LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda, is an e-learning platform that offers a vast library of high-quality instructional videos covering a wide range of professional skills. A LinkedIn Learning subscription gives you unlimited access to thousands of courses taught by industry experts. But what exactly does a LinkedIn Learning subscription include? Let’s take a closer look at the key features and benefits of a LinkedIn Learning subscription.
Unlimited access to courses
The core component of a LinkedIn Learning subscription is unlimited access to the full LinkedIn Learning course library. With a subscription, you can watch any of the over 16,000 courses whenever you want. There are no restrictions or caps on how many courses you can take. This gives you the flexibility to explore and learn new skills across a diverse range of topics. The course library covers areas like:
- Business skills – Leadership, project management, communication, sales, HR, etc.
- Creative skills – Design, photography, video, audio, animation, 3D & CAD, etc.
- Technology skills – Programming, IT, cybersecurity, network & system admin, etc.
- Software skills – Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other productivity and collaboration tools
New courses are continually added to the library so the course catalog is always expanding. Common additions include new software versions when they are released as well as trending topics. With a subscription, you get access to the latest courses as soon as they become available.
Expert instructors
LinkedIn Learning courses are taught by genuine industry experts. Instructors include experienced professionals working in their field, best-selling authors, and recognized educators. Some of the most popular instructors on the platform include:
- Phil Ebiner – An award-winning video producer and designer
- Morten Rand-Hendriksen – A leading web designer and WordPress expert
- Chris Mattia – Creative director at Adobe
- Linda Khatami – Head designer at Apple
Having access to courses presented by genuine practitioners and authorities makes for high-quality, practical learning. Instructors share real-world best practices, tips, and career advice in their courses.
Interactive learning experience
LinkedIn Learning courses incorporate interactive elements that make for an engaging learning experience. Courses feature:
- Hands-on exercises and projects – Apply your new skills right within the course through practical activities.
- Quizzes – Check your understanding of key concepts.
- Discussions – Engage with other learners taking the course.
- Code samples – Practice coding along with the instructor.
- Downloadable exercise files – Get the practice files and assets presented in the course.
These interactive components help reinforce the material and give you opportunities to practice and implement the skills you learn.
Certificates of completion
When you complete any course on LinkedIn Learning, you can add a certificate to your profile to showcase your new skill. These certificates showcase your professional development to your network and prospective employers. Certificates include the course name, LinkedIn Learning logo, date completed, and the signature of the instructor.
Mobile access
LinkedIn Learning has mobile apps for both iOS and Android, so you can continue learning on the go. Download courses for offline viewing so you can keep advancing your skills even without an internet connection. The apps sync between devices, allowing you to start a course on desktop and pick up right where you left off on your mobile device.
Integration with LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn Learning account is tied directly to your LinkedIn profile. Completed courses are automatically added to the Licenses & Certifications section of your profile. You can showcase courses you’ve taken to your professional network right on your LinkedIn profile.
Personalized recommendations
LinkedIn Learning’s recommendation engine suggests relevant courses based on your current skills, learning history, interests, and goals. This helps you easily discover new courses that align with your professional objectives and keeps your learning on track.
Accessibility features
LinkedIn Learning offers various accessibility features to support different learning needs. These include:
- Closed captioning – Read along with video courses.
- Transcripts – Review courses as text.
- Adjustable video speed – Speed up or slow down videos.
- Screen reader support – Use with assistive screen reading technology.
Quiz and skill assessments
In addition to course quizzes, LinkedIn Learning offers standalone quiz and skill assessment options. Test your knowledge on a vast library of topics to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Results can help guide recommendations for further learning paths.
Learning paths
For topics with multiple courses available, LinkedIn Learning curates them into structured learning paths. These provide guided sequences of courses to take step-by-step to master major skills and programs.
Downloads for offline learning
Any video course can be downloaded for offline viewing within the mobile apps. This allows learning on the go when you don’t have an internet connection. Downloads are available for both streaming or downloaded videos.
Team accounts and analytics
With a LinkedIn Learning Team plan, admins get access to powerful analytics around team usage and skills. You can see who on your team has completed what content and track professional development across the organization. Team accounts also allow bulk user management and the ability to assign specific learning paths.
Affordable pricing
LinkedIn Learning offers affordable pricing, especially compared to the cost of in-person training and education. Current monthly rates are:
- Personal plan – $19.99/month billed annually or $29.99 month-to-month
- Team plans – Starting at $249.99/year per seat for annual commitments
Team and enterprise pricing offers further discounts for large organizations. There are also sometimes special promo discounts available as well.
Free trial
LinkedIn Learning offers a one month long free trial so you can experience the platform for yourself risk-free. This allows evaluating if LinkedIn Learning’s massive course library will be valuable for your professional development before committing to a paid subscription.
Summary
In summary, a LinkedIn Learning subscription provides:
- Unlimited access to 16,000+ expert-led courses
- Interactive learning with hands-on exercises, quizzes, and more
- Earn certifications for completed courses
- Learn on desktop and mobile apps
- Integrates with LinkedIn profile
- Personalized recommendations
- Accessibility features
- Assessments and learning paths
- Team accounts and analytics
- Affordable pricing
- Free trial
With comprehensive course topics, renowned instructors, flexibility of learning, and affordable pricing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription is a valuable investment for continuous skill development for both individuals and organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many courses can I take with a LinkedIn Learning subscription?
A LinkedIn Learning subscription gives you unlimited, on-demand access to the full course library of over 16,000 courses. There are no restrictions or caps on how many courses you can take.
Can I download courses for offline viewing?
Yes, any video course can be downloaded via the LinkedIn Learning mobile apps for iOS and Android. Downloads allow for offline viewing when you don’t have an internet connection.
Is LinkedIn Learning free with a LinkedIn premium account?
No, a LinkedIn Premium account does not include access to LinkedIn Learning. A LinkedIn Learning subscription must be purchased separately.
Can my whole team get access to LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, LinkedIn Learning offers Team and Enterprise plans that allow organizations to purchase managed seats for their entire team. Admin tools allow tracking skills development across the organization.
What courses does LinkedIn Learning offer?
LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 courses across the following categories:
- Business (Leadership, Management, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources)
- Creative (Design, Photography, Video, Audio)
- Technology (Programming, Data Science, IT, Cybersecurity)
- Software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, QuickBooks)
New courses are added weekly covering the latest in-demand skills.
Who teaches the courses on LinkedIn Learning?
Courses are taught by a mix of industry experts, best-selling authors, veteran instructors, and practicing professionals. All instructors have extensive real-world experience in their field.
Can I get a certificate for completing a course?
Yes, you earn a certificate for any course you complete on LinkedIn Learning. Certificates can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile and downloaded as PDFs.
How much does LinkedIn Learning cost?
Personal subscriptions cost $19.99/month billed annually or $29.99 month-to-month. Team plans start at $249.99 per seat per year.
Is there a free trial for LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, LinkedIn Learning offers a 1 month long free trial so you can experience the platform risk-free before subscribing.
Comparison to Other Learning Platforms
How does LinkedIn Learning compare to other major online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, edX, and Skillshare?
LinkedIn Learning vs. Udemy
LinkedIn Learning | Udemy | |
---|---|---|
Course Quality | High – All courses are created by experts | Varies – Anyone can create and publish courses |
Course Library Size | 16,000+ courses | 183,000+ courses |
Course Topics | Business, creative, technology, software | Wide range from academics to hobbies |
Subscription Model | Unlimited access with subscription | Pay per course |
Mobile Apps | Official iOS and Android apps | No official apps |
Enterprise Features | Robust team admin and analytics | Limited team functionality |
LinkedIn Learning vs. Coursera
LinkedIn Learning | Coursera | |
---|---|---|
Focus | Professional and technical skills | Academic degrees and courses |
Course Format | Video tutorials and lectures | University-style lectures |
Course Duration | 1-10 hours typically | 4-10 weeks typically |
Instructors | Industry experts and practitioners | University professors |
Enrollment | Self-enrollment | Cohorts and schedules |
Credential | Certificates | Degrees and certificates |
LinkedIn Learning vs. edX
LinkedIn Learning | edX | |
---|---|---|
Focus | Professional and technical skills | Academic and university courses |
Content Providers | LinkedIn Learning | Universities and colleges |
Course Format | Video tutorials and lectures | Recorded university lectures |
Cost | Paid subscription required | Many free courses available |
Credentials | Certificates | Certificates, MicroMasters, XSeries |
LinkedIn Learning vs. Skillshare
LinkedIn Learning | Skillshare | |
---|---|---|
Focus | Professional skills | Creative skills and hobbies |
Topics Covered | Business, technology, software | Design, photography, crafts, cooking |
Course Quality | Highly curated library | Varies greatly |
Instructors | Verified experts | Mixed instructors |
Course Format | Structured video courses | Shorter workshops and tutorials |
Tracking Progress | Course bookmarks and notes | No tracking |
Conclusion
A LinkedIn Learning subscription provides robust value for continuous skill development and professional advancement. With unlimited access to thousands of expert-led courses covering in-demand business, creative, and tech skills, LinkedIn Learning is an asset for both individual learners and organizations. Interactive courses, certificates of completion, and integration with LinkedIn make it a leading platform for professional e-learning.