What are the best social media marketing courses online?

Browse the social media marketing courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Introduction to Social Media Marketing: Meta Social Media Management: Meta Social Media Content and Strategy: Adobe Social Media Marketing: Simplilearn GenAI for Social Media Marketing Specialists: Coursera Instructor Network

How do I choose the right social media marketing course for my goals?

Start by identifying what you want to accomplish—growing a brand, launching paid campaigns, managing content, or preparing for a digital marketing career. For a complete, beginner-to-job-ready track, try the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate . If you’re already managing content and want to improve strategy or analytics, explore the Social Media Marketing Specialization from Northwestern University. Want to focus on paid ads? Consider Meta Marketing Analytics Professional Certificate , which includes campaign measurement and optimization.

Which social media marketing course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses introduce key platforms, planning strategies, and content creation: Introduction to Social Media Marketing – The first course in Meta’s certificate program; no experience required. Social Media Content and Strategy – Covers audience engagement, platform trends, and brand storytelling. Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing by Google – Suitable for learners building general digital marketing knowledge.

What’s the difference between a social media marketing course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course focuses on one topic—like content planning, paid ads, or analytics (e.g., Advertising with Meta ). A Specialization includes multiple courses building toward platform mastery—such as the Social Media Analytics Specialization . A Professional Certificate prepares you for a social media role with project-based training and career support—like the Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate , which includes portfolio projects and optional Meta certification.

Can I take free social media marketing courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning social media marketing on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many social media marketing courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in social media marketing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What skills will I gain from a social media marketing course?

You can learn how to create social media strategies, schedule posts, manage ad campaigns, use analytics tools, and tailor content for different platforms. Some courses also include hands-on projects and tools used in real-world marketing roles.

Do I need any experience to start learning social media marketing?

No experience is required. Many Coursera courses are built for beginners and guide you through key concepts, tools, and best practices step by step.

Can social media marketing courses on Coursera help me get a job?

Yes. Social media marketing skills are in high demand for roles in digital marketing , content creation, and brand management . Earning a certificate and completing practical projects can help you build a portfolio and show employers what you can do.

Top Social Media Marketing Courses - Learn Social Media Marketing Online

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Social Media Marketing

Social Media Marketing Courses

Social media marketing courses can help you learn content creation, audience engagement strategies, analytics interpretation, and campaign management. You can build skills in crafting compelling posts, optimizing ad spend, and measuring ROI on various platforms. Many courses introduce tools like Hootsuite for scheduling, Google Analytics for tracking performance, and Canva for designing eye-catching visuals, showing how these skills are applied in real campaigns.

Popular Social Media Marketing Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
Meta
Introduction to Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Target Audience, Smart Goals, Social Media Strategy, Marketing, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Facebook, Customer Analysis, Marketing Strategies, Marketing Channel, Digital Media Strategy, Instagram, Digital Marketing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Meta
Meta Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Paid media, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Management, Social Media, Target Audience, Social Media Campaigns, Smart Goals, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Effectiveness, Marketing Analytics, Instagram, Advertising Campaigns, Content Creation, Advertising, Online Advertising, Marketing, Digital Advertising, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Digital Marketing, Brand Management
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Social Media Management
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Content Marketing, Instagram, Content Management, Content Strategy, Content Performance Analysis, Brand Management, Facebook, Branding, Customer Engagement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Northwestern University
Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Budgets, Blogs, Social Media Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Social Media, Peer Review, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Social Media Strategy, Real Time Data, Marketing Effectiveness, Content Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Social Media Content, Marketing, Target Audience, Digital Transformation, Analytics, Digital Marketing, ChatGPT
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Adobe
Social Media Content and Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Content, Social Media, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Content Performance Analysis, Social Media Management, Social Media Campaigns, Intellectual Property, Target Audience, Adobe Creative Cloud, Web Content, Marketing Materials, Instagram, Drive Engagement, Customer Engagement, Content Strategy, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Content Management, Branding
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
281 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera
Use Canva to Create Social Media Visuals for Business
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Content, Social Media, Facebook, Content Creation, Marketing Materials, Social Media Marketing, Instagram, Data Visualization, Graphic Design, Digital Publishing, Brand Management, Digital Marketing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Google
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Media Planning, Social Media Marketing, Google Ads, Email Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Order Fulfillment, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization, Performance Measurement, Spreadsheet Software, A/B Testing, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Campaign Management, Loyalty Programs, Customer Retention, Marketing, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
46K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Simplilearn
Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media Campaigns, Content Performance Analysis, Social Media Strategy, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Digital Advertising, Customer Engagement, LinkedIn, Brand Management, Brand Awareness, Content Creation, Target Audience
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera
Increase Engagement to your Instagram Business Profile
Skills you'll gain: Instagram, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Content Creation, Scheduling, Branding
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
363 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Digital Marketing Institute
Social Media Marketing in Practice
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Management, Digital Media Strategy, Facebook, Content Marketing, Instagram, LinkedIn, Digital Marketing, Social Media Campaigns, Marketing, Social Media Content, Target Audience, Content Creation, Marketing Strategies, Advertising Campaigns, Digital Content, Digital Advertising, Web Analytics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
600 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera
Google Ads for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Google Ads, Keyword Research, Target Audience, Pay Per Click Advertising, Search Engine Marketing, Advertising Campaigns, Campaign Management, Online Advertising, Digital Advertising, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Return On Investment
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Measure and Optimize Social Media Marketing Campaigns
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Campaigns, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Effectiveness, Marketing Analytics, Advertising Campaigns, Digital Advertising, Content Performance Analysis, Campaign Management, Marketing Budgets, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, Data Presentation, A/B Testing, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Return On Investment, Performance Reporting, Business Metrics, Presentations, Communication
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular social media marketing courses

Introduction to Social Media Marketing: Meta
Meta Social Media Marketing: Meta
Social Media Management : Meta
Social Media Marketing: Northwestern University
Social Media Content and Strategy: Adobe
Use Canva to Create Social Media Visuals for Business: Coursera
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce: Google
Social Media Marketing: Simplilearn
Increase Engagement to your Instagram Business Profile : Coursera
Social Media Marketing in Practice: Digital Marketing Institute

Skills you can learn in Marketing

Market (economics) (28)

Social Media (15)

Marketing Strategy (14)

Analytics (13)

Brand (13)

Digital Marketing (13)

Marketing Analytics (11)

Plan (11)

Advertising (9)

Modeling (9)

Social Media Marketing (9)

Brand Management (7)

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Media Marketing

Start by identifying what you want to accomplish—growing a brand, launching paid campaigns, managing content, or preparing for a digital marketing career.

For a complete, beginner-to-job-ready track, try the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate.
If you’re already managing content and want to improve strategy or analytics, explore the Social Media Marketing Specialization from Northwestern University.
Want to focus on paid ads? Consider Meta Marketing Analytics Professional Certificate, which includes campaign measurement and optimization.‎

These beginner-friendly courses introduce key platforms, planning strategies, and content creation:

Introduction to Social Media Marketing – The first course in Meta’s certificate program; no experience required.
Social Media Content and Strategy – Covers audience engagement, platform trends, and brand storytelling.
Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing by Google – Suitable for learners building general digital marketing knowledge.‎

A course focuses on one topic—like content planning, paid ads, or analytics (e.g., Advertising with Meta).
A Specialization includes multiple courses building toward platform mastery—such as the Social Media Analytics Specialization.
A Professional Certificate prepares you for a social media role with project-based training and career support—like the Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate, which includes portfolio projects and optional Meta certification.‎

Yes. You can start learning social media marketing on Coursera for free in two ways:

Preview the first module of many social media marketing courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in social media marketing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.