We're making some important changes to Skillshare as we build the next chapter of the platform. At a moment when more of the internet is being optimized for scale, automation, and infinite content, Skillshare is making a deliberate choice to invest in being more human.

For the past few years, we've tied our identity to the size of our catalogue. That came with tradeoffs. Over time, Skillshare accumulated a large volume of inactive and lightly engaged-with content, making it harder for members to discover great classes and challenging for active teachers to reach new audiences and grow.

We believe that creative learning is at its best when it's rooted in connection: between teachers and students, within communities, and around the shared love of making stuff. That's why we're shifting our focus from catalog size to a smaller set of engaged teachers, high-quality classes, and thriving creative communities. This isn't about reducing creativity or narrowing exploration. Skillshare will continue to be a place where someone can learn illustration, design, photography, branding, crochet, animation, and more, all in the same day. That spirit of creative curiosity remains core to who we are.

We've reached a point where we need to make a deliberate decision about which teachers and content we can meaningfully support. Skillshare should be a place where you can experiment and find your creative voice – and we want that to remain true. But in a challenging economic climate, a sprawling catalog means weaker payouts for everyone. Established teachers see diluted earnings while niche and upcoming teachers struggle to make meaningful income from their work. Rather than continue with a model that quietly underserves both groups, we're consolidating around the categories and teachers that drive the most value for students.

What's changing

New royalty payment thresholds (effective July 16th)
Starting July 16th, teachers will need to have met the following criteria to qualify for royalty payments. 

• New eligibility threshold: Either 
  • Teacher has published at least one new quality class within the previous 18 months AND exceed 400 minutes watched by members on an active subscription OR 
  • Teacher has not published in the last 18 months but exceeded 650 minutes watched by members on an active subscription.
• And (staying the same): 50 followers minimum

Category Focus
We will also be focusing on supporting teachers in categories where we see members spending the most time. This means we’ll be reducing content in the following categories and pausing new teacher onboarding in these areas: Development, Home & Lifestyle, Writing & Publishing, Personal Development, Marketing & Business, Music & Audio. We will always notify affected teachers before we remove content.

We are building toward a more curated learning experience that emphasizes depth over breadth. Thank you for being a part of Skillshare. We appreciate all of the time and energy our teachers and members continue to pour into this community.

Read more: Earn from Your Teaching