Coursera vs Skillshare

Coursera and Skillshare are both American online course platforms offering text and video lectures on various subjects. Instructors can create their own courses and sell them, or build a community of learners with reviews and discussions to attract clients for personalized training. Users can learn at their own pace and access courses via mobile apps for iOS and Android.

But Coursera (founded in 2012) is the largest universal e-learning platform, offering courses on every topic for mature education and career development. Coursera partners with big companies and universities, so its courses are structured according to a university format. In addition to courses, the platform allows to take tests and earn academic certificates and degrees. Access to courses without certification is generally free. Coursera strictly monitors the quality of its content.

Skillshare (founded in 2010) focuses exclusively on creative and applied skills. Courses are created by independent instructors (not universities or companies). All lessons are available by subscription. The platform is better suited for short, hands-on visual lessons and uses a less formal approach to learning.