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.

Best Social Media Marketing Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

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, Digital Media Strategy, 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 Marketing, Social Media Management, Social Media, Marketing Analytics, Target Audience, Marketing Budgets, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Instagram, Content Creation, Campaign Management, Marketing Effectiveness, Marketing, Performance Analysis, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Goal Setting, Advertising, 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: 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, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Campaigns, Content Marketing, Instagram, Content Management, 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
Status: AI skills
Google
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Search Engine Marketing, Media Planning, Social Media Marketing, Google Ads, Email Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Search Engine Optimization, Order Fulfillment, Social Media Management, Performance Measurement, Spreadsheet Software, A/B Testing, Customer Retention, 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
41K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
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
539 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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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
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Social Media Marketing Specialists
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Campaign Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Content Creation, Social Media Content, Innovation, Marketing Automation, Social Media Campaigns, Prompt Engineering, Instagram, Customer Engagement, Marketing Strategies, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
5.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Social Media Marketing Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Analytics, Social Media Marketing, Campaign Management, Communication, Analysis, Presentations, Social Media, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Marketing Planning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
661 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
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
341 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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
165 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks