Chances are that if you’ve been researching online learning platforms, you’ve come across Linkedin and Lynda, which are two of the most popular on the internet. These both offer some amazing online learning experiences and even team up with various educational institutions for their tutorials.
They also provide you with accreditation when you complete one of their many programs. The only thing, however, is that they’re seemingly so similar on the surface, that it can be difficult to decipher between the two. Which platform offers you the best resources?
If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, then don’t worry, you’re not alone. Below, we’ve compiled a handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about both Linkedin Learning vs Lynda, so that you have the entire low down.
We take a look at everything from content, to course quality, to course structure, to features, to price. Whatever you need to know, we cover it right here. To find out more, simply keep reading below, as we take a closer look.
What Is The Difference Between Lynda And LinkedIn Learning?
So, let’s start off our article by discussing the key differences between Lynda and Linkedin. Some of you who might have been trying to find more information on the internet about Lynda may have felt confused about its location.
Lynda used to be a completely separate identity from Linkedin until recent years when Linkedin decided to purchase the platform in 2015. Linkedin is now the owner of Lynda, and you’ll notice that even if you try to click on the Lynda website, you’ll be fully redirected to Linkedin.
This is a tad confusing for users who hadn’t realized that a transition had been made. Lynda, for all intents and purposes, has now become Linkedin Learning, which is the online resource we have today.
If you’ve been wondering what the key differences between Lynda and Linkedin Learning are, it’s simple. Linkedin Learning has merely added a few helpful features to help you get started on your educational journey.
Below, we examine some of the key additions made by the website, including any changes in price. To find out more, simply keep reading, as we take a closer look.
What Has Stayed The Same?
Before we jump straight into looking at some of the key differences between the two platforms, first, we should cover what has stayed the same despite new ownership.
When Linkedin Learning first acquired Lynda in 2015, many people were upset, as they feared that their favorite online learning resource would change beyond recognition. This simply isn’t the case though.
Linkedin Learning still harbors many of the same courses that Lynda did. In fact, it still houses its entire catalog in its resources. This seems to be the main thing that people feared would change during the transition.
But rest assured that if you loved the courses on Lynda, they’re all still on offer, plus lots more in the same format, on Linkedin Learning.
The reason why Linkedin chose to take over Lynda is that they’re passionate about providing people with the educational resources they need. After all, education and careers are inextricably linked to one another, and this is the key motivation for the website.
In this case, we wouldn’t recommend transitioning to a different online learning platform simply because it’s changed ownership, because at its base it’s very similar. You can still partake in all the courses you did previously.
The good thing is that it’s super easy to integrate your regular Linkedin account with Linkedin Learning too. Instead of having to make a separate Lynda account or a separate Linkedin Learning account, you can just use your everyday Linkedin account to log in. This helps to make things much easier.
The reason why it’s so simple is that Linkedin wanted to create a highly integrated experience for their users. They wanted it to feel like all of their different platforms were connected.
This is also the case if you’re an instructor using the platform. You might be worried that you’ll be required to create new login credentials to start teaching, but just like with Linkedin users, you can simply use your current ones to start using the platform immediately.
The Key Differences Between LinkedIn Learning And Lynda
Now that we’ve taken a look at what’s stayed the same during the platform’s transition, we can move on to discuss some of the changes that have been implemented. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Linkedin Learning platform, and what it offers former Lynda users.
LinkedIn Learning Certificates
One of the new key features that Linkedin Learning offers, that you couldn’t acquire previously on Lynda, is course certificates. Linkedin course certificates make absolute sense.
Because Linkedin is a platform that’s primarily concerned with setting people up for their dream careers, giving a certificate at the completion of a course that you can then put on your CV is an excellent way to show your knowledge.
These certificates are offered across each different LinkedIn Learning subscription package on offer and aren’t limited to individual ones. Business and organizational subscriptions can also acquire certificates too.
Each course that isn’t a ‘weekly tip’ course, which essentially means a course that’s being updated continuously, will contain a certificate at the end. So, you’ll always have something to show for all the hard work you’ve put in.
The individual courses will be automatically generated after you complete the course so that you can show them to prospective employers.
Personalized Courses
One of the most significant differences between Lynda and Linkedin Learning is that the latter can offer you personalized courses. But what exactly is meant by this? What do personalized classes involve?
So, the website can actually generate courses for you that they think might be a good match. If for example, the platform sees that you like taking baking classes, let’s say, it will continue to generate online courses that have these course materials in mind.
This ultimately makes it easier for you to find classes that appeal to you, without having to drudge through a large pile like with Lynda.
It will also make its recommendation based on your own particular skill level, be that novice or expert, or anything in between. As well as this, it will also take your job role into consideration to provide you with a tailored experience.
Their main goal is to create a supportive community of people who are interested in the same things. Linkedin Learning is so great, in fact, that it can actually help to set you up with courses in your local area, allowing you to connect with others who share your passion and live in close proximity.
You can join in on learning groups, which is a great way to meet other people and discuss the courses that you’ve all been collectively learning. There are also Q and A course pages, which allow you to ask your LinkedIn Learning instructors any burning questions you have about the course in question.
Price
The next item that we’re going to be looking at is price. What are the main price differences between Lynda and Linkedin Learning, and has there been a significant change since the latter has taken over the company?
Well, for those of you who are worried that the LinkedIn Learning pricing might have dramatically escalated, we’re here to reassure you that this simply isn’t the case.
For those of you who have been using Lynda for a long time, you’ll know that they charge 29.99 dollars per month for a subscription to their website.
The good news is that Linkedin Learning also offers a monthly subscription for 29.99. So, they’re the exact same price! You can seamlessly switch from one to the other without having to spend any extra money.
In fact, by signing up for Linkedin Learning, you could actually end up getting yourself a better deal than you did with Lynda. How so? We hear you ask.
Well, previously, Lynda charged their users a 359.88 payment to sign up for their website for the entire year. This meant that you could make a lump sum payment, without having to worry about transitioning money over from your bank account on a monthly basis.
Well, if you choose to do the same with Linkedin Learning after deciding that you like the platform enough, you can also make an annual payment. The annual payment for Linkedin Learning comes in at 299.88 dollars per year. That’s right! It’s significantly cheaper than the subscription to Lynda.
So, if you were to make a yearly subscription to Linkedin learning, this would mean that you’d only be paying 24.99 dollars per month if you divided the number by 12. With all the added features of Linkedin Learning too, it’s really worth the money, and quite the bargain.
LinkedIn Premium
One of the key differences between Lynda and Linkedin Learning is that the latter offers you the opportunity to subscribe to Linkedin Learning Premium. This platform allows you to take better control of your networking circle, and ultimately create better connections.
Linkedin Premium is essentially a package deal that’s offered to users for a fee of 29.99 and 99.95 dollars per month. This might seem strange, but the cost can vary greatly depending on a number of different factors.
The key difference here is whether you’re a job seeker, recruiter, salesperson, or business owner. This comes free, however, if you’re currently subscribed to Linkedin Learning.
One of the most appealing features of Linkedin Premium is that it allows you to use a feature called InMail. On regular Linkedin, you can’t contact people unless you’ve connected with them. But with Linkedin Premium, you can message people who aren’t on your contact list via email.
So, for example, let’s say that you can come across a particular company whilst browsing Linkedin that you thought might be a perfect fit for you. With the standard version, you would have no way of making yourself known to potential employers.
But with the premium version, you can contact important people within the company, and send over your CV for consideration.
This helps you to build relationships with companies you’re interested in, and could even see you receiving an interview for your dream career.
Another amazing feature provided by Linkedin Premium is the ‘Who’s Viewed Your Profile’, function. Many of us are curious about who’s actually spending time looking at our LinkedIn profile, but, we have no way of knowing.
With Linkedin Premium, you can find out the names and profiles of those who have checked you out. The great thing is that it shows you, everyone who’s looked at it for the past 90 days, so you can work your way back too.
This allows you to gauge the interest that hiring managers have in you, and whether or not you’re being frequently visited by recruiters.
Finally, another great feature of Linkedin Premium is application insights. This feature matches you with a potential job role and provides you with analytics to show you how well-suited you are for the job.
This will help to give you an insight into how your regular or new skills match up with those required by the company.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Lynda and Linkedin Learning are similar in many ways. The key difference is that Linkedin Learning offers a number of additional features, such as access to Linkedin Premium, certificates upon course completion, and personalized LinkedIn Learning courses.