How YouTube and TikTok are transforming the way young people learn
In this article we'll look the impact of social media apps like TikTok and YouTube on the way young people learn and interact with each other - and how educators are using these platforms to engage and inform students.
The way young people learn is changing
It’s a well-known fact that young people today are increasingly spending their time on their phones on social media apps like TikTok and Facebook.
It’s no surprise, then, that the way young people are learning and interacting with the world is also changing, with social media at the heart of that change.
But wait - there’s more: educators, too, are now taking to social media platforms to engage, entertain and educate our youth in ways they’ve never done before
What all of this means is that modern education is starting to look very different from the traditional models followed by schools in the UK and the world.
The average student today spends more time on social media than in a traditional classroom, which means that there’s a need for educators to develop unique and engaging ways to connect with students outside the classroom.
The competition for students' attention is still fierce, with hundreds of videos and blogs available on just about every topic imaginable.
However, with the right kind of approach and a steady stream of high-quality short-form and long-form content on educational subjects, it’s possible to keep students learning and engaged in a way that seems relaxing and fun instead of rigid and boring.
Enter the edufluencers
In the cutthroat environment that today’s students are expected to compete in, it’s easy to see that every child, every now and again, needs a break.
Whether it's scrolling endlessly through TikTok or YouTube videos or playing a brand new video game, kids today are digital natives who use these platforms to escape the mundane and ordinary.
But TikTok and YouTube aren’t just for dance challenges and cat videos anymore; they’ve become go-to platforms for learning.
As people spend more time online (an average of 2 hours and 20 minutes per day, according to the Global WebIndex), educators have tapped into this digital space to offer engaging and informative content.
“Edufluencers” like our very own Neil Trivedi, Louis Provis, Brook Edgar and Laura Armstrong are transforming what it means to educate a child by breaking down traditional moulds of academic teaching and rote learning and making education fun and engaging for everyone (even parents).
Rather than sticking to the long, traditional classroom approach, these edufluencers bring education to life with short-form videos (bite-sized content that’s quick, visually appealing, and fun to watch).
By adding their unique spin, they’ve made learning engaging and informative at the same time. It’s no wonder students are hooked on these platforms - they offer tips, tricks, and visual content that feels more like entertainment than education.
With videos being so quick and to the point, you might wonder—why do kids still end up glued to their screens for hours? Well, the answer lies in something much sneakier than you'd think…
How social media algorithms impact how and what we see
Have you ever wondered how certain videos keep appearing on your feed while others seem to vanish? That’s the result of social media algorithms. These systems analyse our likes, shares, and viewing habits, pushing content they think we’ll enjoy right to the top of our feeds.
But here’s the catch: algorithms can also create “filter bubbles.” This means your child may only see content that matches their interests, like a hamster running in a wheel—lots of movement, but not really going anywhere. 45% of users in the same study reported seeing misleading information without taking action. This can lead to misinformation and skewed perceptions.
So, while algorithms can help students relax and unwind, they can also trap them in echo chambers that limit their views. That’s why it’s important to follow channels like Neil Trivedi, Louis Provis, Brook Edgar & Laura Armstrong on social media—this can help nudge the algorithm to mix more educational content into your child’s feed. With a little guidance, parents can ensure their kids receive a healthy balance of entertainment AND learning.
Now that we know how social media shapes student learning, it’s time to see how teachers are stepping up their game to keep pace with this digital shift.
The Impact of Social Media on Teaching Methods
With the rise of social media, educators have been forced to rethink traditional teaching approaches. Gone are the days of lengthy, text-heavy lessons; now, teachers are incorporating visuals, short-form videos, and interactive content to engage today’s digital-savvy learners better.
This shift towards social media-driven content makes sense, given how students interact daily with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Traditional education methods—characterised by lecture-heavy classes and dense textbooks—are becoming less effective in capturing attention.
A teacher in the International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies study mentioned, “I use social media to galvanise students’ understanding. There are very nice videos and visuals on Facebook and YouTube.” This transition to more engaging, media-rich lessons is a game changer, especially when paired with traditional content to bridge old and new teaching styles.
Take, for example, Bite-Sized Teaching (BST), a method highlighted in The Micro Revolution study. BST uses short, focused bursts of learning that students can easily absorb.
In this study, 79.8% of postgraduate medical students reported BST as the most effective learning method. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by volumes of material, BST breaks it down into digestible pieces.
For students, this shift in teaching means more dynamic lessons that hold their interest longer. Whether it’s using YouTube videos to introduce a new topic or leveraging platforms like Instagram for science experiments, teachers are harnessing the power of social media to make lessons stick.
According to the study, educators reported that using social media for educational purposes increased student interest, attention, and motivation, contributing to greater academic success. One teacher noted, “It positively influences students. They enjoy games, materials, experiments, and activities. These also provide cognitive and affective improvement.”
Furthermore, students exposed to educational content on platforms like YouTube benefit from listening to different teachers explain the same subject, broadening their understanding and perspective.
Another teacher explained, “Solving different types of questions from various sources on social media can be influential in exam preparation and helps students think from different perspectives.”
Social media not only helps students understand better but also allows them to relax in challenging courses by using more interesting and non-traditional methods. This mix of fun and learning not only makes lessons more enjoyable but also improves memory and creates a richer learning experience.
So, when your child is watching TikTok for study tips, they might just be using a new way to learn that really works. Who knew a short video could be as effective as a long lecture—minus the yawns?
The benefits and risks associated with social media for studying
As we've seen, social media is reshaping how educators engage students, making lessons more dynamic and exciting. But what about the learners themselves?
The benefits of social media for education
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Real-time communication and collaboration
Social media lets students connect instantly, creating virtual study groups that never sleep.
The University of San Diego points out that this boosts engagement, as students can ask questions, share resources, and collaborate on projects beyond the classroom.
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Knowledge sharing
According to the International School Guwahati Cambridge, this connection opens the door to learning not just from teachers but also from fellow students around the world.
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Creativity and expression
Social media gives students a platform to show off their creativity.
Whether on Instagram or TikTok, they can create and share content, which helps build confidence and tackle fears like public speaking.
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Collaboration and interactivity
ResearchGate highlights how social media promotes active learning.
Tools like Google Docs and social learning platforms make it easier for students to work together, transforming learning into a group effort.
The risks of social media and how to manage them
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Distractions
The same digital platforms that offer valuable educational resources also pose the risk of causing distractions.
The University of San Diego emphasises that students may easily become sidetracked by engaging in side conversations or getting lost in endless scrolling, which can divert their attention away from the primary focus of learning.
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Cyberbullying
When students are given social media assignments, it's important for teachers to establish clear guidelines to prevent cyberbullying.
It's crucial to monitor online interactions closely to maintain a positive and supportive environment.
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Privacy concerns
Social media can also expose students to privacy risks and cyber threats. The International School Guwahati Cambridge stresses the need to set clear boundaries and teach students about staying safe online.
In the end, social media’s impact on learning is a bit of a balancing act. While it boosts creativity, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, it can also lead to distractions and risks. The key is using it wisely—so students can make the most of it without falling into its traps.
Tips for effectively using social media for study
With all the distractions, it’s easy to think social media is more of a hindrance than a help when studying. But, used the right way, it can be a powerful tool.
Here are some practical tips to make social media work for your learning, not against it:
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Encourage focused study groups
Help your child set up private groups on platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp to collaborate with classmates. These groups can be great for sharing resources, asking questions, and staying on track - without getting distracted by endless social media feeds.
MyEdSpace also offers one of the largest UK student communities, where your child can connect with peers for extra support and motivation.
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Follow educational accounts
Introduce your child to YouTube channels and TikTok accounts that offer valuable educational content.
At MyEdSpace, our educators are making waves: Neil Trivedi simplifies Maths like nobody else, while Lajoy Tucker and Brook Edgar turn Chemistry and Physics into something your child will actually enjoy. Louis Provis provides fresh takes on English, and Laura Armstrong makes Biology more exciting than you'd think possible.
Following these accounts can make your child's study sessions more interactive and enjoyable.
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Make use of educational hashtags
Show your child how to search for subject-specific hashtags like #PhysicsHelp or #MathsMadeEasy on Twitter or Instagram. These can lead to helpful study tips, new resources, or expert advice that can support their learning.
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Set healthy time limits
Help your child avoid the temptation of endless scrolling by setting clear time limits on social media use. Apps like “Forest” or “StayFocusd” can assist them in staying focused during study time.
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Use social media as a learning tool
Encourage your child to use Instagram Stories or TikTok challenges to quiz themselves or create short, fun explainer videos. This approach allows them to revise in creative ways without it feeling like a chore.
How MyEdSpace makes learning effective in the digital era
YouTube and TikTok have transformed the way young people learn, blending entertainment with education in ways we never saw coming. These platforms offer quick, visual learning experiences that capture attention and make complex topics easy to understand. While algorithms may steer students into focused areas of interest, they also risk narrowing perspectives.
As we look ahead, will social media become the primary classroom for future generations? Or are we only scratching the surface of its potential in education? One thing's for sure—learning in the digital age is evolving faster than ever, and the next wave of education might just be one click away.
At MyEdSpace, we understand that platforms like TikTok and YouTube aren't just for entertainment—they’re shaping the way kids learn today. That’s why we focus on creating lessons that are as engaging and relatable as the content kids love.
Our teachers use interactive methods to make subjects like Maths, Science, and English fun, helping students excel while navigating today’s fast-paced, digital world.
If you want to see it for yourself, why not try MyEdSpace for 10-days on our £10 trial? It's no obligation and allows you and your family to experience high-quality teaching, from the comfort of home.