We’ve all been saved by that “Indian guy on YouTube” and their microlearning
videos at least once in our lives. It is a great way to quickly grasp new
concepts, solve problems, and gain practical knowledge. For creators, these
videos are a valuable opportunity to showcase their expertise and deliver
impactful content in a compact, accessible way.
In this blog, we will:
Explain what microlearning videos are and their benefits
Compare microlearning with traditional learning
Guide you on how to create microlearning videos step-by-step
Share 5 examples of great microlearning videos for inspiration
Let’s get started.
What are microlearning videos?
Microlearning videos are short, compact video clips that aim to deliver
specific information or skills in an engaging way. They typically last
from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, ideal in today’s world where attention spans
are getting shorter.
The popularity of microlearning videos spans across various industries
and audiences:
Corporate training programs utilize these bite-sized videos
to transfer essential knowledge and skills to employees.
Educational institutions and content creators adopt microlearning
to break down complex topics and provide learners with easily digestible
content.
Individuals seeking to acquire new hobbies or develop their skills can
benefit from the variety and convenience of these videos.
Microlearning videos offer a range of advantages for both their creators
and audiences. For content creators, this format is cost-effective and
easily shareable across multiple platforms. It can cater to specific audience
segments and their unique needs. Learners can enjoy the flexibility of
learning at their own pace, which can improve their knowledge retention.
Microlearning vs. Traditional Learning
To understand why microlearning is important, let’s take a look at how
it differs from traditional learning.
Feature
Microlearning
Traditional Learning
Length
Short (seconds or minutes)
Long (hours or days)
Focus
Specific skills or knowledge
Broad topics
Delivery
Short videos, online modules
Lectures, in-person classes
Suitability
Highly suitable for busy schedules
Less suitable for busy schedules
Flexibility
High flexibility; on-demand access
Less flexible; scheduled classes
Assessments
Typically includes quick assessments
Often includes longer exams or assignments
Costs
Generally lower production costs
Often higher production costs
How to Create Microlearning Videos in 9 Steps
With the following steps on how to create effective microlearning videos,
you can craft short-form content that provides value to your audience and
makes their lives easier.
Identify Your Audience and Learning Objective
Understand the age, job roles, and industry of
your audience to tailor your video accordingly.
Define what you want your audience to know or be able to do after
watching your video.
Consider your audience’s learning style (visual, auditory,
kinesthetic, etc.) to enhance engagement and effectiveness.
Select a Video Format
Choose between formats like screencasts, animated videos, talking head videos,
or a combination to best suit your audience and content.
Decide if your video will include interactive features like
quizzes or other clickable elements to reinforce the learning experience.
Make sure the format is consistent with your overall brand identity and
style.
Write Your Video Script
Structure your content logically by having a clear beginning,
middle and end.
Focus on key points and avoid technical, overly complex
jargon that might confuse your audience.
Leverage AI tools, which can help you generate an engaging
and concise script that aligns with your learning objectives.
Incorporate Visuals
Use visuals like illustrations, infographics and on-screen text to
reinforce key points and explain complex concepts. (If you're using an AI video generator, you can either select a template from its options or quickly create a video based on your script.)
Have a consistent color palette and design elements throughout
the video for a professional look.
Include features like high-contrast or large fonts to make
crucial information stand out.
Add Voiceover and Subtitles
Record your own voice clearly or utilize text-to-speech technology
to generate the audio.
Add AI-generated subtitles to
improve accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, as well
as for those who watch your video in noisy environments or without sound.
Adjust the voiceover tone to the video’s style and ensure
subtitles are synchronized with the audio.
Bonus tip: You can also translate your voiceover to 125+ languages with
Maestra’s AI voice cloning feature. By speaking in your own voice in different
languages, you can localize microlearning videos for multiple audiences,
communicate without borders, and maintain continuity in your content.
Choose Background Music and Sound Effects
Select background music that complements the mood and enhances the
message of your video.
Adjust volume levels so the background music does not overpower
the voiceover.
Make sure you have the rights to
use the music and sound effects you choose.
Edit and Finalize
Trim unnecessary content to keep the video focused and
concise.
Create seamless transitions between scenes by employing
consistent visual effects that maintain flow and coherence.
Review the video carefully and check for errors, inconsistencies,
and pacing issues.
Upload and Distribute
Optimize video metadata by using relevant keywords to improve
discoverability.
Design an eye-catching thumbnail to attract viewers.
Promote your video by sharing it on social media, your
website, and email newsletters.
Optimize Based on Data
Track and analyze key metrics such as views, watch time,
completion rates, engagement, and click-through rates.
Review viewer feedback and comments to understand
their reactions and spot any specific points of interest or concern.
Use the data to identify areas for improvement and optimize your
future microlearning videos accordingly.
5 Great Microlearning Video Examples
Before concluding our blog, let’s check 5 powerful microlearning video
examples from different fields that can inspire you to create your own.
Personal Finance
Bank of America’s microlearning video titled “How to Set a Budget and Stick to It” lists 6 actionable
steps under 4 minutes. It also illustrates them in a simple yet engaging
way with whiteboard animations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZDxU74V924
Mental Health and Wellbeing
This microlearning video by Child Mind Institute shares expert
advice on how to manage social anxiety.
A calming voiceover and an easily readable on-screen text with soothing
colors makes this video a success.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa1tdeajnRU
Artificial Intelligence
Simpletivity’s video on “How to use Gemini AI with Google Workspace” can improve
your AI experience thanks to the clear demonstration of the process. Utilizing
screen recording, this microlearning video also incorporates subtitles
and a bold yellow cursor to guide viewers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqTjJubt0kE
Career Development
This video titled “How to Get an Apprenticeship at J.P. Morgan” can help
you land the position at the global firm. With valuable tips from an experienced
apprentice, live action footage, and a “Subscribe” CTA at the end, the
video is perfectly tailored to its target audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITFi5k1ZRmQ
Language Learning
Blabber Beasts’ microlearning video “Greetings in French” blends on-brand animations with
on-screen text seamlessly. Moreover, the background music is so French,
and is perfectly balanced with the voiceover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwmrMVsU3uU
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between e-learning and microlearning?
Microlearning is a subset of e-learning. While e-learning is a broad term
that encompasses full-length courses and extensive programs, microlearning
delivers small, focused bursts of information. E-learning can cover deep
topics and provide comprehensive training, whereas microlearning targets
specific and quick learning experiences.
Is microlearning really effective?
Yes, microlearning can be really effective. While not suitable for every
topic, the method is ideal for how-to guides, quick facts, and skills that
can be practiced quickly. The brevity of microlearning videos fits well
into busy schedules, making it easier for learners to integrate them into
their daily routines.
What is microlearning on YouTube?
Microlearning on YouTube refers to bite-sized learning videos on the platform.
Easy to consume and understand, these videos last from a few seconds to
5-10 minutes, and target a single topic or skill. Mainly, microlearning
videos on YouTube involve straightforward explanations, engaging visuals,
and accessibility features to help viewers retain information better.
How do you make instructional microlearning videos interesting?
To make instructional microlearning videos interesting, grab attention
from the start with a catchy thumbnail and a lively voiceover. Utilize
animations and graphics to complement your narration, and avoid long pauses
or unnecessary information. You can use humor to lighten the mood, show
the practical application of the knowledge in real-life, or add interactive
elements to boost viewer engagement.
Why is microlearning important for corporate learners?
Microlearning is important for corporate learners as it encourages a culture
of continuous learning and development. In particular, microlearning training
videos are especially useful due to their flexibility, allowing learners
to access and follow content at their own pace. By creating these videos,
companies can provide targeted employee training content that meets specific
needs.
Summary
This blog shared actionable tips on how to create microlearning videos
in 9 steps. It also highlighted the difference between microlearning and
traditional learning, and listed 5 successful microlearning video examples
from different areas of interest.
Let’s recap the
best practicesyou can adopt when crafting a microlearning video:
Tailor your video to the specific needs and learning styles of your target
audience.
Keep it concise with a well-structured script that organizes content logically.
Match the visuals in your video (including color palettes and design elements)
to your overall brand identity for a cohesive and professional look.
Make sure the voiceover is clear and appropriately toned for your video,
and don’t forget to add subtitles to improve the accessibility of your
content.
Select background music that complements the mood of your video, and carefully
balance the volume so it does not overpower the voiceover.
By embracing these tips, you can drive viewers in with compelling microlearning
videos, grow your audience, and make their lives easier.
