If you’re interested in learning or refining new skills, you’ve likely come across Skillshare.
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a wide variety of courses in creative fields such as graphic design, photography, and writing. One of the most significant considerations when choosing an online learning platform is the pricing.
In this article, we will answer the most intriguing question, “Can you use Skillshare without paying?” and provide you with a comprehensive guide to Skillshare’s pricing and help you decide if it’s worth paying for.
Understanding Skillshare’s Pricing Structure
Skillshare’s pricing is important for anyone who wants to use the platform. With so many online learning platforms available, pricing is a significant factor in deciding which platform to use. Additionally, many people want to know if they can use Skillshare without paying. In the next section, we will explore the different pricing options available on Skillshare.
Can You Use Skillshare Without Paying?
While Skillshare does offer a free account option, it’s important to note that this option provides limited access to the platform. With a free account, you will only have access to a limited selection of classes and cannot download class materials. If you want to access all of the Skillshare classes, you must sign up for a Premium membership.
Skillshare: What is it and how does it work?
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers classes in a range of creative fields, including graphic design, photography, and writing. The platform provides a hands-on approach to learning, which is perfect for creative professionals looking to improve their skills. Skillshare’s courses are taught by industry professionals, providing a unique opportunity for learners to receive direct instruction from experts in their field.
In addition to providing access to courses, Skillshare also offers a community aspect, where learners can participate in discussion forums, network with other learners, and share their work for feedback. This community aspect adds a social element to the learning experience, making Skillshare an engaging and interactive platform.
Explain Skillshare’s Pricing Structure
Skillshare offers two main pricing options: Free and Premium. Let’s explore each of these options in more detail.
1- Free
With a free Skillshare account, you have access to a limited selection of classes. You can also create a profile, save classes to your watchlist, and participate in community discussions. However, you cannot download class materials, and your access to classes will be limited.
2- Premium
Skillshare’s Premium membership is the paid version of the platform. With a Premium membership, you have unlimited access to all of the classes on the platform, including class materials. Additionally, Premium members can participate in Skillshare’s community discussions and access exclusive workshops and events.
Skillshare now offers only one pricing option for Premium membership:
- Annual Plan
The annual plan costs $168 per year, which works out to be just $14 per month. This is a good option if you plan on using Skillshare frequently.
In summary, Skillshare’s pricing structure is designed to provide learners with flexibility and affordability. The free option allows learners to try out the platform and gain access to a limited selection of classes. At the same time, the Premium membership provides unlimited access to all of the classes on the platform, as well as additional features such as community discussions and exclusive workshops, and events.
How to Use Skillshare Without Paying?
Overview of the Available Methods to Use Skillshare for Free
While Skillshare offers a Premium membership that provides access to all of the platform’s classes and features, it’s possible to use Skillshare for free using the following methods:
- Sign up for a 30-day free trial of the Premium membership
- Take advantage of the free classes that Skillshare offers.
Limitations of Using Skillshare for Free
Using Skillshare for free has some limitations that are important to consider before signing up for a free account. Here are some of the limitations:
- Limited access to courses and features: With a free account, users have access to a limited selection of courses and may not be able to access all of the features available on Skillshare. If you’re interested in a broader selection of courses, you may want to consider upgrading to Premium membership.
- Ads: While using Skillshare for free, you may experience ads while using the platform. If you find ads to be too distracting, you may want to upgrade to a Premium membership.
- No certificate of completion: Skillshare offers certificates of completion to learners who finish a course, but this feature is only available to Premium members. If you’re looking to earn a certificate, you may want to consider upgrading to a Premium membership.
- Limited community access: With a free account, you may have limited access to the Skillshare community, which can be valuable for getting feedback and support from other learners. If you want to connect with other learners and join community discussions, upgrading to a Premium membership is a good option.
It’s important to note that while using Skillshare for free has its limitations, it can still be a valuable resource for learning and improving your skills. If you’re not ready to upgrade to a Premium membership, you can still make the most of the free resources available on Skillshare.
Tips for Making the Most of Skillshare’s Free Membership
While using Skillshare for free does have its limitations, there are still ways to make the most of the platform without paying for a Premium membership. Here are some tips:
- Sign up for the Free Trial: Take advantage of Skillshare’s 7-day free trial of the Premium membership to gain unlimited access to all of the classes and features on the platform.
- Focus on the Free Classes: While the selection of free classes is limited, there are still plenty of options available to help you improve your skills. Focus on the classes that cover the skills you’re most interested in learning.
- Participate in Community Discussions: One of the benefits of Skillshare is the community aspect, where learners can connect with each other, ask questions, and get feedback on their work. Participating in community discussions is a great way to stay motivated and get support from other learners.
Using Skillshare for Free
Skillshare’s Free Classes
Skillshare offers a selection of free classes to users with free accounts. While the selection is limited, it can still be a valuable resource for learners who want to explore new topics and improve their skills. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Access to Select Courses
With a free account, users have access to a limited selection of courses that are marked as free. These courses cover a variety of topics, including business, design, technology, and more.
2. How to Find Free Courses
To find free courses on Skillshare, you can search for courses and filter the results by price. Alternatively, you can browse the selection of free courses on Skillshare’s Free Classes page.
Skillshare Scholarships
In addition to free classes, Skillshare also offers scholarships to help learners access Premium membership. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Criteria for Eligibility
Skillshare scholarships are awarded based on financial need and a commitment to learning. To be eligible, you must be able to demonstrate financial need and provide a statement of purpose explaining why you want to learn on Skillshare.
2. Application Process
To apply for a Skillshare scholarship, you’ll need to fill out an online application form and provide some basic information about yourself and your financial situation. You’ll also need to provide a statement of purpose explaining why you want to learn on Skillshare and how you plan to use the skills you learn.
3. Benefits of Receiving a Scholarship
If you’re awarded a Skillshare scholarship, you’ll receive a Premium membership to the platform, which gives you access to all of the classes and features available on Skillshare. This can be a valuable resource for learners who want to explore a wide range of topics and improve their skills.
Benefits of Skillshare’s Free Membership
Description of the Classes Available for Free
Skillshare’s free membership provides access to a limited selection of classes on a variety of topics, including business, design, technology, and more. While the selection is limited, it can still be a valuable resource for learners who want to explore new topics and improve their skills.
Overview of the Skillshare Community and Features
In addition to classes, Skillshare’s free membership also provides access to the Skillshare community and features, such as:
- The ability to create a profile and connect with other learners and teachers on the platform
- Access to Skillshare’s project workspace, where you can share your work and receive feedback from others
- The ability to participate in challenges and contests to showcase your skills and win prizes
Overall, Skillshare offers a valuable resource for learners who want to explore new topics and improve their skills. If you’re interested in other online learning platforms, check out our article on Udemy vs Teachable to see how they compare. For more insights into the e-learning industry, take a look at our post on the top e-learning trends of 2023.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Paid Subscription
If you’re serious about learning and want to access all of Skillshare’s classes and features, upgrading to a paid subscription may be worth considering. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to a paid subscription:
Access to Thousands of Premium Courses
With a paid subscription, you’ll gain access to thousands of premium courses taught by industry professionals on a wide variety of topics, including business, design, technology, and more. Skillshare’s premium classes are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and skills on a specific topic and are not available to free members.
The Ability to Watch Classes Offline and on Mobile Devices
With a paid subscription, you can download classes and watch them offline, which can be helpful if you’re traveling or have limited internet access. You’ll also be able to watch classes on your mobile device through the Skillshare app, which makes it easy to learn on the go.
Participation in Projects and Workshops
Paid subscribers can participate in Skillshare’s projects and workshops, which provide hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to apply what they’ve learned. You’ll be able to share your work with others and receive feedback and critiques from other learners and teachers on the platform.
Ad-Free Viewing Experience
One of the downsides of using Skillshare for free is that some classes contain advertisements and sponsorships. With a paid subscription, you’ll enjoy an ad-free viewing experience with no interruptions.
Improved Support and Customer Service
Paid subscribers receive priority support and faster response times when they reach out to Skillshare’s customer service team. This can be especially helpful if you have technical issues or questions about your account.
In addition to Skillshare, there are many other online learning platforms that offer paid subscriptions, such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy.
Click this link to Join Coursera for Free
If you’re interested in learning more about the courses and features available on these platforms, check out our articles on in-demand courses on Udemy and the best courses for landing your dream job on Udemy.
Deciding Whether to Invest in a Skillshare Subscription
Factors to Consider
When deciding whether to invest in a Skillshare subscription, there are several factors to consider, including:
1. Budget
Skillshare offers both free and paid subscriptions, so it’s important to consider your budget when deciding which option is best for you. While the free membership provides access to a limited selection of classes, a paid subscription gives you access to all of Skillshare’s classes and features.
2. Learning Goals
Consider your learning goals when deciding whether to invest in a Skillshare subscription. If you’re looking to explore new topics and improve your skills in a variety of areas, a paid subscription may be worth the investment. However, a free membership may be sufficient if you’re only interested in a few specific courses.
3. Availability of Desired Courses
Before investing in a Skillshare subscription, make sure the courses you’re interested in are available on the platform. While Skillshare offers a wide range of classes, some topics may be more limited than others.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Free vs. Paid Resources
When deciding between free and paid resources, weighing the pros and cons is important.
Free Resources | Paid Resources | |
Pros | – No cost | – Access to all courses |
– Ability to explore new topics without commitment | – Advanced features such as offline viewing | |
– Basic community features | – Personalized recommendations based on interests | |
– Participation in challenges and contests | – No ads or sponsorships in classes | |
Cons | – Limited access to courses and features | – Cost |
– Advertisements and sponsorships in classes | – Commitment to subscription | |
– Limited support and customer service | – Limited selection of free courses |
Overall, whether to invest in a Skillshare subscription depends on individual factors such as budget, learning goals, and availability of desired courses. Weighing the pros and cons of free vs. paid resources can help you make a decision that aligns with your needs and priorities.
FAQs
1. Can you use Skillshare without paying?
Yes, you can use Skillshare for free, but with some limitations. Skillshare offers a free membership that provides access to a limited selection of classes and features. However, if you want to access all the classes and features, you will need to upgrade to a paid subscription.
2. What are the limitations of Skillshare’s free membership?
The limitations of Skillshare’s free membership include limited access to classes and features compared to a paid subscription, advertisements and sponsorships in free classes, and limited support and customer service. However, it can still be a valuable resource for learners who want to explore new topics and improve their skills.
3. How do I decide if a Skillshare premium membership is right for me?
You can decide if a Skillshare premium membership is right for you by considering your learning goals, budget, and the availability of desired courses. If you’re serious about learning and want access to all of Skillshare’s classes and features, upgrading to a paid subscription may be worth considering.
4. Are there any discounts or promotions for Skillshare memberships?
Yes, Skillshare frequently offers discounts and promotions for new and existing members. These promotions can include free trial periods, discounted subscription rates, and more. Check the Skillshare website or third-party coupon websites for current offers.
5. What happens if I cancel my Skillshare subscription?
If you cancel your Skillshare subscription, your account will be downgraded to a free membership. You will lose access to all the classes and features that were available to you as a premium member. However, any projects or work you’ve created will still be accessible and saved to your account.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we explored Skillshare’s pricing structure and membership plans and the available methods to use Skillshare for free. We also discussed the benefits and limitations of Skillshare’s free membership and the advantages of upgrading to a paid subscription for serious learners.
You can use Skillshare without paying but with limitations. However, upgrading to a paid subscription can provide access to a wider range of classes and features. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a Skillshare subscription should be based on your budget, learning goals, and availability of desired courses.
Skillshare offers a unique approach to online learning, with a variety of classes and a supportive community. While the pricing structure may not be ideal for everyone, weighing the benefits against the cost and your individual learning goals is important.