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: Social Media Marketing, Target Audience, Social Media Strategy, Social Media, Persona Development, Smart Goals, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Social Media Management, Digital Media Strategy, Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Facebook, Marketing Channel, 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 Management, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience, Marketing Analytics, Social Media, Marketing Budgets, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Instagram, Persona Development, Content Creation, Campaign Management, Marketing Effectiveness, Performance Analysis, Advertising, Smart Goals, Advertising Campaigns, Brand Management, Digital Marketing
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: 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
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
5.7K 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, 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
567 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, Target Audience, Adobe Creative Cloud, Drive Engagement, Customer Engagement, Content Strategy, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Multimedia, Scheduling, Video Production, Copywriting, Branding
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
204 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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
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
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, Customer Relationship Management, E-Commerce, Campaign Management, Loyalty Programs, Marketing, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
43K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp
Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Management, Social Media Content, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Content Performance Analysis, Instagram, Content Creation, TikTok, Drive Engagement, Brand Awareness, Digital Content, Digital Marketing, Content Strategy, Scheduling, Market Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
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
354 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
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
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Adobe
Adobe Marketing Specialist
Skills you'll gain: Promotional Strategies, Marketing Planning, Social Media Content, Responsible AI, Digital Marketing, Cross-Channel Marketing, Logo Design, Content Marketing, Creative Design, Target Audience, Generative AI, Visual Design, Marketing Strategies, Campaign Management, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing, Graphic Design, Content Strategy, Advertising, Market Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months