App Showcase: Skillshare

What it does

Skillshare provides an extensive library of online classes focused on creative and practical skills. Taught by industry experts, the video-based lessons cover topics ranging from illustration and graphic design to marketing and productivity. The platform is designed for hands-on learning, encouraging users to create and share projects as part of their educational journey.

Where it shines

Skillshare excels at making a vast content library feel personal and accessible. The post-subscription interest quiz (00:52) immediately tailors the home feed, ensuring a user's first impression is filled with relevant courses. The app also uses gamification effectively to encourage engagement from the start. For example, when a user saves a class or follows a teacher for the first time, they are instantly rewarded with an achievement badge (01:26, 01:37), which creates a satisfying feedback loop.

UX highlights

• Frictionless Downloads: A single 'Download All' toggle (01:49) allows users to save entire courses for offline viewing without interrupting their browsing.
• Clear Course Structure: The 'Lessons', 'Projects', and 'Discussions' tabs on a course page (01:17) provide a clear and organized way to navigate class content.
• Integrated Community: The 'Projects' tab showcases work from other students, and a dedicated 'Get Inspired' feed (04:51) provides a stream of community creations, linking directly back to the classes that inspired them.
• Actionable Achievements: Badges are not just collected; they are presented in context to reinforce key actions like saving classes and following teachers.
• Robust Filtering: The search results page includes a comprehensive set of filters (05:59), allowing users to narrow down thousands of classes by type, level, rating, and more.

Monetization & growth

Skillshare employs a straightforward free-trial subscription model. The paywall appears early in the onboarding flow (00:31), right after account creation. It presents two clear options: a monthly plan and a discounted annual plan, highlighting the savings ('SAVE 60%') and breaking down the cost per month to make the annual commitment seem more affordable. The primary call to action is to 'Try Free and Subscribe,' funneling users into the trial as the main path forward.

Who it’s for

Skillshare is for lifelong learners, creative professionals, and anyone looking to pick up or refine a practical skill. Its content appeals to both beginners seeking foundational knowledge and experienced practitioners looking for new techniques. The project-based approach makes it particularly suitable for individuals who prefer learning by doing, from aspiring illustrators and photographers to budding entrepreneurs and marketers.

Notes & opportunities

The app's reliance on a subscription for access means the initial value proposition must be very strong. While the onboarding is efficient, it doesn't offer a preview of the content before asking for payment, which could be a barrier for some users. Additionally, the 'Discussions' tab on course pages (02:37) could benefit from more recent activity to feel more vibrant and engaging for new students.