Preview share link - does it require the learner to sign up for articulate account before they can view the course?

I've recently sent the preview share link (without using the password protection feature) of a course to a group of learners external to our org and some claim that they are prompted to open an articulate account. Is that true? I know the sign up is free but i just wonder if that is a requirement at all? before I sent it out i did test it on a few people within the org who do not have access to articulate they were able to open the link and view the course without having to do anything else at all. Your prompt response and help is appreciated!