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

Find the Best Social Media Marketing Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Meta
Introduction to Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Target Audience, Customer experience strategy (CX), Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Social Media, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Marketing Channel, Goal Setting, Marketing Strategies, Marketing, Facebook, Instagram, Digital Marketing, Policy Development, LinkedIn
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: Social Media Content, Social Media Management, Paid media, Social Media, Data Storytelling, Target Audience, Social Media Campaigns, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Marketing Effectiveness, Content Performance Analysis, Customer experience strategy (CX), Advertising Campaigns, Marketing Budgets, Instagram, Presentations, Digital Marketing, 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
Northwestern University
Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Integrated Marketing Communications, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Social Media Marketing, Marketing Budgets, Content Marketing, Peer Review, Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Management, Advertising, Target Audience, Big Data, Business Metrics, Performance Metric, Data Collection, Content Creation, Marketing Effectiveness, Analytics, Digital Marketing, ChatGPT
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Social Media Management
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Content, Social Media Management, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Content Performance Analysis, Instagram, Content Management, Brand Strategy, Content Marketing, Brand Awareness, Facebook, Storytelling, Calendar Management, Customer Engagement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Simplilearn
Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media Campaigns, Content Performance Analysis, Social Media Management, Social Media Strategy, Instagram, Facebook, Digital Advertising, Brand Management, Customer Engagement, LinkedIn, Content Creation, Brand Awareness, Target Audience
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Digital Marketing Institute
Social Media Marketing in Practice
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Professional Networking, Social Media Strategy, LinkedIn, Paid media, Social Media Management, Digital Media Strategy, Facebook, Social Media Campaigns, Instagram, Content Marketing, Digital Advertising, Content Performance Analysis, Digital Marketing, Advertising Campaigns, Marketing Strategies, Content Creation, Campaign Management, Social Media Content
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
544 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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: Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Search Engine Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Media Planning, Data Storytelling, Google Ads, Marketing Effectiveness, Social Media Campaigns, Search Engine Optimization, Loyalty Programs, E-Commerce, Online Advertising, Customer Retention, Marketing, Marketing Channel, Campaign Management, Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
42K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Adobe
Social Media Content and Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Content, Social Media Strategy, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience, Content Performance Analysis, Content Creation, Content Strategy, Customer Engagement, Drive Engagement, Instagram, TikTok, Copywriting, Data Ethics, Branding, Video Production, Scheduling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
175 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Use Canva to Create Social Media Visuals for Business
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Content, Social Media, Instagram, Content Creation, Facebook, Marketing Materials, Data Visualization, Marketing Design, Graphic Design, Digital Marketing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Increase Engagement to your Instagram Business Profile
Skills you'll gain: Instagram, Social Media Management, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Calendar Management, Social Media Strategy, Photo Editing
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
343 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Adobe
Adobe Marketing Specialist
Skills you'll gain: Promotional Strategies, Social Media Content, Content Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Creative Design, Target Audience, Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing, Cross-Channel Marketing, Digital Design, Generative AI, Marketing Strategies, Personalized Service, Campaign Management, Content Strategy, Data Ethics, Graphic Design, Advertising, Market Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Build a social media presence for your business using Canva
Skills you'll gain: Target Audience, Canva (Software), Logo Design, Social Media, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Content Strategy, Goal Setting, Branding, Graphic Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours