Lessons from TikTok: Make E-Learning Videos That Engage Learners

What TikTok can teach us about creating captivating e-learning content

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok, you know how easy it is to get hooked on bite-sized, engaging content. Whether through a quick dance routine, a funny skit, or a handy life hack, TikTok has revolutionized how we consume video. Some of the same strategies used to create successful TikTok content can teach us a lot about making e-learning videos more engaging.

In this post, we’ll explore key lessons from TikTok that can help you craft short-form e-learning videos that grab attention and keep learners coming back for more.

The art of engagement in video-based learning

About three fourths of educators say students engage more with video-based course materials than text-based ones. It’s no wonder why TikTok’s unique features, like short videos, voiceovers, and creative text overlays, have captivated millions of users. So why can’t we apply the same concepts to educational content? Short answer: We can!

Let’s explore how these features can take your e-learning video engagement to the next level.

• Voiceovers add a personal touch and guide TikTok viewers through content. For e-learning, voiceovers help explain complex topics, such as instructional videos or product education, making them more accessible and relatable.
• Text overlays are a great way to emphasize key points or definitions, especially for visual learners on TikTok and e-learning courses. Use them to reinforce learning objectives and key concepts.
• Background music sets the tone. Just as TikTok creators use music to set the mood, you can use background music to enhance the atmosphere of your e-learning videos. Upbeat music can energize learners, while softer tunes can set a calm mood—just make sure to avoid distracting sounds.
• Captions help viewers follow along. TikTok uses captions to provide context and help viewers navigate the content. In e-learning, you can use captions to preview the lesson, outline objectives, or break down what learners should focus on.

6 TikTok-inspired tips for creating engaging videos

Creating video content for e-learning can sometimes feel challenging, but what if you could borrow some of the secrets behind TikTok’s viral success? With its fast-paced, fun, and interactive style, TikTok has mastered the art of capturing attention and keeping viewers engaged. Luckily, the same strategies that work on TikTok can be applied to instructional design.

1. Hook them early—the first few seconds matter

On TikTok, you don’t have long to capture someone’s attention—usually just a few seconds. The same goes for e-learning videos. You need to hook your audience within the first few moments, or they might scroll past your video and never return.

Lesson to learn

Start with something eye-catching, intriguing, or even a question that makes learners want to know more, such as a bold statement, a surprising fact, or a preview of what they’ll learn. For example, instead of just diving into a lesson about time management, start with something like, “What if I told you you’re wasting 30 minutes a day without even realizing it?” This question builds curiosity and gets them to stay tuned.

2. Keep it snappy and focused—less is more

TikTok thrives on quick, snappy content, and so should your e-learning videos. Think microlearning—the shorter, the better, as long as the content is straightforward and valuable. People’s attention spans are shorter than ever, so avoid rambling or overloading your learners with too much information.

Lesson to learn

Break down complex concepts into digestible chunks. Focus on one key takeaway per video and keep it concise. A good rule of thumb for short-form e-learning videos is between 30 seconds to 3 minutes—just enough to teach something useful without losing attention.

3. Make it fun and add personality!

TikTok creators often inject humor, personality, and authenticity into their videos, which we can easily bring into e-learning. Your learners want to connect with you, not just consume content.

Lesson to learn

Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your videos! Whether through humor, relatable anecdotes, or even a little bit of lightheartedness, making your content feel more personal and engaging helps your learners connect with you and the material.

4. Use visuals to reinforce key points

TikTok videos often use visuals, overlays, and cool effects to enhance the message and keep viewers engaged. The same approach works wonders in e-learning, especially when reinforcing key ideas.

Lesson to learn

Use visual video tools like text overlays, quick animations, or simple graphics to highlight the key points of your lesson. This feature keeps the video visually engaging and helps learners absorb information faster. You can add on-screen quizzes, polls, or prompts to keep them interactive.

5. Encourage interaction and participation

TikTok videos often invite users to interact by liking, commenting, or participating in challenges. Why not take the same approach with your e-learning videos? Encouraging learners to participate makes them more likely to stay engaged in their online course.

Lesson to learn

Ask questions or create interactive moments. You could include prompts like, “What do you think?” or “Pause the video and try this out!” Encourage learners to apply what they’ve just learned in real-time. You could also create small challenges or mini-assignments to allow learners to test their knowledge right after watching the video.

6. Leverage trends and challenges

TikTok is known for viral trends and challenges involving dancing or having a fun theme. While you might not want to teach your learners a TikTok dance (unless it fits the subject matter!), you can still tap into the idea of trends and challenges.

Lesson to learn

Integrate challenges or trends related to your topic to make your content more engaging. For example, if you’re teaching goal-setting, challenge learners to set and share their goals for the week in the comments or social media. Make your challenge simple and relevant to the lesson you just taught.

Empower learners with user-generated e-learning content

TikTok’s success is all about giving everyone a platform to create and share content—no matter who they are or where they’re from. Imagine applying this idea to your e-learning strategy, where learners from all backgrounds can contribute. Whether it’s employees, students, or learners from diverse departments, encouraging a wide range of voices makes the content more dynamic and relatable.

For example, you could include:

• A student sharing study tips for an upcoming exam
• An employee walking through a new tool or software feature
• A group project video showcasing a team’s success and what they learned
• A step-by-step tutorial on how to navigate your company’s internal systems or university platform

These bite-sized videos could be shared on your learning management system, chat programs, or internal forums, creating a more interactive and engaging learning environment. By letting everyone contribute, from new hires to experienced mentors and even students sharing their experiences, you foster a collaborative, peer-to-peer learning culture.

Take action and boost your e-learning video engagement today

Ready to take your e-learning videos to the next level? Experiment with these strategies and join our E-Learning Heroes challenge today.