Looking to choose between Udemy vs Skillshare ? These article is a complete comparison between the two giant online course providers.
Whether you’re interested in acquiring new or enhancing your existing skills, online learning platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare have revolutionized learning.
Both platforms offer courses related to graphic design, web development, computer science, and data science. Each platform has its course creators who design content based on their expertise, aiming to give you the valuable skills you need in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Despite the many similarities between these platforms, there are a few key differences. Skillshare vs Udemy – which platform should you choose for your online learning journey?
There was a time when I wanted to learn digital marketing during my early college days, but I was unaware of the platform that could give me best return on investment.
After ruminating the web for a couple of days, I found Udemy and Skillshare along with Coursera and LinkedIn Learning to be valuable.
What fitted my budget were Udemy and Skillshare moreover I was impressed by their customer feedback. Hence, the war began, Udemy Vs Skillshare.
After doing through research on both the course providers, I came to know which one best suited my requirement.
Everything has gone digital in today’s advanced world, including the ability to pick up in-demand skills at home. Thanks to ever advancing technologies!
Doing a thorough research before choosing an online course is always recommended
Despite the many similarities between these platforms, there are a few key differences. Skillshare vs Udemy – which platform should you choose for your online learning journey?
I am sharing my research on both Udemy and Skillshare so that you could help yourself to choose the right online course.
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“After all any investment should turn valuable”
Udemy Vs Skillshare - a Detailed Review 2019
Udemy Vs Skillshare Cost Comparison
The major difference what sets Udemy and Skillshare apart is the cost structure.
Note: Neither Udemy nor Skillshare are free, although both offers some free courses.
Let’s start with Udemy first. In Udemy, you have to pay for individual courses, i.e you follow pay-per-course model and have lifetime access to those courses.
Most of the courses on Udemy starts at $10.
This is not the case with Skillshare. It has subscription based model where you have to pay a very little amount of $15 for every month and get access to all “Premium” courses.
Hence, learners can take as many courses as they want during that month. The cost is even low up-to $8.25/per month if you pay for complete year in advance, that makes $99 a year roughly. Now in $99 keep learning as much as you can.
- Udemy: $10 /course
- Skillshare: $15/month or $99/year
Udemy offers courses that you pay for individually. This means you only pay for specific courses you are interested in. Once purchased, you gain lifetime access to the course content, including video lectures, quizzes, and additional resources. The course quality on Udemy varies as anyone can become an Udemy instructor and publish courses.
However, the most popular ones are taught by industry experts and have high-quality content. Moreover, Udemy provides completion certificates which can be a good deal for those seeking credentials for their learning.
On the other hand, Skillshare operates on a monthly subscription model, granting you unlimited access to all their courses. This might offer more value for voracious learners who plan on taking multiple courses. The Skillshare classes focus on interactive learning and creative courses for personal development. Although it offers fewer courses than Udemy, the course quality is consistent due to a stringent course creation process.
For an online course creator, both platforms have their appeal. Udemy’s online course business model allows creators to earn money for every student who purchases their course. At the same time, Skillshare pays based on the number of minutes watched by premium members.
Skillshare’s pricing model relies on a monthly subscription or an annual membership. By subscribing, learners gain unlimited access to all its courses. They can freely explore multiple studies, enhancing a range of skills. This model is particularly beneficial for those planning to invest substantial learning time.
As a part of the premium membership, Skillshare also allows offline access to their content, so you can learn without internet interruptions.
In addition to individuals, Skillshare caters to teams and businesses with their team plans. The Skillshare team plan offers the same benefits as the premium individual plan, with the added ability to monitor team activity, usage, and learning trends.
On the contrary, Udemy’s pricing model involves a one-time fee per course. While individual course costs might be higher than a monthly Skillshare subscription, Udemy frequently holds constant sales, allowing learners to enroll in high-quality courses at a lower price. Udemy also offers unlimited lifetime access to the course, including future updates.
For businesses, Udemy offers a separate platform called Udemy for Business. This enterprise plan provides access to a curated collection of Udemy’s top courses for a subscription fee. It also provides features like learning analytics, user groups, and unlimited access to all its courses, offering more value to businesses investing in their employees’ learning.
In the next part, we will delve into a more in-depth comparison of the two platforms, addressing specific features and offerings such as course pricing, course catalog, online teaching quality, and the Udemy affiliate program. Stay tuned for more insights to help you decide between Skillshare or Udemy for your online learning needs.
Conclusion: For students who want to learn consistently, Skillshare wins. For one-time learners Udemy add value (Also if luck beholds you can get good discounts)
Quality of Education
In terms of learning experience, both platforms offer adjustable playback speed, allowing users to learn at their pace. However, while Skillshare provides class transcripts only for some of its classes, Udemy offers them for most courses, which can enhance learning for non-native English speakers or those who prefer to read along.
After all, what matters is the amount of exposure you get on both the platforms.
By reading all reviews about both the platforms, I can say Skillshare has better quality content than some of the similar Udemy courses. The reason is top industry professionals prefer here. Leaders from Google, GitHub love teaching on Skillshare.
On the other hand, Udemy hosts several courses on the same topic that sometimes it confuses readers which course to choose.It’s always preferable to take the course based on the ratings given.
Not only quality content, but also course size matters a lot.
Skillshare has short and precise courses than Udemy , that gives former an added advantage of teching valuable content in shorter time.
Also, Skillshare emphasis on project based leanings. Every course here ends up with a project giving students practical exposure to the subject.
Whereas Udemy has quizzes that help to test the leanings absorbed by students.
Overall I shall go with Skillshare when it comes to providing quality content.
Till now, we have covered two important factors, cost and quality content to help students to choose the best online course
Udemy Vs Skillshare for Instructors
Remember, whether you’re a student or an instructor, understanding the business model, learning styles, and what you can expect from each platform will ensure you make an informed decision.
Skillshare courses are often shorter, with a class structure focusing on bite-sized content and hands-on projects. This appeals to those with busy schedules or who prefer self-paced learning. A significant aspect of Skillshare’s appeal is its strong focus on creative skills, including topics related to graphic design, writing, and technology.
For those interested in teaching, becoming a Skillshare instructor is pretty straightforward. You can publish your courses, enabling you to share your knowledge with an active community. Skillshare’s subscription model pays teachers based on the number of minutes Premium members watch, making it a great source of passive income.
Moreover, Skillshare offers free classes to those not ready to commit to a monthly plan. This way, potential learners can sample courses and determine whether Skillshare’s content aligns with their learning goals.
Conversely, Udemy operates on a pay-per-course basis, which some users may find more appealing. Udemy course creators can set their own prices, leading to higher earnings, particularly for popular and highly-rated courses.
The Udemy instructor quality varies due to the platform’s more open policy for course creation, resulting in a broader course catalog. However, Udemy offers a robust review and rating system, ensuring that high-quality courses rise to the top. Many course creators also include additional resources such as downloadable materials, quizzes, and direct instructor support to enhance the learning experience.
One of Udemy’s significant advantages is the wide variety of topics it covers. The Udemy course catalog is incredibly diverse, from personal development to data science. Moreover, they offer multiple languages, allowing people worldwide to learn in their native language.
The Udemy affiliate program is another aspect that sets it apart. Users can earn money by promoting courses through a referral link, providing another income stream.
As for certifications, unlike Skillshare, Udemy offers completion certificates for most courses. For learners seeking to showcase their new skills to employers, this can add significant value.
Choosing between Skillshare and Udemy depends on your learning needs and style, so understanding each platform’s unique offerings is crucial.
For teachers looking to earn some extra-income through their expertise, both the platforms are suitable. Udemy has access to larger audience and pays 50% of the earnings to their teachers. But with a large audience comes competition.
At Skillshare you can earn $1-2 per premium enrollment. But here you continuously have to create courses to get noticed ad earn potentially. Creative content is more demanded on Skillshare.
Overall, when it comes to teaching, Udemy wins.
Click to start teaching online on Udemy
Does Udemy and Skillshare Provides Certificates
Udemy does provide you certification on completion of a course. Unfortunately Skillshare doesn’t.
Skillshare believes in providing real education to students in the form of their education, and it doesn’t want its students to run behind certification.
In my view, Skillshare is also right if your aim is to learn and acquire that knowledge.
Do you agree with this or not?
My Take on Udemy Vs Skillshare
Both platforms are completely good and provide valuable knowledge.
If you are looking for one or two good online courses, then Udemy serves better destination. (I suggest selecting those courses based on ratings)
While Skillshare is valuable to those looking for creative content like Photography, Animation etc. Also, a yearly subscription will give you access to Skillshare’s wide library.
Udemy Vs Skillshare Vs Coursera
Coursera offers free courses from leading universities, but without a certificate(Audit Overall, Coursera has a lot of added advantages over Udemy and Skillshare.
Unlike Udemy and Skillshare, Coursera primarily collaborates with universities and organizations worldwide to offer accredited courses, specializations, and degree programs. Therefore, Coursera is recognized for its academic rigor and high-quality studies. This educational focus and partnership with world-renowned universities make Coursera popular for those seeking to earn recognized certifications or even pursue a full degree online.
Compared to Udemy’s pay-per-course model and Skillshare’s monthly subscription, Coursera offers free and paid courses.
However, to receive a certificate upon completion, you need to enroll in the paid version of the system. Additionally, Coursera offers financial aid to students who can’t afford the course fee, making education accessible to everyone.
In terms of course offerings, while Udemy and Skillshare cover many subjects, Coursera focuses heavily on academic and professionally oriented courses such as computer science, data science, business, and public health. The platform’s courses are rigorous and structured more like traditional in-person academic courses, with set deadlines for assignments and regular peer-reviewed work.
Another unique feature of Coursera is the interactive nature of its assignments. Unlike Udemy and Skillshare, which primarily rely on video lectures, Coursera’s assignments often involve active problem-solving, which can enhance the learning experience.
So, in a three-way comparison of Udemy vs Skillshare vs Coursera, your choice depends on your individual learning objectives. If you’re looking for university-style courses that offer certificates from recognized institutions, Coursera is your best bet. On the other hand, if you want to learn various topics at your own pace without needing academic recognition, Udemy or Skillshare may suit your needs better.
Final Words
So, whether you’re a student or an instructor, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms will allow you to make the most informed decision for your online learning journey.
To summarize, let’s talk about the pros and cons of both platforms:
Udemy Pros:
- Offers more courses, ranging from creative topics to technical disciplines.
- Allows you to buy a single course for lifetime access, offering a good deal for those focused on one or a few topics.
- Gives course completion certificates, adding credentials for your learning.
- Frequent sales offer courses at much lower prices.
- The Udemy comparison to other platforms often highlights its larger community of users and instructors, giving you an expansive network for learning and teaching.
Udemy Cons:
- Course quality can vary significantly as anyone can become an Udemy instructor and create their own courses.
- Higher price per course without sales.
- Although Udemy makes the whole learning process self-paced, lacking a learning community can make the experience feel isolating for some learners.
Skillshare Pros:
- Offers a monthly or annual subscription model for unlimited access to courses.
- Strong focus on creative fields, making it a top choice for learners seeking courses in these areas.
- Skillshare’s premium membership offers extra perks, such as offline access and no ads.
- Skillshare has an active community where you can interact with other students and teachers, enhancing your learning experience.
Skillshare Cons:
- Offers fewer courses compared to Udemy.
- Does not offer completion certificates, unlike Udemy.
- The absence of more academic and technical courses makes Udemy a better bet for such topics.
When comparing Skillshare vs Udemy, it all boils down to your learning goals, budget, and preferred learning styles. If you aim to learn a broad range of topics and prefer a learning community, Skillshare may be your best choice. Conversely, if you’re interested in a specific course, want lifetime access, or are seeking more academic topics, Udemy might make more sense.
As an online teacher or course creator, both platforms have opportunities to earn money. However, the methods and potential income may differ. If you plan to create one high-quality, in-depth course, Udemy’s business model might be more profitable. But if you can create multiple, shorter classes on different sub-categories of a topic, Skillshare’s subscription-based model could lead to regular, passive income.
Both Udemy and Skillshare are powerful e-learning platforms that can provide valuable learning experiences. We hope this in-depth comparison has been a helpful resource in your decision-making process.
So whether you are a student eager to learn new skills or an instructor ready to share your knowledge, understanding what each platform offers will help you make the best decision.
Happy learning, and may you succeed in your educational journey!
Today, the digital revolution is bringing a significant shift in the traditional ways of teaching and learning. The rise of online learning platforms, with their vast course catalogs, industry-expert instructors, and flexible learning styles, is redefining the concept of education. This article aims to help you navigate the expansive universe of online learning by comparing two of the biggest players in the field: Udemy and Skillshare.
Before delving into the key differences and offerings, it’s worth noting the overall value and transformative potential of online course marketplaces. By bringing education to your fingertips, they help you acquire new skills and personal development tools necessary to stay ahead in today’s competitive job market.
From graphic design to computer science, these platforms offer courses designed to cater to diverse learning interests. They also create an avenue for everyday people to become online teachers, sharing their unique skills and experiences with a global community of learners.
First, let’s look at the comprehensive learning platform, Udemy. Udemy stands out among other e-learning platforms due to its unique business model and the many courses it offers. With its emphasis on paid courses, Udemy allows you to pay a one-time fee for the specific procedure you’re interested in. This approach provides students complete ownership and lifetime course access, including video lessons, quizzes, and additional resources.
The course quality on Udemy is a mixture of varying standards, mainly because the platform allows anyone to become an Udemy instructor. The open nature of Udemy’s course creation allows for a richer course catalog. However, as a result, Udemy’s course quality can range from top-notch courses by industry experts to more basic ones. Udemy offers courses in multiple languages, making learning accessible for non-English speakers.
Another plus is that most courses on Udemy come with a completion certificate, adding value for learners who want to showcase their learning on their resumes or LinkedIn profiles.
Now let’s shift our focus to the platform Skillshare. Skillshare courses predominantly center on creativity, making it a popular choice for individuals interested in personal development in the creative field.
Unlike Udemy, Skillshare operates on a subscription model, where a monthly or annual membership fee grants unlimited access to all their courses. With a strong focus on creative classes, Skillshare offers an active community where you can interact with other students and teachers, enhancing the overall learning experience.
For the voracious learner interested in personal development across various creative topics, the unlimited access to all Skillshare courses that a premium membership offers can provide more value. Moreover, Skillshare’s emphasis on bite-sized content and hands-on projects offers a self-paced, project-based learning approach, making it a good deal for learners who prefer learning by doing.
Both platforms offer potential income avenues for course creators interested in entering the online course business. With Udemy, the platform allows you to earn money each time a student purchases your course. On Skillshare, instructors get paid based on the number of minutes premium members watch their classes. This encourages the creation of engaging and high-quality content that keeps learners interested.
While both platforms facilitate the creation of high-quality courses, Skillshare has a more stringent approval course process. This leads to a consistent quality across all Skillshare classes but results in fewer courses than Udemy. As a course creator, choosing the right platform can be pivotal to the success of your online teaching journey.
When it comes to the pricing models of these two platforms, they differ quite significantly. Skillshare uses a monthly subscription model, where a monthly fee gives you unlimited access to all its courses. This offers more value for those intending to take multiple classes.
On the other hand, Udemy’s one-course pricing system might be more appealing if you’re looking to acquire a specific skill from a particular course and are less interested in exploring other courses.
A vital aspect that should influence your decision between Skillshare or Udemy is the content area of your interest. If you’re looking for courses with a strong focus on creative fields, Skillshare might be your best bet. However, if you want to explore a broader range of topics, including more academic and technical disciplines, Udemy makes more sense.
Skillshare and Udemy also offer different experiences regarding community and support. Skillshare boasts a vibrant community of learners and instructors. The platform encourages interaction and mutual learning among its members, which can enhance your learning experience. Udemy, on the other hand, while having a large community of learners, does not emphasize community interaction as much.
While deciding between the two platforms, remember that Skillshare and Udemy offer free classes or courses. Skillshare provides free access to selected courses for learners not ready to commit to a premium membership. Similarly, Udemy also offers free and highly discounted courses through its constant sales.
So, which one should you choose? Udemy or Skillshare? The final verdict rests upon your personal learning needs and style. If your aim is to learn as many courses as possible and you prefer a community learning experience, Skillshare might be the right fit. If you’re more interested in a specific class or want lifetime access, Udemy might be a better choice.
For those interested in becoming an online course creator, both platforms offer potential opportunities. If your focus is to create one high-quality course with comprehensive content, Udemy’s pay-per-course model might bring more revenue. If you prefer creating shorter, more focused content, Skillshare’s subscription model could lead to regular income.
The journey toward personal development and skill acquisition in the digital age is unique. With platforms like Udemy and Skillshare, you have many resources at your fingertips.
These platforms represent more than just avenues for learning; they are communities where people from all walks of life come together to share and acquire knowledge. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is to take that first step towards learning a new skill or enhancing an existing one.
We hope this in-depth comparison has served as a valuable resource for you. By understanding what each platform offers, whether an eager student or an aspiring teacher, you’ll be better equipped to embark on your online learning journey. Happy learning!
E-Learning Specialist in Online Programs & Courses