How to Become a LinkedIn Learning Instructor: The Definitive Guide for Aspiring Online Educators

Have you ever considered becoming an instructor on LinkedIn Learning and teaching online courses? As the world’s largest professional networking platform, LinkedIn is an excellent way to establish your authority in a subject area and earn income through their LinkedIn Learning platform.

But how exactly do you become a LinkedIn Learning instructor? What qualifications and skills are required? And how much money can you realistically make creating online courses? This definitive guide answers all those questions and more.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what it takes to create courses on one of the hottest eLearning platforms today. Time to skill up!

Overview: What is LinkedIn Learning and What Does an Instructor Do?

Before we dive into becoming an instructor, let’s quickly overview what LinkedIn Learning is and what instructors on the platform do.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is an eLearning platform focused on teaching business, technology, and creative skills through online video courses. It was acquired by LinkedIn in 2015.

As of 2022, LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000+ expert-led courses spanning business, creative, and technology topics. Some popular courses include instructional design, project management, leadership communication, photography, web development and more.

Over 30 million professionals have taken courses on LinkedIn Learning for skills development. Many companies also purchase enterprise licenses that allow their employees unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning’s courses as part of talent development programs.

As an instructor on LinkedIn Learning, you would be responsible for:

• Creating online video courses in your subject area of expertise
• Filming professional studio-quality videos
• Structuring effective lessons with learning objectives
• Engaging on-camera presence and clear communication
• Promoting your courses to build your personal brand, authority, and reach

It’s a great way to teach students worldwide while getting paid. But becoming a LinkedIn Learning instructor has some definite requirements.

Also read: How Much is LinkedIn Learning? An In-Depth Guide

LinkedIn Learning Instructor Requirements

LinkedIn Learning has strict standards for instructors creating courses on their platform. Specifically, you must have:

✅ Deep subject-matter expertise: At least 7-10+ years of professional work experience

✅ Teaching experience: Some background in teaching, training or presenting preferred

✅ On-camera presence: Ability to present confidently on video

✅ Production skills: Familiar with video recording equipment/software

✅ Authoring experience: Background creating lessons, course syllabi etc.

It’s a high bar. LinkedIn Learning only works with credible experts in their field. But the impact is higher quality courses focused on real-world skills.

This table summarizes the key LinkedIn Learning instructor requirements:

Requirement	Description
Subject expertise	7-10+ years of deep work experience in your field
Teaching experience	Some background in training, instructional design or presenting preferred
On-camera presence	Ability to present smoothly and confidently on video
Production skills	Familiar with video recording equipment and editing software
Authoring experience	Background creating lessons, course syllabi, assignments etc.

“But I’m an expert in my field. Isn’t that enough to teach?”

LinkedIn wants well-rounded instructors who can communicate effectively on camera, engage learners, and design courses – not just subject matter experts.

Think of your favorite professors. Typically the best educators don’t just have depth of knowledge – they also have charisma and press your thinking with good questions, exercises and debates.

LinkedIn Learning looks for that same teaching caliber in their instructors. Expertise is expected; passion for instructional design excellence is required too.

But if you have subject-matter mastery and are willing to level up your video, design, and communication skills, you can meet LinkedIn’s standards for instructors.

Next, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of actually becoming a LinkedIn Learning instructor…

Also read: Is LinkedIn Learning Worth It? An In-Depth Analysis

How to Become a LinkedIn Learning Instructor in 5 Steps

If you meet LinkedIn Learning’s criteria, here is the 5-step process to become an instructor:

Step 1: Create a Stellar LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn obviously wants instructors who understand their platform.

You need a complete LinkedIn profile highlighting your expertise.

Include rich media like Slideshares, credentials, certifications, projects, etc. Show you know how to leverage LinkedIn professionally.

Step 2: Prepare an Instructor Application

Next, visit the LinkedIn Learning instructor page and complete their application.

You’ll need to submit:

• Professional headshot
• Updated CV summarizing your experience
• Links to profiles, media, and published works demonstrating your expertise
• Description of courses you could create
• Video introduction

Take your time preparing a standout application. Really sell why you’re qualified to be an instructor on LinkedIn Learning’s platform.

Step 3: Nail the Interview Process

If your application makes the cut, the next step is a series of instructor interviews:

1) Screening Call

An initial call with a LinkedIn Learning recruiter reviewing your background, skills and proposed course ideas.

2) Sample Video Interview

Next you’ll be asked to record a 5-10 minute “sample video” on a topic that you would teach. This video should demonstrate your on-camera capabilities.

3) Executive Interviews

Finally, a series of interviews with senior leadership evaluating your subject expertise, communication ability and passion for the LinkedIn Learning mission.

Treat the full interview process as a rigorous assessment. LinkedIn Learning has exceptionally high standards so come prepared to wow them.

Step 4: Complete Instructor Training

Made an offer? Congratulations! Your hard work paid off.

Next you’ll complete LinkedIn Learning’s instructor training program on creating online courses. Training covers:

• Filming professional studio videos
• Structuring lessons and assignments
• Developing assessments to test understanding
• Authoring tools to build rich interactive course content

You’ll also receive a coach to mentor you as you create your first course.

Training prepares you to meet LinkedIn Learning production standards when filming your own courses. It’s an invaluable opportunity to develop sought-after skills in online instruction.

Step 5: Keep Creating Awesome Courses

Once your first course launches, it’s time to start planning additional courses to add to LinkedIn Learning’s catalog!

Some tips:

• Analyze trending topics and pitch relevant course ideas
• Promote your LinkedIn Learning courses to grow your reach and personal brand
• Ask students for feedback to improve future classes
• Maintain consistently high course ratings

The more courses you create, the more revenue you can potentially generate as a LinkedIn Learning instructor over time.

But focus first on quality over quantity; deeper engagement drives more organic course promotion. Aim to build lifelong learners hungry for your educational content!

Also read: How to Use LinkedIn Learning: The Complete Guide

LinkedIn Learning Instructor Salary: How Much Do Instructors Make?

Many aspiring LinkedIn Learning instructors first want to know:

How much money can I make teaching online courses? What is the actual earning potential?

It’s a reasonable question. Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not publicly share instructor payment details or rates. Compensation varies based on factors like:

• Course length
• Production budget
• Subject matter
• Instructor experience

However, based on anonymous reports from current LinkedIn Learning instructors, here are rough estimates on average earnings potential:

Per Course Fees

Instructors receive a fixed development fee per course, typically ranging from $3,000-$15,000+ depending on the above factors.

You also get paid a smaller fee every time LinkedIn Learning repurposes snippets of your courses for other products like LinkedIn Learning Paths.

Royalties

For some courses, you may receive royalties based on a % of revenue or profit sharing. But this is only offered selectively to top-producing instructors.

Royalties obviously have a higher earning upside long-term versus a fixed fee. But you likely won’t qualify for royalties until you have multiple popular courses driving significant revenue.

Total Income Potential

Based on instructor reports, it seems possible for experienced instructors to generate around $30,000 – $100,000+ per year in total course development fees plus royalties.

But achieving that level of income takes years to build up a portfolio of high-quality, sought-after courses.

This table summarizes the potential earning model as a LinkedIn Learning instructor:

Payment Type	Typical Amount
Course development fee	$3,000 – $15,000 per course
Product snippet fees	Small additional fees
Royalties	% of course revenue or profit share
Total income potential	$30,000 – $100,000+ per year

So in summary, don’t expect to earn a huge full-time income right away as a new LinkedIn Learning instructor.

But through consistently publishing popular courses, there is a strong upside in earning potential long-term.

Also read: How to Cancel LinkedIn Learning

Benefits of Becoming a LinkedIn Learning Instructor

Besides potential income, what are the other advantages of creating courses for LinkedIn Learning’s platform?

Build Your Personal Brand & Authority

LinkedIn Learning courses are indexed by Google, appear in search results, and prominently feature instructor profiles.

That gives you a powerful tool for increasing discoverability and establishing expertise. Promoting your own high-quality courses builds authority.

Sophia Li, a top nutrition coach and instructor on LinkedIn Learning, expanded her audience from 5,000 to over 330,000 followers in 2 years largely thanks to her courses.

Develop Transferrable Skills

The ability to create professional online education content is extremely valuable across many industries today.

As a LinkedIn Learning instructor you’ll gain skills like:

✔ Video production

✔ Presenting on camera

✔ Instructional design

✔ Speaking/communication skills

These transferrable skills open future job opportunities in corporate learning & development, consulting, executive coaching and much more.

Even if you don’t continue actively publishing courses long-term, the knowledge will serve you for decades in our digital world.

Give Back and Change Lives

Lastly, teaching is extraordinarily rewarding when you empower learners and see their skills transform. Knowing your courses positively impact careers or businesses worldwide is gratifying.

Sonia Molloy, instructor on leadership and emotional intelligence, says LinkedIn Learning analytics on the career changes from her courses are the most meaningful part of teaching.

So if you love mentoring others, becoming a LinkedIn Learning instructor allows you to give back through knowledge and change lives in the process!

LinkedIn Learning Instructor Application Tips To Get Accepted

If you want to become a LinkedIn Learning instructor after reading this, here are some final top tips when applying:

Highlight teaching experience: Formally or informally via workshops, coaching, pro-bono training, etc.

Emphasize soft skills: Communication ability, emotional intelligence, and likability matter!

Pitch unique perspectives: Interesting personal stories or diverse viewpoints make standout courses.

Have course ideas drafted: Know exactly what you’d teach with course outlines prepared.

Meeting LinkedIn Learning’s selective instructor criteria is challenging but incredibly rewarding for those accepted. With determination and the right skills, you can land your dream job sharing knowledge with professionals worldwide!

Next Steps to Become a LinkedIn Learning Instructor

Ready to skill up careers by creating powerful courses that drive impact?

Here are some recommended next steps:

• Complete your LinkedIn profile to demonstrate subject mastery
• Prepare teaching samples to highlight instructional abilities
• Brainstorm hot course topic ideas aligned to market needs
• Review LinkedIn Learning instructor criteria to self-assess gaps
• Check out LinkedIn Learning competitor platforms like Udemy
• Reach out for mentorship from current LinkedIn Learning instructors

When you’re ready, start your application to become a LinkedIn Learning instructor!

I’m excited for your future journey of cultivating skills for the next generation of business leaders and innovators. Now get out there, learn something new, and uplift others with the power of knowledge.

Also read: Does LinkedIn Premium include learning?

Frequently Asked Questions