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, Social Media, Target Audience, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Management, Marketing, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Goal Setting, Facebook, Customer Analysis, Marketing Strategies, 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: Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Target Audience, Content Creation, Social Media Campaigns, Paid media, Instagram, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Effectiveness, Marketing Analytics, Advertising Campaigns, Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Materials, Digital Advertising, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Goal Setting, 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
Northwestern University
Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Blogs, Social Media Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Social Media, Peer Review, Social Media Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Social Media Strategy, Real Time Data, Marketing Effectiveness, Content Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Marketing, Target Audience, Social Media Campaigns, Budgeting, 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, Content Creation, Instagram, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Facebook, Generative AI Agents, Content Marketing, Content Performance Analysis, Branding, Content Management, Customer Engagement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Intellectual Property, Target Audience, Drive Engagement, Customer Engagement, Content Strategy, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Multimedia, Scheduling, Video Production, Branding, Generative AI Agents
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
202 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 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

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
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, Target Audience, Marketing Strategies, Online Advertising, Advertising Campaigns, Digital Content, Digital Advertising, Brand Awareness, B2B Sales
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
565 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Social Media Marketing Specialists
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Campaign Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Content Creation, Innovation, Social Media Campaigns, Prompt Engineering, Instagram, Social Media Strategy, Customer Engagement, Marketing Strategies, Target Audience, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · 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, Applicant Tracking Systems
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
43K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
The Strategy of Content Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Content Marketing, Content Performance Analysis, Content Strategy, Marketing Strategies, Content Creation, Strategic Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Marketing, Multimedia, Copywriting, Branding, Target Audience, Persona Development, Business Ethics, Writing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
353 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