Getting Started
What is CreativeLive?
CreativeLive is an online learning platform offering 2,000+ classes in photography, video, design, business, and creative skills. Classes are taught by world-renowned instructors who are working professionals in their fields. Whether you're a hobbyist, freelancer, or creative professional, you'll find courses designed to help you build real-world skills at your own pace.
How do I create an account?
To get started, visit creativelive.com/subscribe to choose a subscription and create your account. Existing customers can sign in to access their purchased classes and videos in their account library.
Do I need any prior experience to take classes?
No prior experience is required for most classes. Each course listing includes a skill level indicator (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) so you can find classes that match where you are. Many of our most popular courses are designed specifically for beginners.
What subjects and categories do you cover?
CreativeLive offers classes across several major categories including Photography & Video, Art & Design, Music & Audio, Business & Marketing, Lifestyle & Wellness, and Technology (including AI tools and UX Design). Within each category, you'll find dozens of specialized topics taught by industry leaders.
Subscription & Pricing
How much does a CreativeLive subscription cost?
A CreativeLive subscription is $29/month and gives you unlimited access to a vast catalog of 2,000+ on-demand classes, plus exclusive access to live seminars with instructors.
Are there any exclusions for the subscription?
Due to pre-existing agreements with some of our instructors, a small number of instructors and classes are excluded from the subscription.
These exclusions are listed below.
Excluded Instructors
- Zack Arias
- Marc Goodman
- Julieanne Kost
- Steven Kotler
- Vincent Laforet
- Ramit Sethi
- Art Wolfe
Excluded Classes
- Creative Calling with Chase Jarvis
- Studio Pass: Periphery with Adam "Nolly" Getgood, Matt Halpern
- Action Sport Photography with Red Bull Photographer Corey Rich
- Landscape Photography with Marc Muench
- The Entrepreneur's Guide to Pitching Clients and Getting Sales with Peter Corbett
- Advanced Lighting for Adventure Photography with Red Bull Photographer Michael Clark
- Photographing America's National Parks with Ian Shive
- Masters of Photography with Steve McCurry
- Masters of Photography with Joel Meyerowitz
- Masters of Photography with Albert Watson
- Experimental Portraiture with Jeremy Cowart
- Shooting Musicians with Limited Gear with Jeremy Cowart
- Shooting a Quirky Magazine Editorial with Jeremy Cowart
- The Lighting Challenge: Natural vs Studio with Sue Bryce and Felix Kunze
- Bumps to Babies: Photographing Motherhood with Sue Bryce & Kelly Brown
- Create the Incredible: Experimental Portraits with Sue Bryce and Lara Jade
- Make More Money and Discover Your Worth with Sue Bryce, Tiffany Angeles
- 28 Days with Sue Bryce
- Marketing and Promotion with Sue Bryce
- Portrait Startup with Sue Bryce
Can I purchase individual classes without subscribing?
Yes, you can purchase individual classes, which grant you on-demand access to stream that specific course. Purchased classes include all related materials and do not expire. Prices for individual classes vary.
Classes & Learning Experience
What format are the classes in?
Classes are pre-recorded, professionally produced video lessons that you can watch on demand at your own pace. Many courses also include downloadable resources such as project files, templates, and reference guides. Subscribers also get access to weekly live sessions with real-time Q&A.
Can I watch classes on my phone or tablet?
Yes. CreativeLive is accessible through any modern web browser on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
How long are the classes?
CreativeLive classes vary in length, from short, focused lessons of around 25 to 30 minutes to more comprehensive courses with 10, 20, or even 24+ hours of content. Some intensive workshops span multiple days, and long-form classes may include more than 100 lessons. Classes are available on demand, and purchased content can be accessed anytime through your account.
Do I get a certificate of completion?
CreativeLive does not offer certificates of completion for standard on-demand or live subscription classes. However, select paid, tech programs may include a verified digital certificate of completion, which will be noted on the course page.
Who are the instructors?
CreativeLive instructors are accomplished professionals and industry leaders. Our roster includes Pulitzer Prize winners, best-selling authors, Grammy-nominated musicians, and top commercial photographers. Each instructor is selected for their expertise.
What are live classes?
Live classes are weekly sessions streamed exclusively for subscribers. Each live class features real-time instruction and a Q&A segment where you can interact directly with the instructor. If you miss a live session, a recording is made available for subscribers.
Account & Billing
How do I update my payment information?
Log in to your account and navigate to Account Settings > Billing. From there, you can update your credit card details, view your billing history, and manage your subscription plan.
Can I switch between monthly and annual billing?
Yes. You can change your billing cycle at any time through your Account Settings. If you switch from monthly to annual billing, the change takes effect at the start of your next billing period.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds depend on the type of purchase.
- On-demand classes are not refundable, but you can exchange them for another class of equal value within 7 days of purchase, and only one exchange is allowed per purchase.
- Live classes can be refunded if you cancel at least 14 days before the start date, minus a 10% registration fee. If you cancel within 14 days, refunds are not available, but you may reschedule or receive class credit up to three business days before the class begins.
- Monthly subscriptions are not refundable, while annual subscriptions can be refunded within 7 days of purchase, one time per customer.
Please read more about our refund policy here.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel your subscription through your Account Settings. After canceling, you will retain access to subscriber benefits through the end of your current billing cycle. If you purchased individual classes, those remain yours permanently regardless of your subscription status.
Cancellation policies vary by purchase type.
- On-demand classes cannot be canceled, but you may exchange them for another class of equal value within 7 days of purchase, limited to one exchange per purchase.
- Live classes can be canceled up to 14 days before the start date for a refund minus a 10% registration fee. Cancellations within 14 days are not allowed, but students may reschedule or receive class credit up to three business days before the class begins.
- Monthly subscriptions cannot be canceled for a refund, and annual subscriptions may only be canceled for a refund within 7 days of purchase, one time per customer.
Please read more about our cancellation policy.
How do I delete my account?
To delete your account, please contact our support team at support@creativelive.com.
Technical Requirements
What do I need to watch classes?
All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection and an up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). For the best experience, we recommend a broadband connection of at least 5 Mbps.
Do I need to purchase any software to take classes?
It depends on the class. Many courses use specific software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Premiere Pro. Each course listing clearly states any required software so you can prepare in advance. Where possible, instructors demonstrate using free trials or free alternatives.
I'm having trouble with video playback. What should I do?
First, try refreshing the page and clearing your browser cache. Make sure your browser is up to date and that no ad-blockers or browser extensions are interfering with playback. If the issue persists, contact our support team at support@creativelive.com with details about your device and browser.
Contact & Support
How do I contact customer support?
You can reach our support team by emailing support@creativelive.com. We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day.
I have a suggestion for a new class or instructor. How can I share it?
We love hearing from our community! Send your suggestions to support@creativelive.com with the subject line "Class Suggestion." Our content team reviews every submission when planning upcoming classes.
Still have questions?
Our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime at support@creativelive.com.
We aim to respond within one business day.