Is Skillshare Free? What You Need To Know About Free Trial?

Once upon a time, Skillshare was the Santa Claus of online learning platforms, gifting access to thousands of free classes to anyone eager to learn. Fast forward to today, and it's more like a wise sage, offering a glimpse into its wisdom through a 1-month free trial. This evolution marks a significant shift in how Skillshare operates, focusing on quality education over free-for-all access.

During this golden trial period, learners unlock a treasure chest of courses ranging from animation to UI/UX design. It's a no-cost pass to explore and engage with content that could spark a new passion or elevate a current skill. And while the allure of free learning has diminished with the disappearance of entirely free classes, the trial period serves as a perfect litmus test for the platform's value.

Skillshare's structured environment, led by experts like Seth Godin, offers a depth of learning that YouTube can't match. Beyond videos, there's an interactive community waiting to engage, challenge, and grow with you. It's these elements that solidify the trial's worth, providing a rich soil for skills to flourish.

Yet, the journey doesn't end when the trial does. Skillshare nudges learners towards a choice: to subscribe or not. With plans that flex with your learning pace and reminders to avoid unintended charges, it respects the learner's autonomy.

But what if the trial ends and you're not ready to commit? Fear not, for the landscape of online learning is vast. Platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and edX extend their own free learning opportunities, each with a unique approach to education. From Udemy's wide-ranging free courses to LinkedIn Learning's professional development focus, there's a world beyond Skillshare waiting to be explored.

Moreover, the quest for knowledge doesn't have to drain your wallet. Skillshare's student discounts and scholarships offer a lifeline to those seeking to learn without financial strain. And let's not forget the potential to apply your newfound skills in ways that could earn back your investment, turning education into an avenue for income.

In the grand scheme, the transition from free classes to a trial-based model might seem like a loss. Yet, it's a testament to Skillshare's commitment to delivering value-packed, high-quality education. Whether through Skillshare or its alternatives, the door to learning remains wide open, inviting us to step through and discover what lies beyond.

So, is Skillshare's free trial worth it? Absolutely. It's a gateway to not just classes, but a community, a wealth of knowledge, and perhaps, a new direction in your journey of lifelong learning. As you navigate this path, remember, the value of education isn't in the price, but in the doors it opens.

Best Online Learning Platforms of 2023: A Comprehensive Review

Welcome to a deep dive into the world of online learning platforms, where we'll explore various platforms, sharing insights, tips, and tricks to help you navigate the vast ocean of knowledge available at your fingertips. In this long-form article, we'll discuss the top ten platforms that have stood out and made a significant impact on personal and professional development.

Skillshare:

Skillshare strikes a perfect balance between YouTube tutorials and full-length courses found on platforms like Coursera or edX. With over 30,000 classes ranging from animation to web development, Skillshare provides a comprehensive learning experience. Their recent addition of certification features allows users to showcase their newly acquired skills, even if not accredited.

Mindvalley:

Mindvalley serves as a personal development playground, offering over 70 courses or "quests" in mindfulness practices, energy healing, and personal growth. Their coach certification programs are highly regarded, and the platform has helped many users improve their motivation and goal visualization.

Coursera:

Coursera is an online learning giant with courses in various fields, including business, computer science, and language learning. Their courses are taught by instructors from top universities, providing an Ivy League education from the comfort of your home. Users also receive certificates upon completing courses.

MasterClass:

MasterClass connects learners with world-famous experts and celebrities in various fields, offering hands-on learning and inspiration from the best in the business. While MasterClass doesn't provide certificates, the knowledge and inspiration gained are invaluable.

Udemy:

Udemy offers a bustling marketplace of over 213,000 courses in diverse fields. Although each course requires individual payment, most are affordable, starting at just $9.

Brilliant.org:

Brilliant.org is a go-to platform for STEM enthusiasts, offering over 60 courses in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Brilliant emphasizes interactive and fun learning experiences and provides a 7-day free trial.

edX:

edX, a top provider of college-level online courses, offers many free courses from renowned universities like Harvard and MIT. They also provide MicroMasters programs, which are series of graduate-level courses that can potentially earn university credit.

Udacity:

Udacity is known for its Nanodegree programs in web development, data science, and programming. While not cheap, Udacity offers high-quality mentorship and project-based learning that can be worth the investment for career advancement.

LinkedIn Learning:

LinkedIn Learning, born from the acquisition of Lynda, offers thousands of courses in various fields, catering primarily to professionals looking to upskill. Their courses are broken down into bite-sized modules, and users can download courses for offline viewing.

FutureLearn:

FutureLearn provides university courses and accredited programs, covering creative and STEM subjects, as well as medicine and law courses. Certificates of Achievement are available for ExpertTrack, Premium, Sponsored courses, and Unlimited subscriptions, making them an excellent addition to your resume.

Online learning platforms are fantastic resources for personal and professional growth. Each platform offers unique benefits and learning experiences, catering to learners at different stages of their journey.
Source: 10 Best Online Learning Platforms To Jumpstart Your Career 

Epidemic Sound Vs Artlist: Which Stock Music Site To Choose?

Welcome to another episode of the IMHO Reviews, everybody. I'm your host, Vitaliy. Today, we're going to dive deep into the world of royalty-free music platforms.

Let's kick things off with the million-dollar question - or, more accurately, the $15 question: how much do these bad boys cost? Epidemic Sound offers a personal plan for $15 per month or $108 per year, and a commercial plan for $49 per month or $228 per year. Artlist, on the other hand, has a starter personal monthly subscription for $14.99, or a yearly subscription for $120. For commercial accounts, they only offer yearly plans, ranging from $199 to $299 per year.

Alright, let's cut to the chase: Epidemic Sound wins the personal plan battle, but Artlist takes the trophy for commercial plans. If you're into monthly commitments, you might wanna swipe right on Epidemic Sound. But if you're looking for a long-term relationship, Artlist could be your soulmate. You know, it's kind of like dating - you gotta find the one that fits your style and budget.

Now, let's talk about the library. It's like the never-ending debate between Marvel and DC - who's got the better lineup? Epidemic Sound boasts an impressive 35,000 tracks and 90,000 sound effects, while Artlist comes in with a smaller, but still respectable, collection of 18,000 tracks and 11,000 sound effects. In terms of quality, they're pretty much on par, but if size matters to you, Epidemic Sound definitely has the bigger... library.

Alright, let's move on to licensing and usage. I know it might not be as exciting as a Marvel movie, but trust me, it's important. Both platforms offer royalty-free tracks for content creators, covering everything from YouTube videos to podcasts and commercial projects. The main difference is that Epidemic Sound also offers single-track licenses, which is perfect if you just need that one perfect song for your video - like finding the "Stairway to Heaven" of royalty-free music.

Alright, let's get real for a second. No platform is perfect, and both Epidemic Sound and Artlist have their fair share of customer complaints. Artlist has a rating of 4.2, with users griping about untrustworthy practices and issues with billing. On the other hand, Epidemic Sound has a rating of 4.5, and users have expressed concerns about difficulty in canceling subscriptions and occasional technical glitches.

Despite these shortcomings, both platforms still maintain relatively high ratings. It's important to remember that no platform is without its flaws, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each service based on your needs and preferences. Remember to read reviews and do your research to get a better understanding of what you can expect from each platform.

So, a while back, I decided to start my own YouTube channel, and man, I tell you, finding the right music was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But then I stumbled upon Epidemic Sound and Artlist, and it was like discovering a whole new world.

On the other hand, Artlist's interface was like a breath of fresh air – modern, sleek, and user-friendly. But their smaller library and the "reasonable use" limitation on downloads were kind of a bummer. And let's not forget the absence of a proper free trial – I mean, come on, Artlist, give us a taste of the good stuff!

Now, you might be wondering, " Vitaliy, which one did you ultimately choose?" Well, after weighing the pros and cons, I decided to go with Epidemic Sound. Why, you ask? The larger library, the single-track license option, and that sweet, sweet 30-day free trial won me over.
Original Source: https://sites.google.com/site/videoblocksreview/royalty-free-music/epidemic-sound

Guide to Skillshare Classes in 2023: Take These Courses to Prosper!

Best Skillshare Courses 2023: Must Classes To Thrive In New Era

1. Mastering Productivity: Create a Custom System That Works - Learn how to create a personalized productivity system that helps you get more done in less time. This class covers everything from goal setting and time management to prioritization, and you get to choose the productivity system that works best for you.
   
   
2. Art of the Start: Turning Ideas into High-Growth Businesses - Venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki takes you through the starting, launching, fundraising, and pitching stages to make your business a reality. This class covers everything from market research to building a social platform for your business.
   
   
3. Going Freelance: Building and Branding Your Own Success - Co-founder of Working Not Working, Justin Gignac, provides a solid outlook for those who want to start up their own side projects and grow their passions. This class covers everything from crafting a portfolio to pitching to media and networking authentically.
   
   
4. Speed Reading Mastery – Double Reading Speed - Memory and speed reading coach Jordan Harry teaches essential speed reading and memory techniques that can help you save time, focus better, and retain more information. You can double your reading speed instantly with this class, and it's perfect for those who are bad or untrained readers.
   
   
5. Discovering Success – Uncover Your Purpose, Passion & Path - Emma Gannon, a Sunday Times bestselling author, trained coach, and TEDx speaker, helps you discover your purpose, passion, and path. This class provides exercises and guidance to help you identify what inspires you, what your passions are, and what your natural skills are.
   
   
6. Context is Key: Social Media Strategy in a Noisy Online World - Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of Vaynermedia, teaches you how to create social media content that resonates with your audience. This class covers the major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest and is perfect for those interested in learning the basics of social media marketing.
   
   
7. Communication Skills: Become More Clear, Concise, & Confident - Communication professor Alex Lyon provides examples of both common ineffective communication and effective communication, with lessons designed for professionals in mind. The course breaks down the skills into small pieces that make it easy to digest and apply.
   
   
8. Choose Must: 10 Hands-On Exercises to Find and Pursue Your Passion - Elle Luna, a designer and author, provides ten hands-on exercises to help you find and pursue your passion. This class encourages you to explore your interests and take action towards the life you want to live.
   
   
9. Stoicism Masterclass
   This Skillshare class, taught by philosophy and theology graduate Sam Ahmed, introduces students to the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and teaches how to apply its principles to daily life. The class covers the Five Principles of Stoicism and how to focus on controlling what's within one's control to build mental resilience against adversity. Practical applications of Stoicism, such as journaling and building healthy relationships, are also taught. 
   
   
10. Designing The Life You Want: 4 Exercises for Clarity and Motivation
    Description: This Skillshare class, taught by Muchelle B, provides a series of exercises to help students reflect on what they want in life and what they don't. Through intentional reflection and visioning exercises, the class helps students create clarity in their lives. The class includes a downloadable workbook with examples, ideas, and inspiration for completing the exercises at any time.

Skillshare Or Masterclass, Which Is Right for You? Review

When all discounts are applied, Skillshare is less expensive and offers monthly payments with a much larger selection of classes. Masterclass broadens your vision and inspires you - it's like Netflix but more engaging for you and your loved ones. Both platforms are excellent and provide customer satisfaction guarantees such as 30-day refund period for Masterclass and a free trial period for Skillshare. Skillshare has a wider range of topics, categories, and instructors. MasterClass has 180+ classes in comparison to Skillshare's 35,000+ classes.

Skillshare allows you to learn very specific skills in a short period of time, usually within an hour - ideal for getting inspired.

What is the difference between a  MasterClass and a Skillshare Library?
 The majority of Skillshare classes are project-based, which is great because it allows you to practice the skill. While some courses may not be as in-depth as Masterclass courses, I believe there is a significant advantage here. Every class includes a preview to give you a better idea of what the course is about and who the instructor is. skillshare Learning Path vs Masterclass Sessions. Skillshare and Masterclass allow you to watch classes offline. For an additional $5 ($20 or $240 per year), up to two devices can use the online platform concurrently, or for an extra $76 up to six people can view classes at once.

Skillshare is the cheapest way to get access to a wide range of courses, with a monthly fee of only $10. Masterclass charges $32 per month or $168 per year in the United States. Skillshare offers a 14-day free trial but requires credit card information upon signup. Skillshare vs. Masterclass: Skillshare is the place to go if you want to learn for free. Both Skillshare and Masterclass have received high ratings on the App Store and PlayStore.

A language barrier may be a deciding factor in Skillshare vs Masterclass, as Masterclass only offers classes in English with English subtitles. People have some complaints about MasterClass's app, but it is very user-friendly and comfortable to use.  skillshare's app is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Comcast, and Android TV. Masterclass's app requires you to search through a larger library of courses. Overall, both apps provide excellent experiences that make learning enjoyable and convenient. Despite its complexity, the Skillshare app does an excellent job of allowing users to do all of this with relative ease.

Which is better, Skillshare or Masterclass?
Don't get me wrong: both platforms are fantastic, each with its own unique approach to education. To choose one, I would have to put myself in the shoes of someone else. Skillshare is the best option for me if I'm on a tight budget and want to learn a specific skill to improve my job, become a freelancer, or start a new business. Another reason I prefer Skillshare is that the sheer number of classes available on every possible topic makes it ideal for lifelong learners.

I would recommend Masterclass to an experienced professional who is stuck in their career and lacks motivation and vision for the future. It's well worth the $180 price tag; the quality and content are so good that my wife and I watch it instead of regular television, Netflix, or YouTube on occasion. We've discovered that it's a great way to keep ourselves entertained while also providing us with something to talk about. Thank you for joining us; please let us know which platform you choose!
Original Source:  

Skillshare vs Masterclass Battle: Learn More, Earn More.