Skool Review 2025: Pricing, Features, and Community Platform Analysis
Since its founding by Sam Ovens, Skool has made a name for itself in the online community and course creation space. The platform brings together what you need to build, run and monetize online communities along with easy course delivery.
Skool is a one-stop shop for your community and course creation needs since its inception by Sam Ovens. It combines functionalities for building, managing, and monetising your community with ease of use tools for course delivery. The platform focuses on being simple yet having essential features like discussion boards, DMing, and basic course hosting.
Skool provides iOS and Android apps for mobile access, allowing users to communicate while on the go. Users can engage in discussions, take course, and manage community directly from the mobile. Some admin features work better on desktop though.
Fundamentally What Is Skool?
Sam Ovens, an entrepreneur has launched an online community platform named skool in 2023. The platform helps in creating and managing paid membership communities, online courses, and digital learning.
The platform merges essential features of community and course delivery. Members can access their online community via web browsers and mobile apps to participate in discussions, access learning materials, and more.
Key Platform Components:
- Community spaces
- Course hosting
- Discussion forums
- Live streaming
- Mobile access (iOS/Android)
Skool has a simple one-tier pricing model. It charges a flat fee monthly instead of a clip of creator earnings. This makes it especially attractive for established course creators and community builders.
The Platform is designed to be simple, both in what it does and how it looks. Users can move across community spaces, view course materials and engage in chat without any complicated technicalities.
A COMPLETE STEP-BY-STEP CHEATSHEET
TO CREATING, LAUNCHING & GROWING A SUCCESSFUL MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE
Skool allows users to do live as well as recorded learning. Content creators can deliver live sessions while community conversations and course delivery continue.
Community owners get tools to manage members, organize content, and track engagement. These features help grow a community and keep members engaged.
What Is The User Experience Like?
Skool has a simple interface that’s easy to use. The platform uses a simple and clean layout with clear menus and sections.
Users can use browser-based desktop or use mobile apps to access their communities, courses and content. Mobile experience is fully functional on iOS and Android devices.
The community feed shows posts in order of time and date and allows for replies and reactions. Members can easily comment, like and message each other.
The course curriculum is shown in modular form with a progress tracker. Students move through lessons in order and can mark off what they finish.
The calendar tool can be used for scheduling ‘events’, ‘sessions’ and ‘deadlines’. Live sessions can happen easily using video platforms like zoom.
Uploading files and managing resources is easy with drag-and-drop functions. An organized selection of files gives members documents, videos, and materials.
Community owners can change colors, logos, and layout elements using basic customization options. The interface works the same way across themes.
Even with several members logged in, load times remain quick and steady. There are no technical issues experienced while handling multimedia.
The search feature helps users easily search for posts, files, and messages. Filters and tags assist in content organization.
Online Course Creation Experience Compared To Its Leading Competitors
Skool’s course creation tools aren’t as good as Kajabi or Teachable, which do this fully. The system has basic functionality to upload videos, texts, and PDF files.
Course content is organized simply in modules. Creators can set lesson order and drip timings.
Key limitations include:
- No built-in quiz or assessment tools
- Limited content protection options
- Basic video hosting capabilities
- No certificate creation feature
Kajabi and Thinkific also provide better course authoring lead to more advanced assessment options, in-depth analytics, and student management system.
The platform works with other video hosting services such as YouTube and Vimeo. It can help with the video hosting limitations, but at the cost of more accounts to manage.Application of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in your Online Course Not all members can see course completions and member activity.
The mobile experience for course delivery works well on iOS and Android devices. Students can view content and join discussions through the app.
Skool’s minimalist design may be suitable for those creators that mainly want a community, with some course. If you need advanced course creation features, go for learning platforms.
Skool’s pricing is also quite competitive at $99/month compared to Kajabi ($79-$399/month) and Circle ($89-$360/month). However, there are less course-related features.
Skool Course Building And Management Experience?
Through the simple course creation interface, creators can structure a course by creating modules and lessons. Users can upload videos, text as well as PDFs for their courses.
As a course creator, you can arrange your lessons in order and drip-feed them. The layout is easy to use rather than feature-rich.
The software is missing some basic features of most courses quizzes, assignments and progress tracking. Creators of courses are dependent on external tools for assessments and monitoring progress of students.
Students can access courses through a mobile-friendly view (desktop & mobile). The learning experience is focused on consuming content rather than interaction.
Key Course Features:
- Basic module and lesson organization
- Video, text, and PDF content support
- Drip-feed content scheduling
- Mobile-responsive course player
Analytics for course engagement remain limited compared to dedicated learning management systems. Creators can see basic metrics like video completion rates and lesson progress.
Content delivery happens through an integrated video player that supports both uploaded videos and external links from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. The player offers standard playback controls without advanced features.
Gamification
Skool incorporates gamification elements to boost engagement and participation within communities. Members earn points and badges for completing activities like posting content, commenting, and attending events.
The platform features leaderboards that display top contributors based on their engagement scores. These rankings create friendly competition and motivate members to stay active.
Achievement badges unlock as members reach specific milestones or accomplish particular tasks. For example, badges can reward consistent posting streaks, high-quality contributions, or event attendance.
Key Gamification Features:
- Points system for engagement
- Achievement badges
- Activity leaderboards
- Participation rewards
- Progress tracking
The gamification system integrates seamlessly with Skool’s core community features. Course creators can customize point values and badge requirements to align with their community goals.
Members can track their progress and achievements through their profile dashboard. The platform displays earned badges, current point totals, and leaderboard rankings in an easy-to-view format.
These game-like elements serve to enhance member retention and create a more interactive learning environment. The competitive aspects encourage regular participation while making the learning process more engaging.
Skool Games
Skool employs game mechanics to boost engagement within online communities. Members earn points and badges through actions like posting content, commenting, and helping others.
The platform’s leaderboard system ranks participants based on their accumulated points. Top contributors receive recognition and virtual rewards for their active participation.
Unlike The Hunger Games, Skool’s gamification focuses on collaboration rather than competition. The point system encourages knowledge sharing and community building instead of elimination-style contests.
Members can track their progress through achievement badges that highlight specific milestones. These include badges for consistent participation, quality contributions, and helping new members.
The gamification elements remain optional, allowing members to participate without focusing on points or rankings. Community owners can customize which activities earn points and adjust reward values.
Common point-earning activities:
- Creating posts
- Commenting on discussions
- Helping other members
- Completing courses
- Attending events
The platform avoids aggressive competition by emphasizing personal growth over direct member comparisons. Leaderboards reset periodically to give new members opportunities to earn recognition.
Customization & Branding
Skool provides some customization options to personalize the branding of your community. People can add their logo and change main colours as per their choice.
The interface is clean and minimal as per the platform. Community owners can personalize their community name, URL, and profile details.
Across communities, navigation menus are uniform. There’s no option to vary the layout or structure. The mobile software has the same branding limitations as the web version.
Members can personalize their profiles with pictures, cover images, and short bio descriptions. The platform does not have custom emojis and reactions.
Key customization features:
- Logo upload
- Primary color selection
- Community name & URL
- Basic profile customization
- Cover image options
The appearance of standard white label helps maintain uniformity, but it may not suit brands looking for major design flexibility. Subscribers of the professional plan receive the same branding capabilities as other plans.
The platform currently does not support advanced customization features such as custom domains, CSS changes, or template modifications.
Pricing Breakdown
Skool costs $99 a month or $999 a year, with one price only. Choosing the annual plan comes with a 16% discount on the monthly billing.
With the standard plan, you get all the features; there are no restricted features or premium upgrades. The pricing includes unlimited members, courses, posts, and community areas.
First timers can use Skool free for 14 days and it includes full access to the platform. No credit card is required to start the trial period.
The app doesn’t charge extra for payments and transaction fees. All earnings from their course and membership are kept by community owners.
Key inclusions with Skool pricing:
- Unlimited community members
- Unlimited courses and content
- Custom branding options
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Community spaces and discussions
- Direct messaging
- Live streaming capabilities
- Basic analytics and reporting
The pricing remains consistent regardless of community size or engagement levels. There are no hidden fees or tiered pricing increases as communities grow.
What Do We Like About Skool?
Skool stands out for its user-friendly design, comprehensive features, and modern approach to online learning and community building. The platform delivers several key advantages that make it an attractive choice for course creators and community managers.
Simple And Intuitive UI/UX Design
The simple interface makes it easy to navigate, with little learning curve for both creators and members. The dashboard arranges all necessary functions in logical order.
All the community places, course, and management tools are easy to find as menu items are logically grouped. The layout has a modern web look to it with consistency and hierarchy.
Users can readily find their available courses, communities, and events from a single place. The platform is responsive on all screen sizes.
Unlimited Members And Courses
Skool does not restrict number of members or courses that a customer can create, unlike others who charge limiting them.
Course creators can design and launch however many programs they want without any cost. This is especially a boon for growing communities and expanding course catalogs.
The platform can handle a lot of members efficiently without losing performance. Storage limits for course material and community content remain generous.
Gamification
Members earn points by doing things on the platform such as completing courses and discussions. A leaderboard system encourages members to compete and contribute actively.
Members receive achievement badges to recognize milestones and contributions. Using a completion bar it shows along the way just how far you’ve completed your course.
The gaming elements mix in well together and do not take away from the experience.
Similar Discover Feature to Udemy
Members may find courses and content relevant to their communities by using the discovery system.
Search functions enable categorization based on topic, category and popularity.
The system’s recommendation algorithms suggest courses based on member interests and behavior patterns. Featured sections highlight new and trending content.
The system allows members to easily access the available resources while helping course creators reach the intended audience.
Easy to Use Course Builder/Editor
The interface to create courses is drag-and-drop in nature to arrange lessons and modules. Tools for rich text editing enable you to create a mix of content like text, images, media, etc.
Course creators can easily set content organization, completion requirements, and access settings. It shows how lessons will look for members.
The editor has professional formatting tools to create lessons without needing any technical skills.
Easy To Set Up And Use Event Scheduling
The calendar tool simplifies the management of events. With just a few clicks, creators can schedule live sessions, workshops, and community meet-ups.
Members notify of upcoming events and easily RSVP from the same place. Automatic time zone conversions take place for global communities.
The schedule system easily connects with popular calendar applications for easy sync.
Mobile App
Users can access full platform capabilities via an iOS and Android mobile app. Members can access courses, discussions and events directly from their mobile device.
Users stay in the know with updates on community and course activity using push notifications. The app has an interface similar to the desktop version.
You can download documents and access course materials without an internet connection.
What We Don’t Like About Skool?
Skool’s platform has many bad features that impact the users and functionality of the business. The features that marketers and other creators normally would want are limited on Skool’s platform.
The MLM Business Modal
Skool’s business model resembles that of multi-level networks which focuses heavily on recruiting new members. The platform encourages users to refer new members through commission-based referral networks.
Some communities are only accessible after paying a certain amount. This business model may attract many people, but the quality is an issue in such communities. They would care more about bringing in additional community members rather than delivering substantive content.
Selling membership stuff supersedes real community stuff or real learning stuff.
Limited Marketing Features
Skool’s marketing tools are basic and inferior compared to similar options. The platform does not have important features like selling funnels and email funnels.
Users can’t make landing pages and do A/B testing to market their users.
Generating leads is very tough since the platform does not have any lead magnet or opt-in.
Affiliate marketing tool absence limits course creators’ ability to earn revenue.
No Built-In Video Hosting
You have to get your video hosted on another platform such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
It may take time to load and require third-party hosting, causing playback issues.
“Users have to depend on different platforms in managing content. ”
Using other video services can cause some type of formatting issues.
No Automation Marketing Functionality
The system does not provide automated emails to nurture leads and engage members.
People who create courses can’t set up automated welcome messages or drip delivery of content.
There aren’t any tools for behavioral triggers or automated responses.
Lack of marketing automation means more manual work for community manager
Very Limited Customization Options
Users cannot change the look of the platform except for colours and logos.
The strict template design blocks custom branding experiences.
Community layouts are designed in a fixed structure, allowing little to no tweaking.
You can’t customize the navigation menu or structure of the page.
Limited Integrations Compared to Competitors
Skool works with fewer third-party applications than market-leading alternatives.
Crucial tools such as CRM applications and marketing platforms offer limited or no integration options.
Users cannot use alternate payment gateway options.
Not having API access doesn’t let build custom integrations.
Poor Analytic Data Options
The analytics dashboard shows only some stats but not user behavior.
Engagement tracking lacks depth and customization options.
Revenue analysis provides minimal sales and conversion data breakdown.
There are very little content performance metrics making it difficult to improvise course material.
The Founder And Leading Investor’s Business Backgrounds
The founder Sam Ovens has faced criticism for marketing practices in the past.
For the wrong reasons, some major investors (Alex Hormozi) have been involved in many businesses in the limelight.
The leadership may chart a course that is at odds with its education mission.
The online education community has become skeptical of the past business dealings of some big players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Skool and what does it offer for online community building?
A: Skool is a platform designed for online community building that offers features like discussion forums, leaderboards, and gamification elements to enhance community engagement. It allows users to create dedicated spaces for their groups, making it a strong contender among the best online community platforms.
Q: What are the Skool pricing options available for users?
A: Skool offers a pricing plan of $99 per month, which provides access to all its features. Additionally, there is a 14-day free trial available for new users to explore the platform before committing to a subscription.
Q: How does Skool compare to other platforms like Circle?
A: When comparing Skool vs Circle, Skool is tailored more towards community engagement through gamification and structured content, while Circle offers a more traditional forum experience. Each platform has its unique strengths, and the choice depends on the specific needs of your community.
Q: What kind of support does Skool provide to its users?
A: Skool has a customer support team that assists users with inquiries and issues they may encounter while using the platform. However, some users have noted that Skool doesn’t offer extensive resources or tutorials compared to other platforms.
Q: Does Skool have a mobile app?
A: Yes, Skool has a mobile app that allows users to engage with their community on the go. This feature enhances accessibility and ensures that members can participate in discussions and activities from anywhere.
Q: What are the community content features available on Skool?
A: Skool supports various community content features, including the ability to create polls, share files, and post updates within the community. These tools help facilitate interaction and keep members engaged.
Q: Is Skool worth the investment for community building in 2025?
A: Skool is worth considering for community building in 2025 due to its unique features like gamification and structured engagement tools. However, potential users should weigh the pricing review against their specific community needs and evaluate if Skool aligns with their goals.
Q: What types of games does Skool offer to enhance the community experience?
A: Skool incorporates gamification through features like leaderboards and community challenges. These elements are designed to encourage participation and interaction among members, making the community experience more enjoyable.
Q: Can I build a Facebook group using Skool?
A: Skool does not offer integration directly with Facebook groups. However, it provides its own structured environment for community engagement that can serve as an alternative to traditional Facebook groups.
Q: How does Skool support community engagement through its platform?
A: Skool supports community engagement by providing tools for members to interact, participate in discussions, compete on leaderboards, and engage with gamified content. This focus on community interaction helps keep members active and invested in their community’s success.
Final Thoughts
Skool is a simple place to build and manage online communities. Its one-tier pricing make it easy for creators to get started without difficult decisions.
Members can participate from anywhere using the mobile apps for iOS and Android. The unique calendar and gamification features help to drive member retention.
Some creators may find the absence of course-creation tools limiting. This gap can be filled using integration with other platforms but it requires additional setup and management.
The platform is great because it promotes engagement with communication tools and the community. The simplified way of doing things removes the technical barriers which can stop communities from growing.
Skool is reasonably priced at $99 per month if community building is your creator focus. The membership cost has no limits or fees.
The platform has everything that you actually need without the confusion. Right now, it’s an excellent fit for creators focused on communities. Course creators may need additional tools.
Key Benefits:
- Simple, predictable pricing
- Native mobile apps
- Strong engagement features
- Unlimited members
- No transaction fees
