Linkedin Learning vs Skillshare: Which is Better?
Below is a detailed, side-by-side comparison of LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare to help you determine which platform may best suit your learning needs. Both platforms offer subscription-based access to thousands of video courses, but they differ in their focus, content quality, teaching style, and overall approach.
1. Overview of the Platforms
LinkedIn Learning
- Focus & Target Audience:
LinkedIn Learning is tailored for professionals and lifelong learners who want to enhance their skills in business, technology, creative fields, and soft skills. Its courses are designed to meet the needs of individuals looking to improve career prospects, leadership capabilities, and technical know-how. - Content and Approach:
With its roots in Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers well-produced, structured courses that cover everything from project management and programming to design and communication. Courses tend to be concise, practical, and industry-relevant.- Integration with LinkedIn: Upon course completion, you receive a certificate that can be seamlessly added to your LinkedIn profile, boosting your professional credibility.
- Professional Instructors: Courses are created and taught by experts with real-world experience.
Skillshare
- Focus & Target Audience:
Skillshare primarily attracts creative professionals, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs. It offers a diverse library that covers creative arts (such as illustration, photography, design), entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and technology. Skillshare is ideal if you’re looking to explore creative projects, learn a new craft, or build a side hustle. - Content and Approach:
Skillshare emphasizes project-based learning. Courses are often designed to guide learners through a specific project, with the idea that “learning by doing” reinforces skills.- Community-Centric: The platform fosters community engagement through project sharing and class discussions, allowing students to learn from and inspire one another.
- Varied Instructor Base: Courses are created by independent professionals, which means the quality and depth can vary—some classes are exceptionally creative and innovative, while others might lack the polished production typical of larger institutions.
2. Course Quality & Content Depth
LinkedIn Learning
- Structured & Curated Content:
The courses on LinkedIn Learning are carefully curated and professionally produced. Each course is designed with a clear learning objective in mind and is structured into bite-sized modules that build on each other. - Wide Range of Topics:
The platform offers courses in business strategy, digital marketing, leadership, software development, graphic design, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced professional, you can find content that fits your skill level. - Consistency in Quality:
Because courses are produced under strict quality guidelines, you’re more likely to have a consistent learning experience with well-organized content and professional production values.
Skillshare
- Project-Based Learning:
Skillshare’s classes are designed around creative projects. This hands-on approach means that you learn by actually working on a project, which can be particularly beneficial in fields like design, photography, or writing. - Variety and Innovation:
The platform offers an impressive range of courses that sometimes explore niche topics not typically covered in a corporate training setting. However, the decentralized nature means that the production quality and course depth can vary significantly. - Engagement Through Community:
Many courses encourage students to share their work, receive feedback, and participate in class discussions, which can enhance learning through peer interaction.
3. Certification & Professional Recognition
LinkedIn Learning
- Certificates:
Upon finishing a course, learners receive a certificate of completion that can be added directly to your LinkedIn profile. This feature is particularly valuable for professionals looking to enhance their resumes and demonstrate ongoing skill development to employers. - Professional Credibility:
While the certificates are not accredited academic credentials, they are well-recognized within the business and professional communities, especially given the strong reputation of LinkedIn Learning as an extension of LinkedIn’s professional ecosystem.
Skillshare
- Certificates:
Skillshare does not typically offer formal certificates upon course completion. Instead, the focus is on portfolio-building and practical application through completed projects. - Emphasis on Creativity:
For creative fields, a shared project or a portfolio often speaks louder than a certificate. Employers or clients in creative industries may value demonstrable skills and a body of work over a certificate of completion.
4. Learning Experience & Course Structure
LinkedIn Learning
- Self-Paced Learning:
Courses are divided into short segments, making it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule. You can pause, rewind, and revisit lessons as needed. - Quizzes and Assessments:
Many courses include quizzes or knowledge checks to reinforce key concepts. - Focus on Professional Development:
The content is designed to be immediately applicable in a professional context, providing actionable insights and skills that can be applied on the job. - User-Friendly Interface:
The platform is well-organized, and its integration with LinkedIn makes it easy to track progress and discover new learning opportunities based on your professional interests.
Skillshare
- Project-Driven Approach:
Classes are often centered on a final project, encouraging learners to apply what they’ve learned in a creative, tangible way. This can be highly engaging, especially for those who learn best through practice. - Community Engagement:
The class discussion boards and project galleries foster an environment of collaboration and feedback. This social learning aspect can be especially motivating and helpful for creative disciplines. - Flexible Structure:
Courses tend to be more informal and may not follow a rigid structure, allowing for more creative freedom. However, this can mean less consistency across different classes. - Instructor Interaction:
Many classes allow for direct interaction with instructors, which can be beneficial if you need guidance or feedback on your projects.
5. Pricing & Subscription Models
LinkedIn Learning
- Subscription Model:
LinkedIn Learning operates on a subscription basis with plans typically around $39.99 per month or approximately $239.88 per year. A one-month free trial is often available, which lets you test the platform before committing. - Unlimited Access:
With your subscription, you gain unlimited access to the entire library of over 16,000 courses, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to expand their skill set across various topics. - Value for Professionals:
The subscription fee not only grants you access to courses but also integrates with your professional profile, enhancing your visibility in the job market.
Skillshare
- Subscription Model:
Skillshare also uses a subscription model, typically around $15 to $20 per month (or a discounted rate if billed annually). This lower price point can be appealing if your focus is primarily on creative or hobby-related learning. - Unlimited Classes:
A subscription provides access to thousands of classes across different categories, and the lifetime access to classes means you can revisit them at any time. - Cost-Effectiveness:
While Skillshare is generally more affordable than LinkedIn Learning, remember that its value is best realized by those who plan to explore multiple creative projects or learn new creative skills.
6. Mobile & Offline Learning
LinkedIn Learning
- Mobile App:
LinkedIn Learning offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, allowing you to download courses and learn on the go. - Offline Access:
The ability to download content for offline viewing makes it easy to continue learning even without a stable internet connection—ideal for busy professionals or frequent travelers.
Skillshare
- Mobile App:
Skillshare also provides a robust mobile app that enables users to stream or download classes, making it convenient to learn anywhere. - Offline Viewing:
Offline access is available, so you can keep up with your creative projects even when you’re away from a reliable internet connection.
7. Community & Engagement
LinkedIn Learning
- Professional Network Integration:
The integration with LinkedIn allows you to connect your learning with your professional identity. While there is limited direct peer-to-peer interaction within courses, you can share your achievements with your network. - Discussion Forums:
Some courses offer discussion sections, but these are generally more limited compared to platforms built around community engagement.
Skillshare
- Active Community:
Skillshare shines in its community features. Learners are encouraged to share their projects, give and receive feedback, and engage in class discussions. - Collaboration and Networking:
This active community can be a huge asset, particularly for creative professionals seeking inspiration, critique, and collaborative opportunities.
8. Pros & Cons Summary
LinkedIn Learning – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-quality, professionally produced courses
- Structured content with clear learning paths
- Certificates that enhance your LinkedIn profile
- Broad range of topics relevant to professional development
- User-friendly interface with integration into a professional network
- Strong offline learning capabilities
Cons:
- Higher subscription cost compared to Skillshare
- More formal course structure may be less engaging for creative pursuits
- Limited community interaction within the learning platform
Skillshare – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lower cost subscription with access to thousands of creative courses
- Project-based learning that reinforces practical skills
- Vibrant community with opportunities for feedback and collaboration
- Flexibility and variety in course offerings
- Informal, creative-focused approach that can spark inspiration
Cons:
- Quality and depth of courses can vary widely
- Lack of formal certificates may be a drawback for career-focused learners
- Less structured learning paths may not suit those seeking professional development in traditional fields
9. Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
Ultimately, the “better” platform depends on your personal goals and learning style:
- Choose LinkedIn Learning if:
- You are focused on professional development and need to acquire skills that will directly benefit your career.
- You appreciate structured, high-quality courses taught by industry experts.
- You want to build your professional brand with certificates that integrate with your LinkedIn profile.
- Your learning interests span business, technology, leadership, and creative skills in a polished format.
- Choose Skillshare if:
- You are drawn to creative, hands-on learning and prefer learning by doing through project-based courses.
- You enjoy a vibrant community where feedback and collaboration help drive your creativity.
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly subscription focused on creative and lifestyle topics.
- You value flexibility and variety over formal certification.
For many learners, the decision might even come down to combining both platforms: using LinkedIn Learning for polished, career-oriented training and Skillshare for creative exploration and project-based learning. Consider your primary objectives—whether they are to enhance your resume and professional skills or to develop creative talents and work on personal projects—and choose the platform that aligns best with your goals.
Both platforms have their unique strengths, and understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision that maximizes your learning experience and career growth. Which platform aligns with your learning style and goals?