Designing effective microlearning videos: from planning to production

When you only have a few minutes to make an impact, you need to get your point across clearly – and in a way that instantly captures attention.

Microlearning – an L&D approach built around bite-sized content – focuses on short, impactful moments. But with just two to five minutes per module, those moments need to land fast to create learning that lasts.

That’s where video can be your best friend. A proven way to boost completion, retention and engagement, think of video as your microlearning superhero – so long as it’s used with purpose.

Here’s why video is one of the most effective microlearning examples to include in your strategy, along with practical tips for using it well.

What is microlearning?

Microlearning is defined as short, targeted learning bursts – easy-to-consume content that showcases key information quickly.

But it’s not a new concept. Many of us use microlearning in our day-to-day lives without even realising it. Whether it’s watching DIY hacks, hairstyle how-tos or board game explainers, these are all examples of microlearning – and most often, they’re delivered through video.

However, to work well, microlearning moments need to be designed as part of a wider learning strategy, with reinforcement built in over time. A single moment is unlikely to create meaningful change – it’s the accumulation that drives impact.

Why video works so well for microlearning

Video is one of the most popular formats for microlearning, and that’s no surprise. From Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to TikTok, the way we share stories and information through video is becoming increasingly concise.

Beyond entertainment, bite-sized video content also has clear benefits in business and eLearning contexts. Here are some of the key reasons why video works so well in microlearning:

1. It’s quick to create – A short, to-the-point training video can be faster to produce than a full-length piece of eLearning content.
2. And quicker to update – Need to make an edit or addition? It’s much easier to tweak a short video.
3. It gets straight to the point – There’s less fluff, with a focus on only the most important information.
4. It fits into the flow of work – Video content can be easily accessed on demand, without pulling people away from their day. This also makes it easier to revisit over time.
5. It increases retention – By reducing cognitive load and presenting information visually, short videos help key messages stick more effectively than text-heavy content.
6. It meets people where they already are – Learning happens in a familiar, engaging format, rather than through formal training sessions.

Of course, microlearning isn’t a shortcut. Chopping content up into smaller sections doesn’t automatically make it effective. Real behaviour change comes when microlearning is designed with intention – and embedded within a wider learning strategy.

How to plan microlearning videos

It can be tempting to jump straight into video creation, but the most important first step is putting pen to paper and planning it properly.

Purpose

One of the core principles of microlearning is that each moment should focus on a single, clear goal. With that in mind, you need to map out the purpose of each video carefully.

The wider learning journey also needs to be considered. Microlearning videos work best when they’re designed strategically, not as isolated pieces. Each moment should be supported by reinforcement over time – whether that’s a follow-up video, text-based reminders or a short quiz to encourage practice and recall. The key is designing with the bigger picture in mind.

Here are some key considerations at the initial planning stage:

• What is your video trying to teach?
• What should the learner be able to do afterwards?
• Who is the video is aimed at?
• How will learning or impact will be measured, if needed?

Scope

For the next step, consider the scope of your build, focusing on the more practical elements of video creation.

Questions to think through include:

• Do you have a deadline?
• What’s the budget?
• How long will each video be?
• Do you (or your team) have the skills required to make your video? Do you need to outsource production or use video software such as Vyond?
• How many videos do you need to create?

Creativity

Once the logistical details are in place, you can start getting creative with the story. This is where a clear video brief or storyboard comes in, capturing enough detail to ensure the final video delivers exactly what’s needed.

When storyboarding, consider:

• Will you use scenarios to help bring the learning to life?
• How will the message be communicated – for example, through characters, narration or visuals?
• Will you include audio, such as narration, background sound or music?
• Is there an opportunity to add interactivity for the learner?

Top tips for creating microlearning videos

You’ve now completed your plan and are ready to get started with creating your video – it’s time to get scripting!

Here are five top tips for your project:

1. Keep it focused

Time is of the essence. As your video is going to be short, it should keep to a strict story in order to be effective: try not to stray from your main goal.

In effective microlearning one moment = one objective. If a video starts to feel overloaded, that’s a sign it needs breaking down into multiple, more focused pieces.

2. Skip the intros

Your title should make it immediately clear what the video covers, removing the need for a lengthy introduction. Because microlearning videos are short, key information can be reinforced through rewatching, rather than padding the opening.

3. Structure the narrative

Even short learning videos benefit from a clear structure. Each one should guide learners from a clear starting point, through the key message, to a focused takeaway – with every stage supporting the outcome you’re aiming to achieve.

4. Lay the foundations of effective storytelling

Good storytelling starts with the basics. Be clear on where the story is set, who the learner is following and why the situation matters.

Think about how the story unfolds – what sets the scene, what problem needs solving and how it resolves – and keep that arc tight and purposeful.

Characters and scenarios should serve the message, not distract from it, helping learners recognise the situation and understand the takeaway quickly.

5. Design for what happens next

The learning shouldn’t stop when the video ends. Aim to move learners straight into action – scenario-based videos work well for this, helping people practise decisions and apply what they’ve just seen in a realistic context. That’s where microlearning starts to make a real difference.

Want to create your own microlearning videos?

Today’s learners need more than printouts and PowerPoint presentations. They need active, dynamic content that keeps them engaged. That’s where Vyond comes in – making it easy to create clear, engaging videos that bring learning to life, without needing specialist production skills.

Learn more about Vyond, or get in touch to see how it could support your eLearning.