In the modern career landscape, standing still is the same as falling behind. Skills that were valuable five years ago may be obsolete today, and professionals are constantly seeking ways to upskill, reskill, and stay competitive. This has led to an explosion of online learning platforms, each promising to be the key to your next promotion or career change. Among the most prominent of these is LinkedIn Learning, a platform uniquely positioned at the intersection of education and professional networking.
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an on-demand video learning platform designed to help people discover and develop business, technology, and creative skills. Its integration with the world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn, gives it a distinct advantage, allowing users to not only learn new skills but also showcase them directly on their professional profiles. This guide will provide a comprehensive look into LinkedIn Learning, covering its features, benefits, costs, and how it stacks up against the competition, helping you decide if it’s the right investment for your career journey.
What is LinkedIn Learning? An Overview
At its core, LinkedIn Learning is a massive library of expert-led video courses. It acquired the pioneering online learning site Lynda.com in 2015 and has since integrated its vast course catalog directly into the LinkedIn ecosystem. The platform offers courses in three main categories: Business, Technology, and Creative.
Unlike some platforms that rely on user-generated content, every course on LinkedIn Learning is created and taught by a vetted industry expert, professional instructor, or seasoned practitioner. This focus on quality and credibility is a cornerstone of the platform’s value proposition. The courses are designed to be practical and applicable, focusing on skills that are directly relevant to the current job market.
The platform’s true power comes from its connection to LinkedIn. When you complete a course, you can add a certificate of completion directly to your LinkedIn profile with a single click. This creates a seamless loop: you see a skill is in demand for a job on LinkedIn, you learn that skill on LinkedIn Learning, and then you display that new skill on your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
Key Features That Make LinkedIn Learning Stand Out
LinkedIn Learning is more than just a collection of videos. It’s a structured educational environment with a suite of features designed to enhance the learning experience.
Extensive Course Library
With over 16,000 courses available in multiple languages and new ones added every week, the breadth of content is staggering. Whether you want to master Python, learn project management, or improve your graphic design skills, there is likely a course for you. The courses range from beginner-level introductions to advanced, specialized topics.
Personalized Recommendations
Leveraging the data from your LinkedIn profile—your job title, industry, skills, and connections—the platform provides personalized course recommendations. This intelligent system helps you discover relevant skills you might not have considered, creating a learning path that is tailored to your specific career goals. It helps answer the question, “What should I learn next?”
Learning Paths
For those who want a more structured approach, LinkedIn Learning offers “Learning Paths.” These are curated playlists of related courses designed to help you master a particular subject area or prepare for a specific job role. For example, a “Become a Digital Marketing Specialist” Learning Path might include courses on SEO, content marketing, email marketing, and social media analytics, providing a comprehensive curriculum.
Certificates of Completion
Upon finishing a course, you earn a certificate that you can display on your LinkedIn profile. While these certificates are not accredited degrees, they serve as a powerful signal to employers and recruiters that you are proactive about your professional development. They validate the skills you list and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Interactive Learning Tools
The learning experience is enhanced with several interactive tools:
- Q&A Section: Each course has a dedicated Q&A section where you can ask questions, and the instructor or other learners can provide answers.
- Notebook: You can take time-stamped notes directly within the video player, making it easy to review key concepts later.
- Transcripts: All courses have full video transcripts, allowing you to read along or search for specific keywords within a lesson.
- Exercise Files and Quizzes: Many courses include downloadable exercise files, allowing you to practice what you’ve learned. Quizzes and chapter tests help reinforce the material and check your understanding.
Offline Viewing
The LinkedIn Learning mobile app allows you to download courses and watch them offline. This is perfect for learning on the go, whether you’re on a commute, on a plane, or in an area with a poor internet connection.
The Benefits of Investing in LinkedIn Learning
Subscribing to LinkedIn Learning offers a range of benefits for both individuals and organizations.
For Individuals
- Career Advancement: The most direct benefit is the ability to acquire in-demand skills that can lead to a promotion, a new job, or a complete career change.
- Flexibility and Convenience: You can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. The bite-sized video format makes it easy to fit learning into a busy life, whether you have 10 minutes or two hours.
- Cost-Effective Education: Compared to traditional education, university courses, or in-person workshops, LinkedIn Learning offers an affordable way to access high-quality instruction across a huge range of subjects.
- Boosting Your Professional Brand: Adding certificates to your LinkedIn profile enhances your credibility and makes you more visible to recruiters who are searching for candidates with specific skills.
For Businesses
LinkedIn Learning for Teams offers a powerful tool for employee training and development.
- Upskilling the Workforce: Companies can use the platform to close skill gaps within their teams, ensuring their employees stay current with industry trends and technologies.
- Improved Employee Engagement and Retention: Investing in employee development is a proven way to boost morale and retention. Providing access to a tool like LinkedIn Learning shows that a company cares about its employees’ growth.
- Custom Learning Paths and Analytics: Business accounts can create custom learning paths tailored to their company’s specific needs and track employee progress through a detailed analytics dashboard.
Pricing Models: How Much Does It Cost?
LinkedIn Learning offers a straightforward subscription model. Pricing can vary slightly by region, but it generally falls into these categories:
- Monthly Subscription: You can subscribe on a month-to-month basis, which gives you full access to the entire course library. This is a great option if you want to complete a specific set of courses over a short period.
- Annual Subscription: Opting for an annual subscription typically offers a significant discount over the monthly price. This is the most cost-effective option for those committed to continuous learning throughout the year.
- Free Trial: LinkedIn Learning usually offers a one-month free trial, giving you a chance to explore the platform and its content before committing to a subscription.
- Included with LinkedIn Premium: A subscription to LinkedIn Learning is included with a LinkedIn Premium Career or Business account, bundling the learning platform with other premium networking features.
- Free through Libraries: Many public libraries and universities have partnerships with LinkedIn Learning, offering free access to their members with a library card or student ID. It’s always worth checking if your local library provides this benefit.
LinkedIn Learning vs. The Competition
The online learning space is crowded. Here’s how LinkedIn Learning compares to some of its main competitors.
LinkedIn Learning vs. Coursera
- Coursera: Coursera partners with top universities and companies to offer courses, specializations, and even full online degrees. Its main strength is its focus on academic rigor and accredited certifications from prestigious institutions.
- LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning is more focused on practical, job-ready skills taught by industry practitioners. Its courses are generally shorter and more vocational.
- Verdict: If you are seeking university-level coursework or a formal, accredited certificate, Coursera is the better choice. For practical, professional skills taught by industry experts with direct integration into your professional profile, LinkedIn Learning excels.
LinkedIn Learning vs. Udemy
- Udemy: Udemy is a massive marketplace where virtually anyone can create and sell a course. This results in an enormous and diverse catalog, often at very low prices during frequent sales. However, the quality can be highly inconsistent.
- LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning operates on a subscription model with a curated library of professionally produced courses from vetted instructors, ensuring a consistent standard of quality.
- Verdict: If you are on a tight budget and are willing to spend time researching instructors and reading reviews to find a hidden gem, Udemy can be a great value. If you prefer a curated, reliable experience where quality is guaranteed, LinkedIn Learning is the safer bet. A great breakdown by surftware.com highlights that Udemy is for specific skill acquisition, while LinkedIn Learning is for ongoing professional development.
- Skillshare: Skillshare focuses primarily on creative and entrepreneurial skills, with a project-based learning model. The platform has a strong community feel, encouraging students to share their work and get feedback.
- LinkedIn Learning: While it has a strong creative category, LinkedIn Learning’s library is much broader, with a significant emphasis on business and technology topics.
- Verdict: For artists, designers, writers, and other creative professionals who value hands-on projects and community interaction, Skillshare is an excellent choice. For a more comprehensive platform covering corporate and tech skills, LinkedIn Learning is more suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are LinkedIn Learning certificates valuable?
While they are not a substitute for a college degree or a formal certification, they are valuable as proof of your commitment to continuous learning. They show recruiters that you have taken the initiative to acquire a new skill, which can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Can I get a job with a LinkedIn Learning certificate?
A certificate alone is unlikely to land you a job. However, the skills you acquire from the course, combined with a strong portfolio and the ability to demonstrate those skills in an interview, absolutely can. The certificate is a supporting credential, not the main qualification.
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your monthly or annual subscription at any time. If you cancel, you will retain access until the end of your current billing period.
Are the courses available in languages other than English?
Yes, LinkedIn Learning offers a large library of courses in languages such as German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese. You can set your preferred language to see the available content.
How do I access LinkedIn Learning for free?
The best way to try it for free is through the one-month free trial. Additionally, check with your local public library, university, or employer, as many organizations offer free access to their members or employees.
In a rapidly evolving job market, investing in yourself is the smartest move you can make. LinkedIn Learning provides a powerful and convenient platform to do just that. By offering a vast library of high-quality, expert-led courses on a flexible subscription basis, it democratizes professional development. Its unique integration with the LinkedIn network transforms learning from a passive activity into a dynamic part of your career growth, allowing you to learn, apply, and showcase your skills all in one place. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, switch careers, or simply stay sharp, LinkedIn Learning is a formidable tool in your professional arsenal.
