Social media marketing courses can help you learn how to build brand presence, engage audiences, and drive results across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Paid media, Social Media Management, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Target Audience, Marketing Analytics, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Instagram, Persona Development, Advertising Campaigns, Marketing Effectiveness, Advertising, Online Advertising, Marketing Budgets, Smart Goals, Campaign Management, Digital Marketing, Brand Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Illinois Tech
Skills you'll gain: Paid media, Digital Marketing, Web Analytics, Marketing Effectiveness, Marketing Analytics, Social Media Marketing, Earned Media, Digital Advertising, Media Planning, Social Media, Google Analytics, Analytics, Performance Measurement, Instagram, Email Marketing, Marketing, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Customer Data Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Northwestern University
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

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
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: Instagram, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Content Creation, Scheduling, Branding
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: Content Marketing, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Copywriting, Writing, Professional Networking
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Facebook, Marketing Analytics, Advertising, Digital Advertising, Social Media Content, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Content Marketing, Scheduling, Target Audience, Social Media Management, Customer Engagement
Mixed · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Digital Marketing Institute
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the social media marketing courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Start by identifying what you want to accomplish—growing a brand, launching paid campaigns, managing content, or preparing for a digital marketing career.
These beginner-friendly courses introduce key platforms, planning strategies, and content creation:
Yes. You can start learning social media marketing on Coursera for free in two ways:
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.
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.
No experience is required. Many Coursera courses are built for beginners and guide you through key concepts, tools, and best practices step by step.
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.