Free social media marketing courses provide students with practical techniques they can use to capture the attention of online audiences on social media networks.
In this post, you'll find the best courses to learn social media marketing for free and connect with an audience of more than 4.5 billion people.
Top 10 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 Advertizing (Skillshare)
- Social Media Marketing Lessons (Digital Marketing Institute)
- Social Media Marketing Specialization (Coursera)
- Build Your Brand On Instagram (Shopify)
- Creating and Managing a YouTube Channel (LinkedIn)
1. Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate (Meta)
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.
The Social Media Marketing Professional certificate, offered by Meta, 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 beginners in the digital marketing landscape looking for ways to enhance their content creation strategies and connect with consumers. No prior knowledge of social media marketing is necessary to get started, and students can learn entirely at their own pace.
While the courses are available to access for free, students can also 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 preparedness, and access to the Meta jobs consortium.
What you’ll learn?
The Meta Social Media Marketing Professional certificate 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 to find out more details.
2. Social Media Marketing Free Course (Great Learning)
Ideal for those exploring the social media marketing landscape for the first time, this free course 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 important 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 take advantage of chatbots and similar tools to connect with consumers consistently online.
3. Diploma in Social Media Strategy (Alison)
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 on social media marketing 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, consisting of 14 modules in total, covering 10-15 hours of study.
What you’ll learn?
Ideal for true beginners in the social media marketing space, this program begins with an introduction to the rise of social media and how channels have evolved over the years. You’ll learn how to conduct an analysis of 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 platforms for promotion, 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 such as 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 taking advantage of reports and analytics to optimize ad spending.
4. TikTok Marketing Masterclass (Influencer Hub)
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)
HubSpot Academy’s free courses on social media 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?
With no prior experience required, this course 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 unlock additional revenue, while business owners can learn how to unlock the benefits of social media 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 broken down into 8 lessons, with a total of 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 how 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 strategies to measure the ROI of their campaigns and ensure consistent success.
Successful students will earn a shareable certificate they can reference on their resume, as well as access opportunities to develop an online portfolio.
6. Introduction to Social Media Advertising (Skillshare)
Taught by industry leaders and influencers in the social media landscape, this Skillshare course 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?
Anyone committed to developing a strong online presence can benefit from this beginner-focused course. With no prior knowledge required, 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 budget for your campaigns, 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)
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.
The collection of micro lessons cover a huge range of topics, from producing posts for different channels to evaluating your target audience.
Who is this for?
Ideal for influencers, brand managers, business leaders, and digital marketers alike, this free social media marketing lesson collection will ensure you can take full advantage of modern social platforms.
You’ll learn how to use a range of different channels, from Facebook to Instagram, and prepare yourself for further learning opportunities.
While the micro lessons included in this program are free to access, students can also sign up for a full course to access interactive learning, toolkits, study notes, and practical exercises.
What you’ll learn?
The Social Media Marketing lessons offered by the Digital Marketing Institute cover 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 you can use them to nurture and convert online leads.
8. Social Media Marketing Specialization (Coursera)
Coursera’s Social Media Marketing Specialization is a 100% online course students can pursue entirely at their own pace.
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 full social media marketing strategy from scratch.
Who is this for?
As a beginner-level program, the Social Media Marketing specialization requires no prior knowledge of online advertising or social platforms.
There are also numerous language options to choose from, 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 of the social media sphere.
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 leverage everything from social media analytics and content creation tools to develop powerful marketing strategies.
You’ll start by learning all about social media and the role it plays 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.
9. Build Your Brand On Instagram (Shopify)
Focusing on one of the world’s most popular visual social media platforms, the Build Your Brand on Instagram course teaches business owners how to develop a compelling online presence.
The 11 lessons can be completed in just over an hour, making this program perfect for those with limited time for learning.
Who is this for?
Designed by Shopify, this course is specifically tailored to eCommerce business owners searching for ways to connect with customers and increase sales through social media.
The program focuses on the Instagram platform, making it a good option for companies with strong visual assets.
The course could also be ideal for marketing professionals planning on working with store owners in the eCommerce world on brand development opportunities.
What you’ll learn?
This simple and fast-paced course covers all of the foundational knowledge business leaders need to thrive on Instagram.
You’ll learn how to build a new account from scratch, set goals for your campaigns, and create highly targeted content.
Taught by a professional social media marketer, the program looks at everything from using the Instagram algorithm to your advantage to building a brand that captures customer attention.
You’ll utilize audience and niche research to craft highly personalized campaigns. The classes include step-by-step instructions on partnering with influencers to expand your reach.
Alongside insightful videos, the course also includes access to various downloadable resources, such as cheat sheets, worksheets, and outreach scripts.
10. Creating and Managing a YouTube Channel (LinkedIn)
This free social media marketing course introduces business leaders and marketers to the benefits of using YouTube to connect with their target audience. Throughout 11 modules, students will discover how to access all of the features YouTube has to offer, to develop their brand presence and strengthen their promotional strategy.
Who is this for?
Ideal for those interested in video marketing, the Creating and Managing a YouTube Channel course is a beginner-friendly program focused entirely on the YouTube platform.
Content creators, influencers, and business leaders can learn how to develop a YouTube channel and use videos to connect with customers throughout the purchasing journey.
The course includes access to a LinkedIn Learning certificate of completion, which can be downloaded as a PDF and showcased on your LinkedIn profile.
What you’ll learn?
This comprehensive but easy-to-follow course on YouTube marketing starts by showing students how to build their own YouTube channel and brand account.
You’ll learn how the YouTube studio works and develop crucial collaboration skills to help you work effectively with a team.
Throughout the modules, the instructors provide a behind-the-scenes view into completing your YouTube profile, verifying your account, and producing videos that deliver true value to customers.
You’ll also learn how to upload custom captions, use cards to modify a video and edit your YouTube content using professional tools.
By the time you’re done learning, you’ll know everything there is to know about content creation and promotion on YouTube. There are even useful guides on how to use the YouTube partner program to your advantage.
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 a number of 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 available for free, either for a limited time (one month) or for a lifetime.
