If you’re a course creator, coach, or community builder, chances are you’ve come across Skool, a growing platform founded by Sam Ovens in 2019. Skool has been designed to bring education and community under one roof. In 2025, Skool has continued to gain traction as an all-in-one solution for hosting content, managing members, and building recurring revenue.
So, let’s dive into what makes Skool different, the pros and cons, how pricing works, and what to expect when launching your own community.
What Is Skool?
Skool is an online platform that combines three key features into one:
Community: Think of it as a private Facebook group without the distractions or ads.
Classroom: Upload your courses, PDFs, videos, and resources in a clean, structured format.
Calendar: Schedule live events, group calls, or coaching sessions with ease.
What makes Skool unique is how seamlessly it brings these elements together, creating an engaging hub for both free and paid members. The dashboard is also super user-friendly but I’ll cover more of that soon.
How Much Does Skool Cost?
Skool offer two plans. A ‘Premium’ plan at $99 USD/month and a ‘Hobby’ Plan at $9 USD/ month. Both plans offer unlimited community members but there are some differences with the Hobby Plan taking 10% per month of any revenue generated compared to 2.5% for the Premium Plan. This pricing structure is refreshingly simple compared to platforms that charge based on subscribers or tiers.
There are no hidden fees, and you’re free to set your own membership pricing, from free groups to premium communities . The main takeaway? Skool works. But, be WARNED, it requires your attention, energy, and consistent engagement to truly thrive. If you’re not ready to show up for your members regularly, it may not be the right time.
Because members are paying a monthly subscription fee, they deserve and expect your regular involvement in weekly livestreams or addressing questions. It is NOT a set and forget community.
Pros of Using Skool
Here’s what stood out as major benefits during my time using Skool:
Predictable, Flat Pricing
No complex tiered plans or growth penalties. Just $99/month (at the time of writing) or start with the $9/month plan, whether you’re just starting or scaling fast.
All-in-One Simplicity
Skool brings your courses, community discussions, and event scheduling into one intuitive dashboard.
Engaged Member Experience
Members can unlock content as they progress, earn points through participation, and feel part of something bigger.
Scalable Monetization
You control your pricing. Some communities charge $10/month, while others charge $500+. Many creators are earning five to six figures per month by providing real value.
Affiliate Program
Skool rewards you for referring new members with a generous recurring commission of $40 USD per person. This is certainly helpful for creators looking to monetize beyond just community fees.
What to Consider Before Launching
While Skool has many upsides, there are a few things you should know before diving in:
You Must Stay Involved
Skool isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it platform. Members expect fresh content, regular updates, and your ongoing presence.
You’re Responsible for Promotion
Skool doesn’t market your community for you. Unlike Udemy or other course marketplaces, you’ll need to drive traffic and visibility yourself, through YouTube, email, social media, or ads.
Cancellation of Your Community Requires Communication
If you decide to close your group, you’ll need to give your members a minimum of 30 days notice so they’re not billed unexpectedly. This means planning ahead and being transparent.
Who Is Skool Best For?
Skool is a great fit for:
Course creators who want more than just a learning platform
Coaches and consultants building paid communities
Experts with a niche audience and valuable knowledge to share
Creators tired of juggling multiple tools (Facebook Groups, Zoom, Kajabi, Teachable, Discord etc.)
You don’t need to be a celebrity or have a massive following. If you’re a few steps ahead of your ideal member and committed to helping them grow, that’s more than enough to start.
Real Examples of Skool Success
The platform is home to thousands of thriving communities. Here are a few highlights:
A health-focused group for menopausal women has 13,000 members at $10/month—generating over $130,000/month.
A language teaching group charges $27/month with 309 members, earning $8,343/month.
Even free groups benefit from strong community building and affiliate growth.
These examples show the range of what’s possible, whether your goal is income, impact, or both. Skool is more than just a platform, it’s a business model and one that rewards consistency, authenticity, and a clear value proposition. If you have a skill, a message, or a mission to share, launching a Skool community might be the perfect next step. And if you’re like me, curious, experienced, but weighing the timing, it’s worth exploring now so you’re ready when the opportunity strikes.
One of Skool’s newest and most exciting features is native video hosting. Previously, you had to embed videos from external platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom. Now you can upload videos directly to Skool, creating a seamless viewing experience for your community members without any external distractions or ads. This makes the learning experience much more professional and focused.
You can still embed video links from external platforms if you prefer, and you can also upload other course materials and resources, such as photos, PDF documents, and links. Gamification refers to using game elements and design techniques in non-game contexts. In Skool, subscribers can earn points, badges, and ranks by completing tasks and participating in community discussions.
You can offer rewards and prizes and lock courses at certain levels to encourage engagement in your community. For example, I have a free Painters Hub community and locked some courses at certain levels. The members must engage in the group to unlock the courses and get points. This is done through other members liking your posts or comments…..
Source: Skool
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