

Laser-Focused Learning: Pick a skill, any skill, and learn how to do it fast. Time is money, and Skillshare respects both.

Real-World Ready: You can apply the skills you learn in real life.
Hands-On Approach: With project-based learning, Skillshare pushes you to practice what you learn.
Doesn't Break the Bank: You can sign up for a 30-day free trial, and then either choose a monthly or an annual subscription (that comes with a 40% discount).
Star Power: Some of Skillshare classes are taught by celebrities, like NBC's Lilly Singh and bestselling author Jonathan Van Ness.
Lots of Freebies: Tight on cash? No worries. Skillshare's got thousands of classes that won't cost you a dime.

Skillshare Review

Skillshare is an online learning platform, that, for $32/month or $168/year, gives you unlimited access to over 35,000 classes. You can start with a free membership or get a 30-day free trial first. Skillshare's approach to learning through classes, workshops, and live sessions is simple and draws you in. It is a solid platform for expanding your skill set.

Skillshare Pros

Affordable: At $14 a month for unlimited access (and even less if you sign up for an annual membership with a 40% discount), Skillshare remains one of the most affordable online learning platforms.
Certificates: Completing a course gets you a certificate. Sure, it's not a college diploma, but it's still a good way to showcase the skill you gain. While the lack of formal accreditation might be a deal-breaker for some, for me, it's about knowledge and practical skills.
Variety of courses. With over 35,000 courses, there's always something new to learn.
Try Before You Buy: The 30-day free trial is a good way to try the platform before committing to a subscription.
Quality and Quantity: Despite a few low-quality courses, the abundance of high-quality courses leaves you with plenty of options.
Learn by Doing: The project-based approach keeps things interesting and boosts the learning experience.
Requires Just 10–15 Minutes a Day: Bite-sized lessons mean you can fit learning into your schedule, no matter how hectic.
On-the-Move Learning: With the Skillshare app, you can learn wherever you are, whenever you want.
High-Definition Knowledge: Most courses are in 720p or HD, so you can learn in crystal-clear quality.
Expert and Celebrity Instructors: Learn from the best in the business and even a few famous faces.
Extras for Premium Members: Workshops and live sessions are available for Premium members.

Skillshare Cons

Outdated Content: Some courses are outdated. Checking reviews and upload dates is a must.
Subscription Sneak-Up: If you snooze on canceling your free trial, you will be charged a subscription fee. Remember to cancel if you're not planning to become a paying member.
Initial Excitement Fizzles Out: Many people sign up with big dreams but end up not engaging. Pro tip: Kick off with a time management class to get your priorities straight and light a fire under your desire to learn and grow.

What Is Skillshare Good For?

Skillshare classes are divided into three main areas: create, build, and thrive. Right now, the library has over 35,000 classes. When I first joined Skillshare 5 years ago, there were around 21,000 classes. But let's not let numbers fool you. While Skillshare offers a lot of quality content and some top-notch instructors, it's also true that not every class is good. Remember, almost anyone can teach on Skillshare, leading to a mix of quality. So again, always check out reviews before taking any class.

Honestly, it's highly unlikely that you'll ever need to go through all 35,000 classes. I manage to slot in half an hour a day for Skillshare amidst running a business and family commitments. And those 30 minutes make a significant difference. The skills I've picked up have been a real boost, both professionally and personally.

Skillshare Class Certificates: Worth It?

Skillshare now offers class certificates. These are more than just a piece of paper; they're proof of your commitment and new skills, potentially a great addition to your resume or portfolio. These certificates detail everything from the course name and teacher to the issue date and a unique ID.

How do you get one of these? Simply by watching all the lessons and completing a project. The project demonstrates that you've absorbed the material and can apply it practically. After submitting your project, you'll get your certificate, adding a nice bit of motivation to see the course through to the end.

These certificates are a reward for your effort and a smart way to showcase your dedication to learning. If you are thinking about taking a Skillshare course, definitely go for the certificate.

Skillshare Price

Monthly Membership: $32 per month.

Annual Membership: $168 per year, which breaks down to about $14/month. Often, there's a deal on the annual plan.

Is Skillshare Premium Worth It?

Yes, Skillshare is worth it, if you're into endless learning. Here's why:

Unlimited Class Access: Take any class Skillshare has to offer.
Full Course Library: Get your hands on every course, tutorial, and workshop available.
Community Engagement: Join groups, engage in discussions, and share your projects and ideas. It's ideal for networking with folks who share your interests, making learning not just easier but also more enjoyable.
Discover New Interests: I joined Skillshare for video editing and marketing classes and ended up loving courses in cooking, relationship coaching, and more at no extra charge.

Skillshare Free Trial

New members get a 30-day free trial, which is perfect for trying out the platform. Remember, they'll nudge you with an email 3 days before your trial ends, so you can decide to continue at $168 per year, $32 per month, or bail without being charged.

Find Out If Skillshare Is Free And How to get more out of free Skillshare

Post-Trial Costs and Deals

After the trial, stick with the annual or monthly plan at the regular rates. Look out for a 40% discount currently on offer.
A month-long trial should give you enough time to judge its value.
Yes, you can cancel anytime. Just do it before the trial ends to avoid charges.

Skillshare: 30% Off Annual Subscription

Right now, there's a rare 30% off deal with annual30aff code, slashing the annual subscription to around $8 per month. Skillshare's already a steal, and with this promotion, it's a no-brainer for anyone sitting on the fence about joining.

Skillshare Teachers: The Good, The Bad, and The Celebrity

On Skillshare, anyone can take the stage and teach, which is both good and bad. While you've got a slew of professionals and even celebrities sharing their expertise, you'll also stumble upon some less-than-stellar instructors. So, a word to the wise: always, always check the reviews.

Celebrity Teachers on Skillshare

Lilly Singh's Social Media Storytelling: She dives into the art of creating viral content over a 1-hour and 39-minute class. Ideal for any social media enthusiast looking to up their game.
Jonathan Van Ness's Ultimate Self-Care Playbook: JVN packs this 1-hour, 21-minute class with his personal self-care regimen, covering everything from skincare to journaling. It's all about nurturing that relationship with yourself.
Josiah Brooks's (Jazza) Character Design: In just over an hour, Jazza takes you through the A to Z of character design, from the initial concept to the final illustration.

Skillshare Class Structure

Skillshare classes are designed to fit into your life, not the other way around. Most clock in at around 30 to 60 minutes, broken down into digestible chunks. This setup is perfect for squeezing in learning whenever you can, whether it's a quick session on your lunch break or a relaxed evening with a cup of tea. And while classes aren't live, Skillshare does offer live sessions for real-time learning experiences.

Best Skillshare Courses In 2024

With over 35,000 classes for Premium members, the options are vast. From creative arts like drawing and cooking to tech-heavy topics like cryptocurrency and business growth, Skillshare has you covered.

Choosing the Best Classes

Start with your passion. Browse categories that pique your interest.
Judge a class by its cover. A well-crafted thumbnail can speak volumes about the effort behind the class.
Preview. Watch the intro video and read the reviews.
Check out the class project. Seeing what others have created can give you a sense of the class's impact.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, move on. There's plenty more to explore.

Not Accredited, Still Valuable

No, Skillshare courses aren't accredited. You get a certificate, sure, but the real takeaway is the practical skills you gain. Skillshare's about leveling up in the real world, not just getting a piece of paper. Can Skillshare land you a job? It's all on you. If you work hard and acquire the necessary skills, Skillshare could be your starting point for a new job or a career leap. The certificates can tell a story of commitment and skill on your CV. Plus, completing a project gives you a URL to flaunt your resume or portfolio, showing off what you can do.

Skillshare Live Sessions

Introduced in spring 2020, live sessions offer a fresh, interactive way to learn. It's a chance to join instructors and fellow learners and learn new skills. With limited spots and high demand, these sessions are an excellent way to learn. Only the best teachers are in charge of them, ensuring top-notch learning.

Sign Up: Hit the "Remind me" button for sessions that catch your eye. You'll be marked as "subscribed."
Join: You'll get a reminder 15 minutes before the start of the live session. Spots are capped at 300, so make sure you get there before it starts.
Interaction: Ask questions via chat, and while camera use is optional, it's encouraged for a full experience.
Platform: Zoom.

Skillshare Workshops

Unlike the on-demand vibe of regular courses, Skillshare workshops have you learning on a set schedule, along with your fellow students. Some of Skillshare's best instructors are leading them, and they are intense and interactive.

Why I Like Shillshare Workshops:

Scheduled Learning: Adds structure to your learning journey.
Community Feel: Learn alongside others, making for a richer experience.
Expert Feedback: More interaction means more tailored feedback from your instructors.

Most workshops are part of your premium subscription. Occasionally, you'll stumble upon a unique, limited-access workshop that might cost extra. From my experience, these are the ones that truly stand out and are worth every penny.

Skillshare App

The Skillshare app is great for those constantly on the move, allowing Premium members to learn offline by downloading classes. The interface is simple and user-friendly and keeps track of your progress, making learning manageable when you have a busy schedule. This approach to bite-sized learning means you won't drown in information overload.

Demystifying Skillshare: Legit or Scam?

Skillshare faces the usual skepticism, with some wondering if it's a scam. However, Skillshare is definitely legit. A quick look at Trustpilot reveals plenty of positive feedback. The main complaint? Being charged post-free trial is a common practice if you don't cancel in time. Yes, you can cancel anytime during the trial to avoid charges, and yes, annual Premium members may request a refund within 7 days post-payment. Monthly subscriptions, however, don't offer refunds, which is fair. Remember, if you've signed up for a free trial, set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends.

How To Cancel Skillshare Subscription?

To cancel your subscription, simply log in, go to your profile, select Settings, then Payments, and cancel. It works on both desktop and mobile, but if you've subscribed via the App Store or Google Play, you'll need to cancel there directly.

Is Skillshare Worth It?

For anyone looking for high-quality, structured learning without breaking the bank, Skillshare is worth it. With 35,000 classes, live sessions, and workshops all under one roof for $32/m or $168/y, it's a steal. It's not without its cons, but the pros far outweigh them, making Skillshare an excellent choice for learning new skills.

Skillshare 2024: What's New?

In 2024, Skillshare will be adding new features and new classes to the platform (lots of AI classes are coming as well). It continues to evolve, proving it's more than just a online learning platform; but rather a community for creative exploration and personal growth.