Videos, infographics, podcasts and questions: How to apply 4 common types of microlearning

Microlearning isn’t a specific type of content. It’s a set of principles that makes training more focused and less disruptive within today’s hectic workplace. Rather than asking people to spend hours they don’t have sitting in classrooms or completing online courses, you can use microlearning to introduce new ideas, reinforce critical behaviors and support on-the-job performance in just a few minutes per day. All you need to do is pick the right content format to fit your audience’s workflow and the problem you’re trying to help them solve. 

Here are 4 common microlearning formats along with practical tips for how to use them effectively.

Videos

U.S. adults spend an average of 3 hours and 2 minutes per day watching video on their mobile devices (TechJury). Sixty-six percent of people now rely on video as their primary source of information. Video accounted for 82% of all internet traffic in 2022 (Synthesia). People understand video. With AI-enabled creation tools, it’s easier than ever to build concise, engaging video content to support workplace training and communication programs. 

Video can take many forms beyond the traditional “talking head.” It can feature a process demonstration, showcase a new product or breakdown a complex concept into more easily digestible pieces. With authoring tools like Vyond, you can leverage mixed media, including avatars, animation and real-world visuals, to tell compelling stories in less than five minutes. Short, targeted videos are ideal for fitting training into the limited time people have available during their busy days. 

Best use: Video is ideal for workplace training when you need to add context, explain complex ideas or share insights from trusted subject matter experts. Before jumping into production, make sure employees have reliable device access, solid internet bandwidth and quiet viewing locations where they can focus on the video/audio without distractions. 

Infographics

According to research curated by marketing analyst group TrueList, infographics are 30 times more likely to be read in their entirety than news articles. Plus, posts with graphic images have 650% higher engagement than plain written content. When it comes to dynamic visual content, why should we let marketing have all the fun? 

Infographics–visual representations of information that combine text, graphics and design elements–are an effective format for microlearning because they present concepts in concise, easy-to-digest visuals that can be reviewed quickly while on the job. Infographics are helpful when explaining processes, reinforcing key behaviors or delivering quick reminders. They provide employees with visual, actionable information without the need to click through an online course.

Best use: Infographics are ideal for breaking down complex topics into simple visuals or guiding people through a process step by step. Use digital infographics to reduce content management headaches for concepts that change often. Opt for print when employees need reliable information access but don’t always have devices handy. When using printed infographics, keep in mind that color can be crucial for highlighting important details. Bad black-and-white copies from outdated office printers may not cut it.

Podcasts

Like video, podcasts are a popular digital format. Worldwide podcast listeners reached approximately 464.7 million in 2023, marking a 9.6% increase from the previous year (Wired Clip). That said, they’re probably not a great fit for your training programs. Unlike the other formats explored in this post, podcasts cater to more niche workplace audiences. They don’t work unless employees have dedicated quiet time to listen. Still, podcasts offer a unique and engaging way to deliver content through conversation and exploration. 

Audio is easy to use, requiring little more than a player and set of headphones. However, creating engaging audio is harder than it seems. Capturing and holding people’s attention with sound alone requires thoughtful scripting, professional production and dynamic storytelling. AI-enabled authoring tools can simplify this process by helping you record and edit audio seamlessly. You can even use AI-generated voices to produce high-quality audio content without the need for recording equipment or voice talent. Still, make sure podcasts are a good fit for your audience and that you have the resources to tell impactful audio-based stories. 

Best use: Podcasts are best for on-the-go audiences who find audio a convenient option, such as during commutes, in waiting rooms or while performing hands-free tasks. They are particularly effective for sharing proven practices from subject matter experts or delivering motivational messages from leadership. Their conversational tone makes complex topics more engaging and relatable. However, podcasts aren’t suitable for everyone, no matter how much you enjoy them. Be sure to provide transcripts for your podcasts to improve accessibility and offer an alternative option for employees to engage with content.

Questions

You might not think of questions as a microlearning format. They’re typically associated with assessments or quizzes. Plus, most test questions are just bad. The answer is usually C or the lengthy option with the legal jargon. However, questions can do more than verify what someone has learned. They can help people remember important information and boost their confidence when using it.

Well-written questions can reinforce basic facts, challenge people to apply their knowledge in realistic scenarios and provide opportunities to practice solving problems in a risk-free environment. Unlike complex simulations or virtual reality content, which demand significant time, resources and technology, questions are simple to create, deploy and answer, making them an efficient and accessible learning tool. Plus, AI-enabled authoring tools allow you to quickly generate high-quality questions from source material.

Fun fact: more than ONE BILLION questions are answered in Axonify every year as part of daily microlearning sessions.

Best use: Questions are best used to reinforce critical job knowledge, helping employees retain and apply what they’ve learned on the job. Be sure to follow established practices for writing good questions. This includes avoiding trick questions, like “all of the above” or “none of the above” options and using three realistic answer choices rather than obvious distractors. Well-designed questions are a simple yet powerful tool for building knowledge and confidence over time.

Microlearning gives you the option to apply a variety of formats to deliver right-fit training and support. Videos, infographics, podcasts and questions all have unique strengths and best-fit applications, but their effectiveness depends on how well your content addresses meaningful problems while fitting into employees’ workflows. 
By aligning your microlearning efforts with what people need to do their jobs well–whether it’s demonstrating a process, providing quick reminders, sharing expert insights or reinforcing critical knowledge–you can deliver bite-sized training that makes a big impact.

JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect

JD Dillon became an expert on frontline training and enablement over two decades working in operations and talent development with dynamic organizations, including Disney, Kaplan and AMC. A respected author and speaker in the workplace learning community, JD also continues to apply his passion for helping frontline employees around the world do their best work every day in his role as Axonify's Chief Learning Architect.

Read More by JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect