At Skillshare, we're committed to providing you with even more opportunities to grow your audience and brand, thus opening up more ways for you to generate revenue in our ecosystem. As part of our ongoing content licensing initiatives, we are exploring AI licensing deals to open up new revenue streams and opportunities for teachers.

We know AI is a complex and often challenging topic for creators. As a platform built by and for creators, we're committed to approaching AI in a way that puts your needs, rights, and success first. We recently published some guiding principles that outline our company’s stance on AI, and our pledge to the Skillshare teacher community: Skillshare's AI Principles: Supporting Our Creative Community.

Aligned with the values in that pledge, as mentioned above, we’re currently exploring some active opportunities with AI right now, and want to keep teachers informed as best we can at this current stage. As these plans develop, we’re offering you the opportunity to opt-out of including your content in AI partnerships, now and in the future, by submitting the form below.

This is a time-sensitive request: the deadline to opt-out is March 14, 2025. Opt-out requests will be processed on a rolling basis after that date. 

Opt Out of AI Partnerships

Read our FAQ below to learn more about this initiative and how it benefits you, as well as details on the opt-out process. Or feel free to reach out to us at teach@skillshare.com.

In this announcement:

• What kinds of AI partnerships is Skillshare pursuing? How will my content be used? 
• What does this mean for my content overall?
• How can I opt-out of having my content included in AI licensing deals?
• What happens if I opt out? Will this affect my standing as a teacher?
• Why is Skillshare moving ahead with this?
• What happens to new content I publish? Will I need to keep opting out on an ongoing basis?
• How much money will I get paid for this?

What kinds of AI partnerships is Skillshare pursuing? How will my content be used? 

We’ve been approached by several companies about using content for AI partnerships, such as internal model training and development purposes. For example, your content may be used to help improve AI systems' understanding, but wouldn't be used to create public-facing content or applications. Any partnerships we’re pursuing are aligned with our AI principles and Terms of Service; we’re specifically excluding any usage that could compete with your name, image, or likeness.

What does this mean for my content overall?

Your classes continue exactly as they are on Skillshare – this is just an additional licensing opportunity similar to others we offer for teachers. Your content remains yours and you maintain full control over your Skillshare teaching and future content. 

How can I opt-out of having my content included in AI licensing deals?

If you do not want to have your current or future content on Skillshare included in AI licensing deals, please submit this form to us by March 14, 2025. You’ll need to opt-out by this date to exclude your content from any potential future partnerships. We’re committed to fully processing all opt-out requests made during this period before we finalize any AI partnerships. 

Opt-out requests that arrive after March 14 will be processed on a rolling basis. Due to the nature of some AI content partnerships, keep in mind that: 

• We cannot retroactively remove content that has already been included in a finalized partnership; your opt-out request will apply to any future licensing deals. 
• Since excluding content from any AI partnerships takes considerable effort, it may take up to 90 days for us to process your request. 

What happens if I opt out? Will this affect my standing as a teacher?

Absolutely not! Like any partnership opportunity we offer, your participation is optional. Your decision either way won't impact your status as a Skillshare teacher or any other aspects of your relationship with us. You'll continue to receive the same support and opportunities regardless of your choice.

Why is Skillshare moving ahead with this?

We believe AI is here to stay and presents many opportunities for you to augment your craft, streamline your business, and more. At the same time, we know it’s a sensitive topic for creators. We see this as a way to participate in AI development responsibly while creating value for our teacher community. The key is that the partnerships we’re pursuing focus on internal training only, not creating competing content. We want to help you, our teachers, benefit from these opportunities, if you feel it's right for you.  

What happens to new content I publish? Will I need to keep opting out on an ongoing basis? 

No, once you opt-out, all current and future content that you upload to Skillshare will be excluded from AI partnerships. If you want to opt back in, you’ll need to reach out — send us an email at teach@skillshare.com. 

How much money will I get paid for this?

Payment amounts will vary based on the specific licensing agreements we secure. Our goal is to maximize value for teachers through these partnerships, with payment structures determined by factors such as deal size and terms. If your content is included in a licensing deal, we will allocate a portion of that payment to you as an adjustment on top of your monthly payment.

Your thoughts and feedback are important to us; share your perspectives with us by reaching out to the team at teach@skillshare.com.