I like that I can study any talent, at any time because of the web. As somebody who’s labored in content material for almost a decade, I do know firsthand how essential it’s to remain forward of social media tendencies — platforms evolve, algorithms shift, and what labored final 12 months may not work at this time.
That’s why I’m all the time looking out for the perfect social media advertising programs. Not only for myself, however for anybody seeking to stage up their expertise, land a brand new job, or develop a enterprise on-line. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or already managing social media for a model, there’s all the time one thing new to study.
With so many choices on the market, which social media programs are literally price your time? I’ve finished the analysis and rounded up the perfect free and paid social media programs that will help you sharpen your expertise and grasp your technique.
Desk of Contents
The State of Social Media in 2025
Earlier than I get into a number of the programs, I wish to provide you with an outline of the main tendencies and adjustments taking place within the social media {industry}. One factor is obvious: Issues are altering quickly, and you’ll want to keep in your toes to maintain up. (Anybody who’s labored as a social media supervisor is aware of what I imply.)
I dove into HubSpot’s 2025 State of Advertising and marketing to share extra about the important thing drivers for social media entrepreneurs (SMMs) and what areas and talent units are going to be Most worthy.
The highest precedence for recruiting advertising roles in 2025 are all in social: Social Media Coordinator, Content material Creator, and Social Media Strategist.
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The period of passive, one-size-fits-all advertising is over. Profitable manufacturers in 2025 would be the ones that actively hear, adapt, and interact with their audiences in actual time.
For B2B manufacturers, the highest advertising channels leading to ROI in 2024 have been 1) web site, weblog, and search engine marketing, 2) paid social media content material, and three) social media purchasing instruments.
For B2C manufacturers, the channels with the perfect ROI have been 1) e-mail advertising, 2) paid social media content material, and three) content material advertising.
For each B2B and B2C manufacturers, the highest performing content material format on social in 2024 was short-form video.
So there’s by no means been a greater time to start out — or stage up — your social media profession.
And if you wish to save time and get extra environment friendly in the case of your social media technique, strive our suite of social instruments. You possibly can publish content material, monitor engagement, and analyze your efficiency multi functional place.
Strive HubSpot’s social media administration software program without cost.
Social Media Coaching Programs For Learners
I bear in mind the primary time I hit “publish” on a social media submit for a consumer. I used to be a public relations pupil with an internship the place I used to be principally the one member of the advertising crew. Fairly a welcome to the {industry}.
That was ten years in the past, however I nonetheless bear in mind the victorious feeling of pulling off my first social media advertising campaigns at that internship.
So much has modified, however I’m nonetheless studying — and all social media professionals are nonetheless on this studying journey with you. That’s why I’m so excited so that you can begin studying at this time.
Many of those programs are fully free and provide an industry-recognized certification. Let’s leap into the right way to construct an efficient social media technique with these newbie programs.
1. Social Media Certification by HubSpot
Creator: HubSpot
Platform: HubSpot Academy
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Discover ways to create an inbound social media advertising technique.
HubSpot’s social media certification course is a strong program designed that will help you entice prospects and companions, and construct model loyalty. As a result of social media is the important thing to inbound advertising, this course ties within the two ideas seamlessly.
I like that this course is versatile sufficient as a way to work on it in your time. It covers important matters reminiscent of measuring ROI, extending attain, social media content material creation, and social listening.
You may additionally choose to take particular classes inside the HubSpot Academy course — as an example, this one on Social Media Promoting.
HubSpot additionally has an extremely easy-to-use social media administration instrument that can show you how to set all of those concepts in movement.
You’ll study:
The right way to develop a social media advertising technique to generate model consciousness for your corporation.
The right way to use social media listening to search out out what works greatest to your followers.
The right way to prolong your attain on social and leverage influencers to draw new audiences.
The right way to get essentially the most out of your social media investments.
Beneficial for:
As a result of this course instantly jumps into social media technique, I like to recommend it for brand spanking new social media advertising managers who’ve just lately been promoted from a junior-level position. Some prior expertise in social media is advisable.
2. Social Media Specialization by Northwestern College
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Creator: Northwestern College
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Study every part you’ll want to get began in social media advertising.
Coursera is a superb academic useful resource for freshmen and those that are new to the world of social media advertising.
This course by Northwestern College teaches you the social methods you’ll want to develop your attain and develop your followers. It touches upon social listening and lead nurturing, which most different programs don’t contact upon.
That is essential as a result of lead nurturing is usually related to e-mail advertising, nevertheless it may also be finished (and must be finished) over social media.
You’ll study:
What social media is.
Why you’ll want to create a social listening technique.
The right way to implement nurturing methods in your social media advertising.
Beneficial for:
Due to its give attention to lead nurturing and its foundational modules, I like to recommend this course for non-marketing professionals and early-stage founders who’re fascinated with beginning a social media technique to develop their buyer base.
3. Social Media Advertising and marketing Course by Acadium
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Creator: Acadium
Platform: Acadium
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Get a full understanding of social media advertising whereas creating real-world expertise in an apprenticeship.
Acadium is an apprenticeship and mentorship program — there are a variety of classes inside the social media advertising course you could take earlier than, after, or throughout your apprenticeship.
The programs supplied cowl an array of social media advertising matters, together with the right way to arrange profiles in your chosen platforms and the right way to save time as you scale your social media efforts.
You’ll study:
The right way to get began with the preferred social media platforms, together with Fb, X, and Instagram.
The right way to publish posts.
The right way to stand out out of your rivals.
Beneficial for:
I like to recommend this course for true freshmen who not solely want a basis of social media advertising usually, but in addition mentorship from Acadium’s group of mentors. As a result of it provides extremely primary data, I don’t suggest it for present entrepreneurs or social media managers.
4. Social Media Advertising and marketing Foundations by Brian Honigman
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Creator: Brian Honigman
Platform: LinkedIn Studying
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Study the foundations of social media advertising, with a give attention to viewers concentrating on and business-to-customer interplay.
This foundational course by Brian Honigman, a advertising advisor, provides related content material to the opposite beginner-level programs on this checklist, with a particular give attention to interacting with prospects via your corporation’s most well-liked social networks.
It additionally consists of instruction on utilizing social media for gross sales and experimenting along with your strategies.
You’ll study:
What social media advertising is.
The right way to use social media for buyer interactions.
The right way to attribute metrics to enterprise outcomes.
Beneficial for:
I like to recommend this course for advertising professionals, salespeople, and repair professionals who wish to take a customer-centric method to your organization’s social media technique.
5. Social Media Advertising and marketing by The Open College
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Creator: The Open College
Platform: The Open College
Value: £200.00 (roughly $250)
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Study to create partaking content material for social media that can assist your model obtain its advertising targets.
This can be a paid course that means that you can study at your individual tempo whereas nonetheless interacting with co-learners.
The primary module covers big-picture matters like person journey mapping and deceptive knowledge, which is a singular focus for a newbie course.
One of many factors of this on-line course is “What differentiates nice social media?”
The fervour and experience actually shine via to me on this course.
You’ll study:
The right way to map the person journey.
Drawbacks and dangers to totally different social media platforms.
What separates nice social media content material from simply good content material.
Beneficial for:
Given how a lot materials this course covers, social media managers or new social media crew members may actually profit from this coaching.
6. Social Media Advertising and marketing by Nice Studying
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Creator: Nice Studying
Platform: Nice Studying
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Discover the potential that group and model advocates have in your social technique.
Beginning with the fundamentals, this course rapidly ramps as much as talk about the extra sophisticated aspect of social media, reminiscent of storytelling, cross-channel campaigns, and leveraging chatbots.
I like that this course additionally touches on group administration and dealing with model advocates to raise your social media presence.
You will study:
Planning and content material publishing.
Fundamentals of promoting and marketing campaign monitoring.
Fundamentals of fostering group.
Beneficial for:
With 1.5 hours of coaching, I feel it is a nice newbie course for anybody who must dip their toes within the social media world however isn’t instantly creating and executing their very own technique.
7. Social Media Advertising and marketing in Observe Specialization by the Digital Advertising and marketing Institute Creator: Digital Advertising and marketing Institute
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Creator: Digital Advertising and marketing Institute
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Perceive what content material stands out on social and the right way to get your viewers to interact.
The primary half of this social media coaching focuses on the basics and creating a content material technique. Then, the course dives into particular person platforms. It covers Fb, Instagram, Snapchat, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
With an emphasis on breaking via the noise, storytelling, and constructing relationships with viewers, this course helps viewers craft social media posts that additional their general advertising plan.
You’ll study:
How person conduct is altering, and the way entrepreneurs can adapt to fulfill shoppers the place they’re.
Particular alternatives and challenges of particular person platforms.
The right way to use the client’s journey to create content material that influences viewers.
Beneficial for:
Budding digital entrepreneurs who need platform deep-dives earlier than committing to a particular social channel.
Social Media Administration Coaching For Mid-Profession Professionals
I’ve finished social media for native authorities workplaces, nation-wide organizations just like the American Purple Cross, and numerous purchasers.
One factor I’m positive of? Platforms won’t ever cease altering, and I’ll by no means be finished studying and enhancing my expertise. Social media coaching is supposed for professionals in any respect ranges, not simply newbies.
Particularly because the job of a complete social media crew is usually given to 1 individual in under-staffed organizations. Digital entrepreneurs must often upskill simply to maintain up.
With these sources, you are able to do so from dwelling and infrequently without cost. Let’s dive into these sources.
8. PPC College by WordStream
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Creator: WordStream
Platform: WordStream
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Find out about social advertisements on the main platforms together with Instagram, Fb, YouTube, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn.
WordStream provides the required academic sources to develop a robust understanding of social media commercials, together with platforms like Instagram, Fb, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
I like how there’s additionally details about why and the right way to promote on social media, in addition to schooling about greatest practices whereas promoting throughout these platforms.
Lastly, you’ll find out about social media advert metrics and social purchasing — this fashion, you’ll be able to successfully measure your success in addition to attain your viewers when and the place they’re able to make a purchase order.
You’ll study:
The right way to get began with pay-per-click advertising throughout all kinds of platforms, together with social media.
The right way to create a social advert technique to your most well-liked platform(s).
Why you must put money into social media advertisements.
The right way to measure your success with advert metrics.
Beneficial for:
I like to recommend this course for social media advertising managers who’re fascinated with launching a paid advertisements technique on social media.
I feel it’s additionally a terrific match for you in the event you favor to study at your individual tempo by studying written guides (versus watching movies).
9. Google Digital Advertising and marketing & E-commerce Skilled Certificates by Google
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Creator: Google Profession Certificates
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Discover ways to go from having no digital advertising presence to constructing a loyal buyer base on-line.
This course could also be labeled “newbie” on Coursera, however I’ve listed it within the intermediate class because of its depth and breadth.
With greater than 150 hours of coaching supplies, Google’s coaching course of takes college students from zero expertise to producing leads, analyzing knowledge, making gross sales, and fostering buyer loyalty on-line.
For context: In case you spend ten hours per week working via this coaching, it’s going to take you greater than six months to finish. Profitable college students will get a complete understanding of creating a profitable social media technique.
You’ll study:
The right way to create partaking content material that turns “likes” into leads.
What social analytics to make use of to construct a loyal buyer base.
The right way to construct long-lasting relationships with viewers.
Beneficial for:
This social media coaching goes approach past social media alone. I feel it’s superb for anybody who’s chargeable for being a one-person advertising crew.
10. Superior Content material and Social Techniques to Optimize search engine marketing by the College of California, Davis
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Creator: College of California, Davis
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Study concerning the extra advanced aspect of social media advertising, like influencer advertising and superior content material methods.
Influencers dwell on social media, however partaking with them isn’t a newbie’s initiative. In case you’re able to make the leap, this course teaches you the right way to construct profitable relationships with influencers.
Moreover, it teaches extra superior content material methods that assist additional your search engine marketing efforts and enhance web site visitors. Together with video coaching, I like that this course additionally comes with dialogue prompts and assignments to assist college students perceive the fabric. For me, I solely totally study a brand new idea by doing it, not simply listening to about it.
You’ll study:
What potential social media has for driving web site visitors.
How influencers can bolster an organization’s on-line visibility along side different social initiatives.
Perceive your target market on a deeper stage.
Beneficial for:
Entrepreneurs who’re able to work with influencers and develop web site visitors.
11. Viral Advertising and marketing and The right way to Craft Contagious Content material by the College of Pennsylvania
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Creator: College of Pennsylvania
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Perceive viral content material and how one can leverage predictable patterns in your individual social technique.
“Why did THAT submit go so viral?!” It’s a thought each digital marketer has had, together with myself. Now we will lastly get some solutions on this course by the College of Pennsylvania.
The course description shares that word-of-mouth info is 10x as efficient as typical promoting, and course Module 3 explains how entrepreneurs can achieve affect to enhance model visibility.
You’’ll study:
The psychology behind social networks and the way they unfold on social media.
What all viral concepts have in widespread.
The ability of phrase of mouth, and the right way to harness this in your social media technique.
Beneficial for:
Manufacturers who’ve their target market, provide, and funnel found out, and are prepared for the (LOTS of) eyeballs.
Social Media Advertising and marketing Coaching For Entrepreneurs
Within the age of non-public branding, we’re all entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs take this on in a proper capability once they’re in command of their very own enterprise technique.
Whether or not you’re concentrating on one particular social media platform otherwise you wish to mobilize your whole social media accounts to assist unfold your message, these programs will assist.
12. On-line Promoting & Social Media by the College of Maryland
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Creator: College of Maryland
Platform: edX
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Find out about internet marketing, sentiment evaluation, and social community evaluation.
On edX, you’ll be able to choose courses that fit your pursuits and save courses to discuss with later. There are a number of enterprise matters you’ll be able to take courses on.
This course from the College of Maryland focuses on internet marketing, and particularly on social media promoting. Plus, it consists of instruction on knowledge evaluation as a way to make knowledgeable selections when refining your social technique over time.
You’ll study:
Which platforms you’ll be able to promote on.
The right way to measure the success of your campaigns.
The right way to analyze your chosen social media networks.
The right way to delve into Huge Knowledge to your social efforts.
Beneficial for:
I like to recommend this course for social media entrepreneurs who’d wish to launch an promoting technique. As well as, I like to recommend it for brand spanking new social media analysts who want a robust basis in social knowledge evaluation.
13. Fundamentals of Digital Advertising and marketing, Social Media, and E-Commerce by The Wharton College
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Creator: The Wharton College, College of Pennsylvania
Platform: edX
Value: $585
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Advertising and marketing course designed for enterprise professionals.
Wharton’s course is taken into account an intermediate dive into the intersection of digital advertising, social media advertising, and ecommerce. It’s a self-paced, six-week class that requires three hours of your time every week.
This course is structured particularly for advertising professionals, small enterprise homeowners, and shoppers who wish to know social media strategies. You’ll learn to produce advertising campaigns which are efficient for your corporation.
Notice: This course is obtainable in dwell cohorts. You’ll want to attend for enrollment to open.
You’ll study:
The right way to use demographics and behaviors to create a digital technique.
The right way to work together with prospects and potential patrons throughout a number of channels.
The right way to leverage instruments and techniques to power-up your digital advertising.
The right way to delve into new media platforms, together with social media.
Beneficial for:
Whereas it is a foundational course, I like to recommend it for skilled enterprise professionals who’d wish to develop their talent set to incorporate advertising expertise and techniques.
14. The Technique of Content material Advertising and marketing by College of California, Davis
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Creator: College of California, Davis
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Intermediate
One-Sentence Abstract: Study concerning the energy of integrating your content material advertising and social media advertising methods.
Social media advertising is a kind of content material advertising, and this course will help you weave each right into a extra complete technique.
On this on-line class supplied by the College of California, Davis, you’ll learn to create a content material advertising technique and develop an understanding of the ecosystem surrounding that technique.
Ample time will even be spent engaged on strategic writing and framing.
You’ll evaluate the various kinds of content material advertising, together with how they’re integral to social media advertising. There are 5 weeks price of fabric paired with movies, workout routines, readings, and quizzes.
You’ll study:
What the content material advertising ecosystem is.
The right way to use the “7A Framework” to power-up your content material.
The right way to tailor your content material to every section of the client’s journey.
Beneficial for:
I like to recommend this course for social media entrepreneurs who’d wish to method social media advertising with a content-centric perspective.
15. Social Media Advertising and marketing Masterclass by Mark Timberlake and Philomena Timberlake
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Creator: Mark Timberlake and Philomena Timberlake
Platform: Udemy
Value: $129.99 one-time charge or $16.58/mo
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Discover ways to construct a social media advertising technique and schedule to your distinctive enterprise.
Reasonably than a whole stage one course in social media, I like that this providing is a masterclass on the topic, uniquely centered round moral digital advertising strategies.
You’ll learn to arrange a robust advertising technique and a schedule that aligns with carrying out enterprise targets.
You’ll additionally dive into how social media advertising integrates with your corporation, e-mail advertising, and constructing an internet group. This course may be accomplished in 20 hours, and provides you a certificates of completion at its finish.
You’ll study:
The right way to create actionable content material in your web site and social media.
The right way to leverage social media communities to extend model consciousness.
Which social media platforms you should use to market your corporation.
The right way to use your telephone for social media pictures.
Beneficial for:
This masterclass doesn’t cowl simply social media advertising, however search engine marketing and running a blog. For that cause, I like to recommend it for brand spanking new entrepreneurs who’d wish to develop their talent set as they dive into their new position.
16. Social Media Advertising and marketing Skilled Certificates by Meta
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Creator: Meta (Fb)
Platform: Coursera
Value: Free
Talent Degree: Newbie
One-Sentence Abstract: Find out about social media advertising and promoting strategies from Meta.
Meta’s social media advertising certificates consists of the necessities you’ll want to jumpstart your social media advertising data, with added coursework on promoting.
It additionally provides a Meta-centric method, so if you understand you’d wish to promote on Fb and Instagram, that is the best course for you.
You’ll study:
The right way to create a social media administration technique.
The right way to start social media promoting on Meta’s platforms.
The right way to measure the outcomes out of your efforts.
Beneficial for:
I like to recommend this course for professionals who wish to get foundational data in social media advertising and who know they’ll be investing into Meta’s social media platforms.
Discover Your Excellent Social Media Advertising and marketing Course
Which social media coaching course appeals to you essentially the most? It’s wonderful to me what number of free programs are at our fingertips (with no graded assignments or worry of not figuring out the reply).
The most important factor I’ve realized in my profession is that investing in my schooling and studying new expertise will all the time all the time repay. So in the event you’re eager to study extra about up-to-date methods that show you how to stand out from different social media entrepreneurs and show you how to propel your profession, I like to recommend doing the identical.
Editor’s notice: This submit was initially revealed in November 2019 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
