Social media marketing courses provide students with practical techniques for capturing the attention of online audiences on social media networks.
In this post, you'll find the best free courses for learning social media marketing and connecting with an audience of billions of people.
Top 8 Free Social Media Marketing Courses
- Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate (Meta)
- Social Media Marketing Free Course (Great Learning)
- Diploma in Social Media Strategy (Alison)
- TikTok Marketing Masterclass (Influencer Hub)
- Social Media Marketing Course (Hubspot)
- Introduction to Social Media Advertising (Skillshare)
- Social Media Marketing Lessons (Digital Marketing Institute)
- Social Media Marketing Specialization (Coursera)
1. Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate (Meta)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 5 months
- Certificate: Yes
As one of the biggest names in the social media landscape, Meta offers students a variety of courses to help them expand their skills and utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Meta offers the Social Media Marketing Professional certificate, which was developed in collaboration with Coursera to provide beginners with an introductory guide to the vast world of social media marketing.
Who is this for?
Meta’s free social media marketing courses are designed for digital marketing beginners who want to enhance their content creation strategies and connect with consumers. No prior knowledge of social media marketing is necessary to start, and students can learn at their own pace.
Courses are free to access for 7 days. Then, students can choose to sign up for a Coursera subscription at $49 per month to receive an official certificate, portfolio development support, assistance with interview and resume preparation, and access to the Meta jobs consortium.
What you’ll learn?
This course covers the basic knowledge required to create and implement ad campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, and other popular channels.
You’ll learn how to establish a strong presence on your chosen platform, create and manage ads targeted to reach specific customers, and even analyze your campaigns.
Throughout the program, students will refine content creation, ad analytics, and campaign optimization skills, learning from experts in the Meta community.
Students signed up for a subscription with Coursera can also earn 2 ACE college credits.
The course addresses everything from building your following online to managing social media accounts, creating compelling social posts, and more.
By the time you’re done learning, you’ll know how to create a content calendar, design creative briefs, and build your own full ad campaign within the Facebook Ads platform.
Review
Read our comprehensive review of the Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate for more details.
2. Social Media Marketing Free Course (Great Learning)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 2.25 hours
- Certificate: Yes
This free course, ideal for those exploring the social media marketing landscape for the first time, explores the basics of developing powerful ad campaigns for any social platform.
After learning about the basics of social media advertising, students discover how to generate results from eye-catching campaigns and develop long-term strategies for success.
Who is this for?
Intended for beginners, the Social Media Marketing Free Course from Great Learning requires no prior knowledge of digital marketing strategies. Students receive step-by-step instructions on everything from formulating campaign strategies to publishing ads across various platforms.
The course includes a professional certificate you can use to stand out when connecting with potential employers.
Additionally, throughout the program, you can experiment with various aspects of social media marketing, building a portfolio you can share with clients.
What you’ll learn?
This course covers all the foundational knowledge you’ll need to build campaigns on social media channels. The program begins with an introduction to social media marketing and how it can be used to strengthen relationships between brands and consumers.
You’ll learn about the importance of planning campaigns using the five pillars of social media marketing.
With step-by-step video instruction, students will discover how to track the success of each campaign using crucial metrics and KPIs.
The fast-paced and beginner-friendly course also covers essential concepts such as how to build a personalized experience for consumers online, employ brand advocates, and develop cross-channel campaigns to improve brand reach.
You’ll even learn how to use chatbots and similar tools to connect with consumers consistently online.
3. Diploma in Social Media Strategy (Alison)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 15 hours
- Certificate: Yes
One of the top free social media marketing courses students should consider exploring this year, the Diploma in Social Media Strategy assists beginners in developing crucial advertising skills.
You’ll study the evolving importance of social media in the modern consumer journey and learn how to connect with customers using a variety of different methods.
Who is this for?
This free course was designed for students interested in building a career as a social media strategist.
Rather than focusing exclusively on content creation, this program looks at how individuals can leverage analytics and insights to make intelligent digital marketing decisions.
The diploma course examines the most popular social media marketing channels and platforms, ensuring each student can create customized strategies for clients.
The course is accredited by CPD and consists of 14 modules, and 10-15 hours of study.
What you’ll learn?
Ideal for true beginners in social media marketing, this program begins with an introduction to social media's rise and how channels have evolved over the years. You’ll learn how to analyze your target market, audit existing social strategies, and set goals for future campaigns.
The step-by-step instruction throughout this course shows students how to select the right promotion platforms, understand social media policies, and integrate various marketing strategies to develop a strong online presence for clients.
You’ll even learn to use valuable tools like WordPress for blogs, Google Analytics, and editorial calendar tools.
The classes also include a behind-the-scenes insight into managing your growing online community, providing customer service through social media, and using reports and analytics to optimize ad spending.
4. TikTok Marketing Masterclass (Influencer Hub)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 12 hours
- Certificate: Yes
Exploring the rising popularity of one of the fastest-growing social media platforms of all time, the TikTok Marketing Masterclass is a powerful resource for modern digital marketers.
This course shows learners how to take advantage of a fantastic platform for connecting with younger consumers and building presence and authority as an influencer.
Who is this for?
The TikTok Marketing masterclass is a beginner-friendly course, ideal for social media marketers looking to branch into new channels.
You’ll learn how to master the art of creating fast-paced and compelling video content and how to develop your identity as an influencer.
Great for both social media professionals and members of the creator economy, the free course will show you how to build a powerful personal brand.
Students also learn how to leverage content creation trends and connect with customers through a series of engaging videos.
What you’ll learn?
Split into a series of 11 easy-to-consume modules, as well as a bonus lecture, this free course on social media marketing covers everything you need to know about the TikTok platform.
You’ll learn why TikTok has become such a popular platform for online advertisers and influencers.
Students also gain access to valuable interviews with TikTok creators alongside interesting case studies.
As you move through the modules in this program, you’ll be introduced to the basics of TikTok and how the channel’s unique algorithm works.
Students will discover how to craft a unique persona that captures the attention of their target audience and how to produce fantastic videos that adhere to the trends in the TikTok landscape.
What’s more, would-be influencers will also receive step-by-step guidance on how to increase online engagement levels, collaborate with brands, and monetize their social media presence.
The course includes access to various free resources, including scheduling tools, editing apps, production worksheets, and brand collaboration outreach templates.
5. Social Media Marketing Course (Hubspot)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 6 hours
- Instructor(s): Alex Chris
HubSpot Academy’s free social media courses make it easy for beginners to enhance their skills and develop their understanding of evolving social platforms.
Aside from discovering how to develop amazing content for different social channels, you’ll also learn how to measure ROI, expand your reach, and harness digital technologies to boost brand awareness.
Who is this for?
This course does not require prior experience and will appeal to any budding social media marketer, influencer, or digital advertising expert.
Influencers and content creators will discover how to upgrade their content to generate additional revenue, while business owners can learn how to maximize social media's benefits for audience engagement.
The courses cover everything from attracting new customers and partners to keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and algorithms in the social media space.
The program is also available in various languages, making it ideal for an international audience.
What you’ll learn?
This easy-to-follow social media marketing program is divided into 8 lessons, 38 videos, and 29 quizzes designed to test your advertising knowledge.
The classes begin with an introduction to the importance of developing a strong social media strategy and understanding your target audience.
You’ll learn to use social media listening and monitoring skills, build a content strategy, and expand your reach across multiple channels.
Additionally, the program focuses heavily on the benefits of using social media to strengthen customer relationships, nurture audiences, and build brand loyalty.
After discovering how to build effective social strategies, students will learn how to use analytical strategy to measure the ROI of their campaigns and ensure consistent success.
Successful students will earn a shareable certificate they can reference on their resumes and access opportunities to develop an online portfolio.
6. Introduction to Social Media Advertising (Skillshare)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 4 hours
- Certificate: Yes
This Skillshare course, taught by industry leaders and influencers in social media marketing, is an excellent way to learn social media marketing for free.
The classes teach anyone interested in social media marketing how to master digital marketing terminology, develop compelling copy and visuals, and connect with a specific target audience.
Who is this for?
This beginner-focused course can benefit anyone committed to developing a strong online presence. No prior knowledge is required, so this introductory program is perfect for new marketers, growing brands, and small business owners.
Even if you’ve never launched a campaign on social media before, this course could be perfect for you.
By the time you’re finished learning, you’ll have all the skills you need to connect with your digital audience and drive powerful results.
The course comprises 10 simple lessons featuring illuminating videos and easy-to-follow graphics.
What you’ll learn?
The Introduction to Social Media Advertising course starts by exploring the foundations of social media marketing and the key terms you’ll use in the landscape. You’ll learn how to evaluate the marketing funnel and develop content for each stage in the customer journey.
The classes include useful insights into pinpointing your target audience, developing the right campaign budget, and creating copy and visuals to engage your market.
By the time you finish the lessons, you’ll have built your own social media campaign from scratch. Plus, you’ll know how to iterate and optimize campaigns for success in the future.
7. Social Media Marketing Lessons (Digital Marketing Institute)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: Varies
- Certificate: Yes
Another excellent option if you’re searching for valuable social media marketing courses, this program by the Digital Marketing Institute introduces the basics of online advertising through easy-to-digest videos.
Micro lessons cover many topics, from producing posts for different channels to evaluating your target audience.
Who is this for?
This free social media marketing lesson collection is ideal for influencers, brand managers, business leaders, and digital marketers alike. It will ensure that you can fully take advantage of modern social platforms.
You’ll learn to use various channels, from Facebook to Instagram, and prepare for further learning opportunities.
While the micro lessons included in this program are free, students can also sign up for an entire course to access interactive learning, toolkits, study notes, and practical exercises.
What you’ll learn?
The Digital Marketing Institute offers social media marketing lessons covering various topics and promotional strategies. Students can create their own program, focusing on the areas of social media marketing that matter most to them.
You can begin with an introduction to social media marketing concepts, learn how to build a social media experience for a business, and use different channels to target specific customer groups.
You can also learn how to leverage audience research tools, and build powerful campaigns on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
If you watch all the videos in the collection, you’ll develop a strong knowledge of all the most compelling features and components of different social channels, and how to use them to nurture and convert online leads.
8. Social Media Marketing Specialization (Coursera)
- Level: Beginner
- Duration: 1 month
- Certificate: Yes
Coursera’s Social Media Marketing Specialization is a 100% online course students can pursue independently.
The specialization is broken down into 6 courses designed to introduce beginners to the role social media advertising plays in the digital landscape.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to build a complete social media marketing strategy.
Who is this for?
The social media marketing specialization is a beginner-level program that requires no prior knowledge of online advertising or social platforms.
Numerous language options are also available, making the modules ideal for a wide range of international marketers.
You’ll even develop skills that can be transferred to other advertising roles outside the social media.
This course covers everything from effective business planning to developing a complete marketing strategy and A/B testing campaigns.
Notably, this course is only available to audit for free. If you want to access the certificate at the end of the modules, you must pay for a Coursera subscription.
What you’ll learn?
In this social media marketing specialization, students will learn how to develop powerful marketing strategies by leveraging social media analytics and content creation tools.
You’ll start by learning all about social media and its role in the buyer journey.
The modules also cover topics like the importance of listening to your target audience on social sites.
As students move through each module in the program, they’ll learn how to drive engagement, nurture marketing strategies, and build a community of dedicated followers.
There’s also a fantastic social media marketing capstone project, which will allow you to build your own campaign, track its success and share your results with future employers.
Are Free Social Media Marketing Courses Worth It?
Free courses on social media marketing can be an excellent way to develop the foundational skills you need to thrive in the online marketing world.
Whether you’re trying to build a powerful online brand and connect with customers or you’re planning on pursuing a career in social media advertising, these courses can be extremely valuable.
The programs above will provide you with valuable skills and techniques you can use to strengthen your connection with customers through social media. Additionally, many of these courses include insights into other aspects of digital marketing you can use as you develop your career.
What’s more, if you’re looking into a career in digital marketing, these courses come with certificates of completion you can use to boost your chances of lucrative employment.
Methodology
To help you find the best free social media marketing course, we’ve looked at several social media training providers and reviewed several options.
The chosen courses were selected based on course content quality and are perfectly suited for beginners.
All the social media marketing courses listed above are 100% free, and they cover a wide range of social media marketing topics.
To access some of the courses, you have to create an account with the learning platform, but they are all free, either for a limited time (one month) or a lifetime.
