Becoming a Skillshare Teacher: Sharing Your Expertise and Earning Income

Have you ever considered sharing your expertise and earning an income from it? Skillshare, a leading online learning platform, offers an excellent opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re a creative professional, business expert, or skilled hobbyist, teaching on Skillshare allows you to connect with millions of eager learners while generating income. This guide will walk you through everything from planning your class to uploading and promoting it effectively. You’ll learn how to teach on Skillshare, create a Skillshare class, and grow your audience while making the most of this platform.

Table of Contents

Planning Your Skillshare Class

Before you start creating your class, thorough planning is essential. This step sets the foundation for success and ensures your content meets the needs of potential students.

Choose Your Niche Wisely

Your niche determines your class’s audience and potential success. To sell courses on Skillshare effectively, focus on a specific area of expertise you’re passionate about. Research trending topics on Skillshare and look for underserved areas. For example, rather than a broad topic like “digital marketing,” consider “how to create a content calendar for social media.” When selecting your niche, think about how to teach a class on Skillshare that stands out while addressing genuine student needs.

Plan Your Class Structure

A well-structured course is key to keeping students engaged. Break your lessons into small, manageable segments, each covering one specific concept. Most Skillshare classes include a central project that students complete by the end of the course. This project-based approach ensures hands-on learning and better engagement. Knowing how to create a class on Skillshare that’s both interactive and educational can significantly enhance your success as a teacher.

Understand Skillshare’s Guidelines

Skillshare has specific rules for teachers. For example, classes should not promote external services excessively and must provide clear value to students. Can anyone teach on Skillshare? Yes, but following the platform’s guidelines is crucial for approval and long-term success.

Creating Your Skillshare Class

Once your plan is in place, it’s time to create your class. This involves scripting, filming, and editing your content for maximum impact.

Write a Compelling Script

Your script is the backbone of your class. Write in a conversational tone that’s easy for students to follow. Consider creating a storyboard to map out each lesson and ensure a smooth flow of information.

Film High-Quality Videos

Invest in good equipment, such as a quality microphone and camera, to produce professional-looking videos. Proper lighting and a clean background make a significant difference in how your videos are perceived. If your lessons involve software tutorials, use screen recording tools like Camtasia or OBS Studio to capture your workflow effectively. Learning how to make a Skillshare video that’s visually appealing and easy to understand is crucial for success.

Edit and Enhance Your Videos

Use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to refine your recordings. Add engaging visuals, transitions, and background music to make your lessons more dynamic. Ensure your videos meet Skillshare’s technical requirements before uploading.

Uploading and Publishing Your Class

With your content ready, it’s time to make your class live on Skillshare. This involves setting up your teacher profile, uploading your lessons, and launching your course.

Optimize Your Teacher Profile

Your Skillshare teacher profile is your chance to make a great first impression. Write a bio that highlights your expertise and what students can expect from your classes. Use relevant keywords like “how to teach on Skillshare” or “Skillshare course creation” in your profile to improve discoverability.

Organize and Upload Your Lessons

Upload your videos to Skillshare in a logical sequence. Include clear titles and descriptions for each lesson to guide students through the course. When uploading, think about how to create a Skillshare course that’s easy to navigate and visually appealing.

Launch Your Class

Promote your class through social media, email newsletters, and online communities. Skillshare provides tools to help you share your course and connect with potential students. Engaging with your audience is a great way to grow your reach and establish yourself as an expert.

Growing Your Skillshare Audience and Income

Success on Skillshare isn’t just about creating a class—it’s about growing your presence and engaging with students.

Understand the Royalty System

Skillshare pays teachers through a royalty system based on student watch time. The more engaging your classes are, the more students will watch, and the higher your earnings will be. Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content to maximize your income.

Engage With Your Students

Respond to comments and questions on your classes. Building a relationship with your students fosters loyalty and encourages them to take more of your courses.

Expand Your Offerings

Once you’ve created your first class, consider creating a series of related courses. For instance, if your first class is about graphic design basics, your next class could dive deeper into logo design or typography. This approach helps you retain students and establish authority in your niche.

FAQs About Teaching on Skillshare

What topics are not allowed on Skillshare?
Certain subjects, like fitness, dating, and pets, are not permitted. Check Skillshare’s guidelines for the latest updates.

Can I promote my services in my classes?
Direct promotion of external services is against Skillshare’s guidelines. However, you can include links in your profile or class project sections.

How much can I earn on Skillshare?
Earnings depend on student engagement and the royalty pool. Some teachers earn hundreds or even thousands monthly.

What equipment is required?
You’ll need a good microphone, camera, and screen recording software (if applicable) to produce professional-quality videos.

Can Skillshare refund me?
Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Check the official policy for details.

How often should I create new classes?
Consistency is key. Aim to release a new class every few months to keep your audience engaged.

What’s the best way to promote my class?
Use social media, email newsletters, and Skillshare’s community features to promote your classes and connect with potential students.


By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to teach on Skillshare, grow your audience, and create a sustainable source of income. Whether you’re passionate about art, business, or technology, Skillshare offers a platform to turn your expertise into impact.