Skillshare Review 2025: Is It Worth It for Creative Learners or Just Hype?

Online learning platforms have exploded in popularity, offering on-demand education across countless topics. Among these, Skillshare stands out as a hub for creatives—think graphic designers, illustrators, writers, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers. But is it really the best choice for creative minds, or is it just clever marketing?

In this in-depth Skillshare review, we dive into the platform’s features, course quality, pricing, and user experience to help you decide: Is Skillshare truly valuable for creative learning—or just hype?

What is Skillshare?

Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers thousands of video-based courses focused primarily on creative skills, including:

Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Video Editing
Animation
Writing
Entrepreneurship
Marketing

The platform thrives on its community-driven model, where creators—often industry professionals or successful freelancers—teach others through hands-on, project-based lessons.

Skillshare at a Glance

Feature	Details
Founded	2010
Headquarters	New York City, USA
Number of Courses	35,000+
Specialization	Creative Skills
Free Trial	Yes (usually 1 month)
Mobile App	Available (iOS & Android)
Price	$32/month or $168/year (billed annually)

Who is Skillshare For?

Skillshare is ideal for:

Freelancers and creatives wanting to level up their craft.
Aspiring designers and artists looking to learn new tools or techniques.
Entrepreneurs who need help with branding, marketing, or content creation.
Hobbyists who want a fun and interactive way to explore creativity.

Not Ideal For:

Learners seeking certifications or accredited degrees.
Those who prefer academic-style courses or formal learning.

Course Quality: Are Skillshare Classes Worth Watching?

⭐ Variety of Courses

Skillshare shines in its breadth of creative topics, offering:

Watercolor painting
UX/UI design
iPhone photography
Writing short stories
Adobe Illustrator tutorials

🧠 Teaching Style

Most courses follow a project-based format, allowing learners to apply what they learn. This is especially helpful for creatives who learn best by doing rather than just watching.

🧑‍🏫 Instructor Quality

Instructors range from YouTube creators and freelancers to industry experts. Notable Skillshare teachers include:

Aaron Draplin (Graphic Design)
Roxane Gay (Writing)
Thomas Frank (Productivity)
Mari Andrew (Illustration)

Pricing: Is Skillshare Worth the Cost?

💵 Skillshare Pricing Options

Monthly Plan: $32/month
Annual Plan: $168/year (equivalent to $14/month)

You also get access to:

Unlimited courses
Offline viewing
Community discussion boards
Course projects and feedback

🎁 Free Trial

Skillshare typically offers a 1-month free trial, giving new users plenty of time to explore the platform without committing financially.

Key Features and Benefits of Skillshare

1. Project-Based Learning

Most classes encourage learners to create real-world projects, making the learning process practical and engaging.

2. Mobile Learning

With a well-designed app, you can learn on the go, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or lounging on the couch.

3. Community Engagement

Each class has a project gallery and discussion section, allowing for peer feedback and community interaction.

4. No Ads

Unlike YouTube, Skillshare is ad-free, offering a more focused learning experience.

5. Short, Actionable Lessons

Most classes are bite-sized (30–60 minutes), making it easy to learn during breaks or evenings.

The Downsides: What Skillshare Doesn’t Do Well

❌ No Accredited Certificates

Skillshare doesn’t provide formal certifications, which may be a drawback for those seeking career credentials.

❌ Varying Course Quality

Because it’s open to many instructors, quality can be inconsistent. However, top-rated classes usually offer excellent content.

❌ Subscription-Only Model

You can’t purchase individual courses. It’s an all-or-nothing subscription, which may not suit infrequent learners.

How Does Skillshare Compare to Other Platforms?

Feature	Skillshare	Udemy	Coursera	Domestika
Focus	Creative Skills	All Subjects	Academic & Career	Creative & Design
Pricing	Subscription	Per Course	Free & Paid	Per Course
Certificates	No	Yes	Yes (Accredited)	Yes (Non-accredited)
Course Quality	Community-driven	Mixed	Academic-level	Curated & High Quality

User Reviews: What Are Learners Saying?

Here’s a quick look at what actual users have to say:

Positive Reviews:

“Skillshare helped me level up my graphic design skills in just a few months!”
“I love how engaging and short the classes are—perfect for my schedule.”
“The project-based approach makes learning super fun.”

Criticism:

“Some classes feel rushed or not in-depth enough.”
“I wish they offered certificates.”
“Not all instructors are great communicators.”

Skillshare for Teams & Businesses

Skillshare also offers Skillshare for Teams, aimed at businesses or startups looking to upskill their workforce in creativity, leadership, and communication.

Plans start at $159 per user per year, with features like:

Admin dashboards
Reporting tools
Premium access to courses
Curated learning paths

Final Verdict: Is Skillshare Worth It?

If you’re a creative professional, freelancer, or hobbyist, Skillshare is an excellent investment. The wide range of high-quality creative classes, combined with the project-based approach and affordable pricing (especially annually), makes it a top-tier choice.

However, if you’re looking for accredited certifications or highly structured academic courses, you may want to explore platforms like Coursera or edX.

FAQs about Skillshare

Absolutely! Many courses are beginner-friendly, with clear instructions and step-by-step guidance.

Skillshare is accessible via desktop, tablet, and mobile apps (iOS & Android).

Try Skillshare Free for 1 Month

Author Profile

Jiya Gupta: At Level Up College, we're passionate about helping learners make informed decisions. Our team dives deep into online course platforms and individual courses to bring you honest, detailed reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong learner, our insights aim to guide you toward the best educational resources available online.