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Long, boring training videos are a recipe for disengaged learners.
According to our latest Science of Great Videos for Training research report 49% of employees said the main reason for training videos not being engaging was because they were too long.
That’s where microlearning videos come in. They break down complex topics into smaller chunks to keep learners engaged, boost retention, and fit into busy schedules. This guide will cover the benefits of microlearning videos, key strategies for creating them, and best practices for implementation.
Jump to a specific section:
- What are microlearning videos?
- Why microlearning videos are effective
- Microlearning video strategies for effective training
- Best practices for implementing microlearning videos
[#TOC1]What are microlearning videos?[#TOC1]
Microlearning videos are short and focused training videos that teach a single concept or skill in just a few minutes. They typically range from 2 to 5 minutes, although some videos may be shorter while more complex topics may require more time to explain.
These videos are ideal for compliance and safety training, onboarding new hires, product and software tutorials, or communication and social skills development. Similar to TikTok videos, microlearning videos keep learners engaged by delivering information in a shorter, punchier format than traditional corporate training videos.
[#TOC2]Why microlearning videos are effective[#TOC2]
Improves retention and engagement
Microlearning boosts retention and engagement by delivering information in small, digestible chunks. The brain processes bite-sized content more effectively than long training sessions, which makes it easier to absorb and remember key concepts.
Also, research has shown that it can improve knowledge retention by up to 80%, which means that employees can recall and apply more of what they learn in the long term.
Fits modern learners' preferences
Modern employees want learning that fits into busy work days or can be squeezed in between Zoom meetings. According to our research, around 1 in 4 of Gen Z prefer micro-doses of learning content. They prefer on-demand mobile-friendly training rather than long, traditional training sessions.
Microlearning videos cater to short attention spans and packed schedules, which makes it easier for employees to actually consume your company training whenever and wherever they need it.
Encourages just-in-time learning
These videos provide employees with the right information at the right time. They can quickly access relevant training when they need it, which makes learning more practical and immediately applicable.
This approach is perfect for on-the-job training and performance support so employees can solve problems and build skills in real time.
[#TOC3]Microlearning video strategies for effective training[#TOC3]
Let’s explore some proven strategies to help you create more effective microlearning videos:
1. Keep it short and focused
Each video should focus on one topic or key concept only. If you find a video getting too long or complex, break it up! This keeps the content clear, manageable, and allows employees to progress at their own pace.
The ideal length is about 2 to 5 minutes. This sweet spot is long enough to deliver a key takeaway—like a quick software tip, safety guideline, or soft skill technique—but short enough to hold attention and maximize retention. As a general rule of thumb for scriptwriting, you’ll need about 250 to 300 words of content for a 2 minute video depending on how fast your speaker talks.
To make every second count, cut out unnecessary details and stick to the essentials. You don’t need lengthy introductions or tangents on other topics. Get straight to the point in each video.
2. Incorporate storytelling and real-world scenarios
Storytelling and real-world scenarios make corporate microlearning videos relatable and memorable. Instead of simply listing facts or rules, show how the concept applies in real life.
For example, rather than explaining compliance rules, create a scenario where an employee in the video navigates a situation about those rules. Use short case studies, role-playing, or examples of practical applications to bring the content to life.
Maybe one character breaks the rules while the other shows how to follow the rules correctly or they interact in a workplace scenario together. Adding a touch of humor or relatability can also make videos more engaging for viewers without distracting from the learning objective.
3. Make it interactive
Interactivity transforms passive watching into active learning. By adding quizzes, polls, or clickable elements, you can reinforce key concepts and keep learners engaged throughout the video.
Tools like EdApp or Articulate make it easy to build interactive microlearning videos. For example, include quick quizzes at the end of a video to test understanding, or use polls to ask learners for their opinions or predictions during the video. Clickable elements like buttons can reveal additional information or guide learners to the next step.
If your course software allows for it, you can add gamification aspects like points, badges, or challenges to boost motivation. A progress tracker or leaderboard with prizes can also encourage participation in regular training or incentivize employees to finish by a certain date.
4. Optimize for mobile learning
Mobile learning is all about convenience and letting employees learn flexibly, so it’s important to optimize microlearning videos for mobile devices.
That means making sure videos work on smartphones and tablets with responsive design. Use a mobile-friendly video player that supports different screen sizes and resolutions.
Also, keep your visuals clean and simple from the images to the text. Use concise text and large, readable fonts to make content easy to view on small screens, and avoid cluttered visuals or tiny details that might get lost on mobile devices.
Before deploying your training to the world, test the videos on different devices for compatibility. Check the video playback, text readability, and any interactive elements to make sure everything works as intended.
5. Make it accessible
Making your videos accessible means all employees can engage with the content effectively. Here are a few ways to do that.
First, include subtitles to help employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as anyone who prefers to watch videos without sound. Captions also improve comprehension for multi-language learners.
You can use AI voice overs for consistency and easy localization to provide multiple language options. This makes the training more inclusive for global teams. Also, providing downloadable transcripts lets learners review key points or use their own text-to-speech accessibility tools if needed.
Finally, take care with your visuals. Use high contrast for those with visual impairments, and avoid fast-paced or flashing elements for those with cognitive disabilities or epilepsy.
6. Provide a structured learning path
Rather than using standalone videos, organize your microlearning content into a series or playlist. This creates a clear, logical progression to guide learners through the material step-by-step.
For example, an onboarding series could look like this:
- Day 1: Company mission, values, and culture
- Day 2: Product overview
- Day 3: Key tools and software training
- Day 4: Compliance and security guidelines
- Day 5: Role-specific training
Not all employees will need the same training, so you can personalize learning paths based on roles, departments, or even skill levels. Your sales team would get a very different set of videos than a customer service team.
[#TOC4]Best practices for implementing microlearning videos[#TOC4]
Now that you know how to create better videos, let’s get into microlearning best practices for implementing your videos:
Integrate into existing learning systems
You don’t need to build a new learning platform from scratch. Host the videos on an existing learning management system (LMS) like LearnUpon, Docebo, or TalentLMS.
Or if your company already has knowledge bases, an intranet, or company apps, you can also embed the microlearning videos on these platforms.
Personalize the learning experience
One-size-fits-all training leaves employees less engaged. Use AI to recommend relevant microlearning solutions tailored to each employee’s role, progress, or skill gaps.
For instance, a new hire might see onboarding videos, while a veteran employee gets advanced tutorials or leadership training. This more personalized approach means learners get the most relevant content when they need it.
Repurpose existing content into microlearning videos
Don’t let your existing content go to waste. Break down long training sessions, webinars, or blog posts into short, focused video snippets.
For example, a 60-minute training session can be transformed into 10 bite-sized videos that each cover a specific topic or skill. This makes the content more engaging and extends its lifespan and reach.
Conclusion
The future of corporate training isn’t long, in-person lectures in cramped classrooms. It’s short, engaging microlearning videos that keep employees interested and help them retain information.
By turning complex topics into quick, digestible lessons, businesses can boost engagement and improve employee learning outcomes. It’s time to ditch “business as usual” and embrace training that actually works. Try VEED to create high-impact microlearning videos effortlessly.
