What Masterclass is and how the subscription model works
Masterclass is an online learning platform where instructors teach courses on topics like writing, cooking, business, science, and the arts. You pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to watch video lessons from your account. The platform does not charge per course — once you subscribe, you can watch as many courses as you want during your subscription period.
Masterclass courses are structured as video series. Each course contains multiple lessons, usually between 10 and 20 videos per course. You watch on demand through the Masterclass website or mobile app, meaning you choose when and where to watch rather than attending live sessions. Most courses also include downloadable workbooks or materials related to the subject matter.
The subscription renews automatically each month or year, depending on which plan you choose. You can cancel at any time, and your access ends when the current billing period expires — you do not get a refund for the unused portion of the period.
Key Takeaways
- Masterclass charges a monthly subscription or an annual subscription, with the annual plan costing less per month than paying monthly.
- Once you subscribe, you can watch any course in the Masterclass library as many times as you want during your subscription.
- Courses are self-paced video lessons you watch on demand, not live classes with set meeting times.
- Your subscription renews automatically, and you must cancel before the next billing date to stop being charged.
- Masterclass occasionally offers discounted rates to new subscribers, though the discount period and amount vary.
Monthly and annual subscription pricing
Masterclass offers two main subscription options: a monthly plan and an annual plan. The monthly plan renews every 30 days. The annual plan renews once per year and costs less per month than the monthly option when you divide the total by 12.
Prices vary by region and change over time. Masterclass also runs promotional offers for new subscribers at different times, so the price a new subscriber pays may differ from the standard rate. The best way to see current pricing is to visit the Masterclass website and check the subscription page for your location.
Both plans give you the same access to all courses in the library. The difference is only in how often you are charged and the total cost per month. Some people choose the monthly plan to test the service before committing to a year. Others choose the annual plan to lock in a lower monthly rate.
What courses are included and how to access them
Your subscription includes access to the entire Masterclass course library. The library contains courses taught by well-known instructors in fields like writing (taught by authors), cooking (taught by chefs), business (taught by entrepreneurs and executives), photography, music production, and other subjects. New courses are added periodically, and all are included in your subscription at no extra cost.
You access courses through the Masterclass website or by downloading the Masterclass app on iOS or Android devices. After you log in with your account, you can browse the course catalog, select a course, and begin watching. You can pause, rewind, and rewatch lessons as many times as you want. Most courses allow you to read workbooks or supplementary materials to your device.
Masterclass does not offer certificates of completion or formal credentials. The courses are for personal learning and skill development, not for earning degrees or professional certifications.
How to start and cancel your subscription
To start a Masterclass subscription, you visit the Masterclass website, choose a subscription plan (monthly or annual), and enter your payment information. You will need an email address to create an account. Payment is processed when ready, and your access begins right away. You can start watching courses within minutes of subscribing.
To cancel, you log into your Masterclass account, go to the account settings or subscription section, and select the option to cancel. The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You keep access to all courses until that date passes. Masterclass does not charge you again after you cancel, as long as you cancel before the next billing date.
If you cancel during a billing period and later want to resubscribe, you can do so by going through the sign-up process again. Masterclass may offer a promotional rate to returning subscribers, though this is not may provide.
Payment methods and billing details
Masterclass accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and may accept other payment methods depending on your region. When you subscribe, you provide a card number and billing address. The charge appears on your statement under the name Masterclass or a related company name.
Your billing date is the same day each month (for monthly plans) or the same date each year (for annual plans). For example, if you subscribe on the 15th of a month, you will be charged on the 15th of each following month. If you subscribe on January 31st to an annual plan, you will be charged on January 31st of the following year.
If your payment method fails or expires, Masterclass will attempt to charge you using the card on file. If the charge fails repeatedly, your subscription may be suspended until you update your payment information. Check your account settings regularly to make sure your payment method is current.
Comparing Masterclass to other online learning platforms
Other platforms offer online courses with different pricing and access models. Udemy sells individual courses at one-time prices rather than subscriptions, so you own each course permanently. Skillshare uses a subscription model similar to Masterclass but focuses on creative skills and charges a different monthly rate. Coursera offers courses from universities and institutions, with some free options and others requiring payment per course or specialization.
The main difference between Masterclass and these alternatives is the instructor focus and course structure. Masterclass emphasizes courses taught by well-known professionals and celebrities in their fields, while other platforms may feature instructors who are experts but not necessarily famous. Masterclass courses are also typically shorter and more focused on creative or professional skills rather than academic subjects or technical certifications.
If you are deciding between platforms, consider what subjects interest you, whether you prefer a subscription or one-time purchase model, and whether you need a certificate or credential. Each platform serves different learning goals.
What happens to your account if you stop paying
If your subscription lapses because a payment fails and you do not update your payment method, your access to Masterclass courses ends. You cannot watch new lessons or access the platform until you resubscribe and your payment goes through.
If you intentionally cancel your subscription, your access ends on the last day of your billing period. After that date, you cannot log in or watch courses unless you subscribe again. Masterclass does not save your viewing history or progress indefinitely after cancellation, though some platforms do retain this information for a limited time if you resubscribe.
There is no penalty for canceling, and you do not owe anything beyond the current billing period. You can resubscribe at any time by going through the sign-up process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Masterclass account with family members?
Masterclass terms of service state that each subscription is for personal use by one person. Sharing login credentials with others violates the terms. However, some households use the same account for family members who watch together. Masterclass's enforcement of this policy varies, but technically each person should have their own subscription.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No. Masterclass does not issue refunds for unused time in a billing period. If you cancel on the 10th of a month but your billing period runs through the 30th, you keep access through the 30th but do not receive a refund for the remaining days. Your cancellation takes effect at the end of the current period.
Can I read Masterclass videos to watch offline?
The Masterclass app allows you to read videos to your mobile device for offline viewing. You can watch downloaded videos without an internet connection. However, you must remain subscribed — downloaded videos become unavailable once your subscription ends or you cancel.
What if I forget to cancel before my next billing date?
If you forget to cancel and are charged for another period, you can contact Masterclass customer support to request a refund. Masterclass may issue a one-time refund in this situation, though refund policies vary. It is best to set a calendar reminder before your renewal date if you plan to cancel.
Does Masterclass offer a free trial?
Masterclass occasionally offers free trial periods to new subscribers, but this is not a permanent feature. The availability and length of free trials change over time. Check the Masterclass website to see if a trial is currently available in your region.