Short answer: No — you'll actively complete creative courses regularly. For occasional learning, YouTube and free courses work fine.
Worth it for: Creative learners (illustration, design Skip if: Passive learners, career-focused students Better alternative: N/A Here's what Skillshare won't advertise: the completion rate is probably terrible. People subscribe aspirationally, not behaviorally.
There are free alternatives that work just as well.
When It IS Worth It
You learn by doing projects. Skillshare classes are project-based. If that's your learning style, you'll engage more than with lecture-format courses.
You're exploring creative skills. Illustration, design, video editing, photography — Skillshare's strength is creative hobbyist content.
You'll actually use it weekly. Proven behavior: you already watch educational content regularly and finish what you start.
You want variety. Instead of one expensive course, you get unlimited access to browse topics.
When It Is NOT Worth It
Be honest:
You're subscribing aspirationally. "I want to learn design" isn't the same as actually doing it. Don't pay until you've proven you'll follow through.
You want career credentials. Skillshare isn't Coursera. No certificates employers care about. It's for skill-building, not résumé-building.
YouTube covers your needs. Many Skillshare topics are covered free on YouTube with equivalent quality.
You'll watch one course and forget. The classic pattern. Don't become a statistic.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Aspirational subscribers — Don't pay for "I should learn X" vibes
- Career-focused learners — Skillshare isn't for credentials
- Passive watchers — If you don't do the projects, you don't learn
- People who don't finish courses — Be honest about your history
- Those who prefer structured learning — Skillshare is browsing, not curriculum
The Course Quality Problem
Skillshare has thousands of courses. Quality varies wildly:
Good classes:
- Established creators with professional production
- Project-based with clear outcomes
- Specific skills (watercolor techniques, Procreate basics)
Bad classes:
- Anyone can upload, so many are amateur
- Repackaged content from YouTube
- Vague topics with no clear outcome
How to find good ones: Check instructor credentials, watch previews, read reviews. Don't assume quality.
Skillshare vs. Competitors
| Platform | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Skillshare | $168/yr | Creative hobbies |
| Coursera | $0-60/course | Career credentials |
| Udemy | $10-30/course | Specific skills (sales) |
| LinkedIn Learning | $30/mo | Professional skills |
| YouTube | Free | Everything (variable quality) |
| MasterClass | $120/yr | Celebrity entertainment |
My take: Skillshare is for creative hobbyists. If you want career credentials, Coursera. If you want one specific skill, Udemy sales. If you want free, YouTube.
The YouTube Alternative
Here's the thing: most creative skills taught on Skillshare are also on YouTube.
Advantages of YouTube:
- Free
- Comments often have timestamps and tips
- Algorithm finds related content
Advantages of Skillshare:
- Curated and structured
- Project-based with downloadable resources
- No algorithm distractions
If you're disciplined, YouTube works. If you want structure and curation, Skillshare adds value.
Skillshare Pricing
| Plan | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $32/mo |
| Annual | $168/yr ($14/mo) |
The math:
- 12 courses/year = $14/course
- 1 course/month = $14/course
- 1 course total = $168 (terrible)
Only worth it if you'll use it regularly. Most people don't.
The Completion Problem
Skill development requires:
- Watching content
- Doing the project
- Practicing the skill
- Repeating over time
Most Skillshare users do step 1 partially and stop. The subscription makes you feel productive without actual skill development.
Be honest: Have you finished online courses before? If not, why would Skillshare be different?
What Annoys Me About Skillshare
- Quality is inconsistent. Anyone can upload, so lots of mediocre content.
- Aggressive marketing. Sponsor segments on every YouTube video.
- Easy to forget you're paying. The subscription model survives on inactive users.
- Not career-relevant. No credentials, no certificates that matter.
- Free trial requires credit card. Classic dark pattern.
How to Get Value from Skillshare
- Free trial honestly. Start trial, complete 2-3 classes, decide if you'll actually use it.
- Set course goals. "I'll complete 2 classes per month" — track it.
- Do the projects. Watching isn't learning. Building is learning.
- Curate carefully. Preview classes, check instructors. Quality varies.
- Cancel when done. Learned what you wanted? Cancel. Don't let it run.
Cheaper or Better Alternatives
- N/A
| Alternative | Price | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Free | 90% of Skillshare content has a free equivalent on YouTube. Search before you subscribe |
| Coursera | Free / $49/month | Accredited courses from real universities. Better for career development. Full review |
| Udemy | $10-15/sale | Buy individual courses on sale. No subscription commitment. Better for specific skills |
| Domestika | $10-15/course | Higher production quality for creative courses. One-time purchase per course |
Check out our Babbel review for comparison. Check out our Brilliant review for comparison.
Final Verdict
depends — you're a creative learner who actually completes courses. If you've proven you finish online learning and want project-based creative content, Skillshare delivers.
Skip if you're aspirational. Most subscribers pay for the fantasy of learning, not actual learning. Be honest about your behavior patterns.
YouTube first. Try learning your topic free. If you want more structure and can afford $14/mo, Skillshare is an upgrade.
FAQ
Is Skillshare worth it vs. YouTube?
For structured, project-based learning with downloadable resources, Skillshare adds value. For quick tutorials and free content, YouTube works. Try YouTube first; upgrade to Skillshare if you want more structure.
Is Skillshare worth it for designers?
For hobbyist designers learning illustration, Procreate, or creative techniques, yes. For career designers who need industry credentials, no — look at professional certifications instead.
Can I get Skillshare for free?
Free trial exists (usually 7 days or 1 month through promotions). After that, no legitimate free tier. If budget is an issue, YouTube covers similar topics.
Do employers care about Skillshare?
No. Skillshare is for personal skill-building, not résumé credentials. If you need employer-recognized learning, look at Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or industry certifications.