Top Social Media Marketing Certificates & Certifications Online

In today’s digitally-focused world, online marketing is a popular and ever-growing field.

Social media in particular has become a very lucrative market for businesses, boasting over 4.9 billion users across multiple platforms, just waiting to click ‘add to cart.’ This makes social media marketing a fulfilling and lucrative career choice for those who currently work in or are interested in digital marketing. Consisting of developing brand identity and increasing brand awareness, social media marketers are essential to any company that sells products or services online.

Noble Desktop: Social Media Marketing Certificate

Key Information: This live online course costs $4,100 and can be paid in monthly installments or in full at the time you register. Consisting of 72 hours of hands-on instruction, this training has eight units that don’t need to be taken in a particular order.

This course will cover platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook and how you can best leverage them to engage your customers with your business. You’ll learn to determine the right social media platform for your goals, develop a successful social media strategy, create content that increases engagement and sales, expand your reach and following, and use marketing analytics to track your results. 

This program uses real-world project examples to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement. You’ll have a full year to retake any part of the course for free. Upon completion, you’ll receive your certificate that can be added to your resume, portfolio, LinkedIn, or website.

ECornell: Social Media Marketing Certificate

Key Information: Led by several industry experts, this in-depth course takes approximately three months to complete with five to seven hours of coursework per week. Held 100% online, this course features on-demand lessons and a live online marketing symposium. The program costs $3,750 to attend which can be paid in full or broken up into monthly installments. Discounts are available for veterans, active military, and Cornell alumni. 

This program will examine a variety of social media platform best practices that can be implemented to help you design a robust social marketing strategy and create brand-centered content. You’ll learn to structure an influencer campaign, create a proactive cross-platform social listening and community management system, and create effective marketing content that can be used across the purchase funnel. 

Every student who attends this course also gets a free year of Symposium access where they can attend live, interactive Zoom discussions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore the marketing industry’s most pressing topics. Upon completion, you’ll earn a Social Media Marketing Certificate from Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and 84 professional development hours (8.4 CEUs).

Digital Marketing Institute: Social Media Marketing Course (Professional Certification)

Key Information: This course consists of 25 hours of curriculum that can be completed over 24 weeks. On average, it takes approximately 8-10 weeks to finish. The total cost for this program is $1442 which can be paid in full or paid in manageable monthly installments. By signing up for the course, you become a Power Member, giving you six free months of access to the latest courseware, toolkits, continued professional development, and a vibrant community of members. 

If you’re looking to develop true expertise in social media, then give this course a try. Made up of ten modules, this program will teach you to leverage a variety of platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter). You’ll also examine the customer experience, learning how to break down your audience into buyer personas so you can better understand them. You’ll end the course learning how to combine all this new knowledge to craft a top-notch social strategy that effortlessly ties into and boosts your overall marketing strategy. 

Coursera: Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate

Key Information: This Meta-specific social media marketing course takes approximately seven months to complete with an estimated ten hours of work each week. This course is included for free with your Coursera membership, which is $39 per month. So, if you complete the course in seven months, the total cost would be $273 (and you would also have access to the rest of Coursera’s free courses for members).

This program is designed to teach you how to create Facebook and Instagram profiles that people will want to follow. Made up of six courses, this training was designed by experts at Meta and Aptly as an introduction to digital marketing and all the major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok) that provide the skills and tools needed to grow an engaging social community and run successful social media advertising.

At the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio of work that you can present to recruiters or add to your resume or website. You’ll earn both a Professional Certificate and the Meta Digital Marketing Associate Certification, exemplifying your skills in social media marketing and Meta Ads Manager to potential employers.

HootSuite: Social Media Marketing Certification Course

Key Information: This industry-recognized certification program costs $199 to attend. There is a free demo of the course that you can watch before enrolling to make sure that the course is the right choice for you. Broken up into five lessons and the final exam, this course consists of 3.5 hours of coursework and then 60 minutes for the test. 

Designed with the help of social media marketing strategists and practitioners, this training will help you develop the foundational skills that any social media marketer will need to grow a following, engage their community, and create positive business results. You’ll start by studying social media strategy and then progress to content development, accessibility and inclusivity, and how to build a community and measure success. 

Once you pass the final exam you’ll receive your permanent online certificate. Link to it from your blog, website, or any other online profile (like LinkedIn) to showcase your digital expertise.

Boot Camp Digital: Social Media Marketing Master Certification

Key Information: This course consists of 42 hours of coursework and you have up to a year to complete. With a price tag of $997, you also get access to bonus exclusive courses, two best-selling book PDFs, tool discounts, and additional crash courses.

Taught by leading digital marketing experts, will cover all the major facets of social media marketing: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and blogging. There are over 300 videos, downloads, checklists, templates, cheat sheets, office hours with your instructor, monthly Q&A calls, and a private Facebook group to aid in your learning. 

Once you’ve passed your exam with at least a 70%, you’ll submit your action plan to receive your social media marketing certificate that can be displayed on your website or LinkedIn. This course is approved by OMCP as a Registered Education Provider and prepares you to pass the OMCP exam, which can be taken separately.

HootSuite: Advanced Social Media Strategy Certification

Key Information: This intensive course has a one-time fee of $999 and takes approximately 20 hours to complete from start to certification. Designed for experienced practitioners interested in developing the strategy skills needed to lead an organization, students should have a firm grasp of marketing fundamentals before taking this course.

Created by Syracuse University’s renowned S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, you'll work your way through eight chapters focusing on research, strategy, content creation, influencers, management, governance, implementation, and tracking. You’ll also learn about the POEM model and how to apply it to your campaigns. 

Once you’ve passed the final exam with at least a 75%, you’ll receive your certificate that can be added to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile. You can retake the exam as many times as you need to pass.

Online Marketing Institute: Social Media Marketing Certification (Level 2)

Key Information: Designed to expand your already existing skills, this training consists of ten classes with more than six hours of online instruction. This course costs $859 and can be paid in full or in three installments. 

This course will start with an introduction to social media marketing and then move on to video and YouTube creation, the fundamentals of blogging, social and display retargeting, and social media content, SEO, and measurement. You’ll learn how to leverage LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest to achieve your marketing goals. By the end of this course, you’ll have mastered how to craft relevant informational content and engage in authentic and non-spammy ways.

This class will end with a final exam and, once you’ve received a passing grade, you‘ll be sent your certificate to add to your online profiles and resume. 

FAQ for Social Media Marketing Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

Both certificate and certification programs can provide a quality education, but there are some key distinctions between them. Keep reading below to learn the differences so that you can choose the right training for you.

Often categorized as continuing education or professional development, a certificateis granted after the completion of a course or training. You’ll often see mid-career professionals pursuing certificates to build upon or develop high-demand skills in their industry. Others might be looking to change their careers or pivot into new roles and can gain an advantage and much-needed new experience from a certificate program.

Certificate programs typically require fewer credits than an associate degree as they tend to include just a few select courses in a particular subject matter. These courses are noncredit programs sponsored by educational institutions with designated learning objectives and a specific curriculum. Held in regular classrooms or taken online, they are typically shorter than other graduate programs (like an associate or bachelor's degree). A certificate can certainly add value to your resume, but it’s important to note that it won't carry the same weight as an actual degree, which is commonly required for many jobs.

Your other option is a certification, which is a professional credential that you earn through a training program or assessment. These certifications typically culminate in a final exam or test and are required for promotions or career advancement in a wide range of job fields.

Certifications can help to increase your pay, lead to potential promotions, and enhance your professional prowess. Some fields may even require that your certifications be renewed at regular intervals to keep up with evolving industry standards. In these cases, companies often cover the cost of certification, as these credentials can bring value to the workplace. 

Examples of certifications can be found through companies like Salesforce and HubSpot. Common (and highly respected) social media marketing certifications can be acquired through organizations like the Meta Blueprint.

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

There are many factors worth considering when choosing between a certificate and a certification. If you’re hoping to change careers entirely and need to learn as much about your new industry as possible, then a certificate could be the right choice. If you are established in your field and want to level up to a new title or salary, then a certification course is probably the right route. 

How much time and money you are able to commit will be a factor in this decision as well. If your company requires a certification for you to advance in your career, then most likely they will either pay in full or offer assistance for your certification course. Both certificates and certifications can vary in length, so it’s important to be mindful of how long the program lasts. If you’re looking to change careers quickly, then a shorter-length certificate can be a great choice. If you aren’t on a time crunch, then studying and preparing for a certification program (which can often take several months) could be a more comprehensive option for you. 

Regardless of whether you choose to pursue a certificate or a certification, both can give you an upper hand in your professional development and expand your skill set, making you highly desirable within your current field or a new one. Employers value employees who continually improve and innovate, especially in the ever-changing field of social media marketing. It takes dedication and passion to stay up-to-date on all the current best practices and trends, so earning a certificate or certification can be a great way to showcase your ability to adapt.

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

It isn’t necessary to be certified to find a new job, but it can give you a strategic advantage. Think about this: It's projected that $130.5 billion of total social media ad spending will be generated through mobile by 2027 and that there will be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.2% by 2030 for new users. It’s this demand within the industry and the desirability of the job that led to CNNMoney recently featuring social media managers among the top 100 Best Jobs in America.

Being certified, whether that’s through a certificate or certification program, can set you apart from the potentially thousands of other applicants. It will show your passion and commitment to the field and provide you with enhanced skills that applicants fresh out of college or new to the industry may not possess. Specific to social media marketing, these programs can show you’re up-to-date on necessary skills in a constantly evolving industry. Being certified gives you the best chance possible to stand out with recruiters and managers, so attending a social media marketing course is worth the investment.

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Are you finding it difficult to decide which certificate program is right for you? Perhaps you’re stuck choosing between online and in-person, or are unsure about the differences between live and on-demand classes. While all of these options offer a pathway to certification in social media marketing, they each have their own pros and cons that you should weigh.

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

There are several things to consider when deciding whether an online or in-person class is best for you. Your personal preferences, location, and schedule (among many other things) will help you choose, so having a full understanding of your needs and wants will be crucial. Read below for some of the top things to consider when choosing between an in-person or online class.

• Location: Where you’re located can often determine what classes are accessible for you. There are most likely in-person classes available near you If you live in a major city. If you reside in a smaller city or a rural area, online classes may be the easiest option that can help you avoid long commutes to classes in nearby places. Or, maybe you do live in a bustling city like Los Angeles or Seattle but can’t stand the thought of spending more time in your car, waiting in traffic, and dealing with parking. Whatever the reason, your location will play a large role in your choice of class.
• Learning style: Do you excel in a collaborative hands-on learning environment? Or, do you prefer a calm, solitary place to focus on your studies? In-person classes can be a great way to engage with other students, ask questions and get answers from your instructor in real time, and problem-solve on the fly when you come across any difficult lessons. In contrast, online classes are ideal for those who prefer a more intimate learning environment. Live online classes will still allow you to interact with an expert instructor while also allowing you to choose your learning environment, whether that’s in your living room, at your local library, or tucked away in your favorite coffee house.
• Schedule: The hours you work and your various other time commitments will play a crucial part in your choice of class. While in-person classes are commonly considered the most efficient way to learn, they do demand that you attend class at a set time and in a set location. On-demand online classes offer increased flexibility for those with varying work schedules, or those who live in a different time zone than a course is offered. You can choose when and where you learn and you can stop and start your classes whenever you need, allowing you more time to focus on difficult lessons or projects. 
• Materials, supplies, and space: It’s important to make note of what is included in your training course. In-person classes will typically provide all the needed materials and supplies, as well as an appropriate space to learn. Online classes, however, commonly require students to buy certain supplies or materials outside in addition to what’s provided in the online curriculum. (Luckily, for social media marketing, the required supplies are minimal, usually only consisting of a laptop, mobile phone, and wifi.)

Taking all of these factors into consideration will help ensure that you choose the best class for you so that you can earn your certificate in web design and usher your career into its next chapter.

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

There are two main versions of virtual classes: live and on-demand. Live online courses require all those enrolled to meet at scheduled times for live teaching with an expert instructor. On-demand classes, also known as pre-recorded or asynchronous classes, have no set times for class. You will learn each lesson at your own pace and can typically submit questions to your instructor to be answered at a later date. 

Live online classes offer a lot of the same benefits as in-person classes. You’ll be able to ask questions and receive answers in real-time and, potentially, even work with other students in breakout sessions. These classes provide a more collaborative learning environment and the scheduled class times and set deadlines can provide a level of accountability that some students may find valuable. 

On-demand classes are best suited for self-motivated students. Because these classes also often lack hard deadlines (usually setting a maximum window of time in which your course should be completed), students can spend as much time on each lesson as they choose. The caveat with pre-recorded classes is that, if you do have any questions, you’ll have to wait for your answers or join virtual office hours, if they’re offered. 

If both of these class styles appeal to you, it’s important to note that there are also hybrid online classes. These will typically have on-demand lessons and tests with a few scheduled live sessions for discussion, presentations, or collaborative projects.