📋 Overview
Skillshare is an online learning community focused on creative skills including design, illustration, photography, and video production. Unlike academic platforms, Skillshare emphasizes project-based learning with classes taught by working professionals and creators.
With a score of 45/100, Skillshare's Terms of Service present concerns around subscription-locked content access, teacher payment transparency, and limited offline functionality that prospective learners should understand.
⚠️ Key Concerns ("Gotchas")
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⚠️ Content Access Ends With Subscription
Unlike platforms where you "own" purchased courses, all Skillshare content access ceases immediately when your subscription ends. There is no permanent access to any courses, even ones you've completed.
Source: Skillshare Terms of Service, Section 4 -
⚠️ Opaque Teacher Payment Calculations
Skillshare's royalty system for teachers is based on minutes watched, but the exact per-minute rate is not disclosed and can vary. Payment rates have been reduced multiple times without advance notice to teachers.
Source: Skillshare Teacher Terms, Payment Section -
⚠️ Limited Offline Access
Offline viewing is only available through the mobile app with significant restrictions. Downloaded content expires and cannot be accessed indefinitely, limiting learning flexibility.
Source: Skillshare Terms of Service, Section 5 -
⚠️ Free Trial Auto-Conversion
Free trials automatically convert to paid annual subscriptions unless canceled before the trial period ends. The trial period is 7 days, which may not be enough time to evaluate the platform thoroughly.
Source: Skillshare Subscription Terms
✅ Positive Aspects
✓ Creative Community Focus
Strong emphasis on creative skills with project-based learning. Active community features allow learners to share work and get feedback from peers and instructors.
✓ Unlimited Access During Subscription
While subscribed, members have unlimited access to the entire library without per-course fees. Good value for active learners who consume multiple classes.
✓ Low Barrier for Teachers
Anyone can create and publish classes, allowing diverse voices and specialized skills to be taught. No gatekeeping on who can become an instructor.
📖 What This Means For You
For Creative Learners
Skillshare works well as an "all you can learn" creative library, but understand you're renting access, not buying courses. If you stop subscribing, you lose everything—including any courses you've started but not finished. Budget for continuous subscription if learning is ongoing.
For Aspiring Teachers
The low barrier to entry is attractive, but payment terms are not in your favor. Per-minute royalties are opaque and have decreased over time. Skillshare grants itself broad license to use your content. Consider building your audience but maintaining ownership of your best content elsewhere.
For Professional Development
Skillshare lacks formal certifications that many employers recognize. The platform is best for skill acquisition rather than credentialing. For career advancement requiring certificates, consider platforms with recognized credentials.