From scroll to skill: Making corporate learning as engaging as TikTok

Yes, TikTok. By applying its principles, you can create engaging and effective training programs.

Lessons from TikTok that can transform your L&D strategy

1. Harnessing the power of microlearning. TikTok’s success is built on bite-sized, digestible content. This is the essence of microlearning—a strategy where information is delivered in short, focused bursts. Instead of long, multi-hour courses, break your training into one-to-three-minute videos that cover a single concept. This approach:

• Reduces cognitive load and improves knowledge retention
• Allows employees to access "just-in-time" learning to solve a problem on the spot
• Makes learning fit into busy schedules, as it can be consumed during a short break

2. Embrace “edutainment”. TikTok is a master of blending education with entertainment. The key is to make learning engaging and visually dynamic. You don’t need a massive production budget; authenticity and creativity are what matter. Think about:

• Using a conversational and human tone
• Incorporating humor, relatable scenarios, and compelling visuals
• Focusing on storytelling to make lessons stick

3. Hook fast or lose them. The first 3 seconds matter. Use bold visuals, surprising stats, or a provocative question to pull learners in. “Did you know 70% of workplace learning happens informally?” hits harder than “Welcome to Module 1.”

4. Encourage user-generated content. TikTok thrives on content created by its users. L&D can adopt this model by empowering employees to become content creators. This fosters a collaborative, social learning environment where expertise is shared across the organization. You can:

• Have subject matter experts (SMEs) record short videos demonstrating a process or best practice
• Create a company-wide “learning channel” where employees post tips, tricks, and success stories
• An excellent example of this is HillmanTok University. This is a grassroots TikTok initiative where users created their own courses to meet the demand for real-world education across a wide range of topics. It’s proof that when people see a gap, they’ll fill it—with creativity and community.

5. Authentic beats polished. Forget studio lighting. TikTok creators win with realness. L&D can embrace lo-fi formats—quick webcam explainers, team shoutouts, or behind-the-scenes walkthroughs—to build trust and relatability and show real-world applications.

6. Optimize for mobile and accessibility. With most TikTok use happening on mobile devices, L&D content should be designed to be accessible anywhere. Ensure your training is mobile-friendly and easily consumable on smartphones..

7. Algorithms reward relevance. TikTok’s For You page is a lesson in personalization. L&D platforms should serve up content based on role, interest, and behavior—not just job title or compliance requirements. Relevance drives retention.

8. Catchy trends = memorable learning. TikTok's viral dances and challenges are memorable because they’re participatory. You can create the same energy with branded learning campaigns. By creating engaging learning campaigns that encourage friendly competition, such as a 'Cybersecurity awareness month' challenge, corporate training can become more memorable and make the learners feel less like learning and more fun.

From scroll to skill: What’s next?

We believe learning should feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation. TikTok’s success reminds us that attention is earned, not assumed—and that creativity is a learning skill, not just marketing.

Ready to transform your L&D? It’s time to move beyond traditional “click next” training and embrace a more dynamic approach. By incorporating TikTok’s principles of microlearning, entertainment, and user-driven content, you can create a training strategy that is not only effective but also genuinely exciting for your employees.

Let’s co-create the future of learning. Share this with your team to spark the conversation—and, contact us when you’re ready to bring this new style of learning to life.