Large organizations recognize the critical role of robust corporate Learning and Development (L&D) strategies. However, L&D teams are increasingly challenged by the modern digital workforce’s shrinking attention spans, the prioritization of daily tasks over learning, and the limited effectiveness of traditional employee training methods.
To effectively address these challenges, many organizations are turning to Micro Learning Apps. These platforms provide employees with engaging and seamlessly integrated training experiences.
Microlearning, at its core, is about breaking down extensive training content into easily digestible, bite-sized educational modules. Often, these modules are strategically embedded directly into employees’ daily workflows, facilitating learning in the flow of work.
The global shift towards microlearning has spurred the growth of numerous micro learning apps. These apps are designed to deliver short, focused learning experiences that enhance knowledge retention, foster skill development, and ultimately boost employee performance.
In this article, we will delve into the world of micro learning apps, defining what they are, exploring the key features that enable these bite-sized learning experiences, and showcasing twenty of the best micro learning apps available to enhance your L&D technology suite.
What Exactly Are Micro Learning Apps?
Micro learning apps are essentially L&D tools that deliver bite-sized learning opportunities to your employees. They achieve this through short, focused training content that is often integrated directly into their routine tasks and workflows. By utilizing micro learning apps, L&D departments can efficiently create impactful and engaging learning modules. These modules are characterized by smaller, more manageable chunks of content that are both engaging and contextually relevant, enhancing the overall learning experience.
20 Leading Micro Learning Apps
Let’s explore twenty of the top software vendors that are leading the way in providing microlearning experiences for employees and various types of learners.
1. Whatfix
G2 Review Rating: Not Listed (DAP & Mirror Products)
Price: Not Available Online
Whatfix offers two primary platforms that are powerful micro learning apps: the Whatfix Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) and Whatfix Mirror, a simulation training software.
Whatfix Mirror empowers L&D teams to effortlessly replicate their applications. This allows for the creation of safe sandbox training environments where employees can engage in hands-on training within an interactive and risk-free setting.
Alt text: GIF demonstrating Whatfix Mirror screen capture feature for creating training simulations.
The Whatfix DAP serves as a micro learning app by delivering engaging in-app onboarding experiences, comprehensive software training, and continuous reinforcement learning. All of this is seamlessly integrated into the flow of work, using contextual Flows, Task Lists, Smart Tips, Field Validations, Self Help, and more. This approach provides end-users with real-time, role-based guidance and support exactly when they need it. This ultimately drives process adoption, ensures workflow governance, and boosts overall employee productivity.
Alt text: Animated GIF showcasing Whatfix DAP in-app guidance for software training.
By structuring learning and IT enablement content into small, micro-sized segments, Whatfix ensures end-users receive the precise contextual support required to fully utilize critical enterprise software and its associated workflows, such as CRM, HCM, and ERP systems.
Furthermore, Whatfix offers robust LMS integration capabilities with all major platforms and stands out as the only DAP that is compliant with both xAPI and SCORM standards.
Alt text: GIF demonstrating Whatfix self-help feature for instant user support within applications.
With Whatfix Analytics, you can gain valuable insights into end-user behavior and track custom User Action events. This allows you to pinpoint areas of digital friction across different user types or roles. These insights are crucial for making data-driven improvements to your digital workflows and addressing friction points with targeted in-app guidance and support experiences.
2. SafetyCulture Training (formerly Edapp)
G2 Review Rating: 4.8/5
Price: $0.00 – $2.95/month
Safety Culture Training, previously known as EdApp, is a free micro learning app that includes an integrated authoring tool. It leverages features like spaced repetition, gamification, rewards, and analytics to make learning both enjoyable and effective. This approach significantly enhances knowledge retention and knowledge application. The platform is designed for mobile learning, providing benefits such as push notifications for lesson reminders, cloud-based content distribution, and translation features. It effectively delivers microlessons directly to learners via their mobile devices.
3. iSpring Learn
G2 Review Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $2.82 – $3.66/user
iSpring Learn is designed to facilitate the quick implementation of a microlearning program, allowing users to start and track results in a single day. It removes complexities, eliminating the need for intricate settings adjustments or IT involvement. Users can easily convert existing content, such as videos, slides, or articles, into training material. iSpring includes a built-in authoring tool for creating responsive microlearning courses that incorporate knowledge checks and function seamlessly on both smartphones and desktops.
4. 7taps
G2 Review Rating: 4.8/5
Price: $0.00 – $99.00/month
7taps is recognized for its ability to create and deliver engaging micro-courses rapidly, often within just 15 minutes. It assists learners in overcoming challenges by providing “just-in-time” guides, job aids, and instructions. It also enhances performance by introducing new skills through short, focused modules. With 7taps, users can utilize pre-designed templates to develop optimal microlearning experiences, initiate drip learning campaigns, automate content delivery, and access reports containing essential statistics on learner performance.
5. Qstream
G2 Review Rating: 4.4/5
Price: Not available online
Qstream is a streamlined and highly effective microlearning and knowledge reinforcement app designed for today’s hybrid and digital workforces. It offers built-in content SCORM authoring tools or provides access to a team of experts to create engaging, high-quality content. Qstream also delivers detailed microlearning analytics, offering insights into learning proficiency at various levels—per skill, topic, region, or team. This enables precise measurement of program effectiveness and continuous improvement of training outcomes.
6. Talentcards
G2 Review Rating: 4.8/5
Price: $0.00-$75.00/month
Talentcards is a mobile training app specifically designed for frontline, deskless, and field workers. Its smartphone app uses a flashcard approach, which is ideally suited for bite-sized learning modules. The tool simplifies the creation of microlearning courses into three key steps:
- Developing card sets with training material.
- Adding users to the platform and inviting them to download the app.
- Sharing card sets for immediate access on smartphones.
7. eduMe
G2 Review Rating: 4.7/5
Price: Not available online
eduMe is a mobile-centric frontline training app tailored for on-the-go and customer-facing teams. It enhances the accessibility of bite-sized knowledge by integrating directly into existing tools and workflows, such as SMS, email, proprietary apps, or third-party platforms like Workday and Microsoft Teams. eduMe provides traditional microlearning modules, assessments, quizzes, and surveys, enriched with social media-style vertical videos and interactive features like role-play training and 3D workplace tours. AI-powered tools support module creation in eduMe, saving valuable time for busy teams.
8. Grovo
G2 Review Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $69-$139
Grovo delivers impactful microlearning through an extensive, world-class library containing over 2500 on-demand lessons. These lessons cover business, compliance, personal development, and other current topics. Users can utilize these lessons as-is, customize them to fit specific needs, or develop new courses from scratch using ready-to-use templates.
9. ShotClasses
G2 Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Pricing: Contact sales team for detailed pricing; flexible options available
ShotClasses is another mobile microlearning app that facilitates rapid creation of micro lessons from presentations, PDFs, SCORM content, and YouTube videos. It allows for the incorporation of quizzes for knowledge checks and the collection of employee feedback for continuous training improvement. The platform also integrates game-like mechanics and peer-to-peer learning to encourage learners, enhancing attention, memory, and motivation.
10. OttoLearn
Price: Starting from $500/month
OttoLearn offers gamified microlearning designed to improve knowledge retention and boost employee performance. It enables the creation of micro-lessons that fit seamlessly into employees’ workdays, minimizing disruptions and allowing learners to control their learning schedule, location, and pace for remote training. The platform also provides tools to identify knowledge gaps, allowing for the immediate development of processes to address these areas.
11. LearnUpon
G2 Review Rating: 4.6/5
Price: Not available online
LearnUpon is designed to unify, coordinate, and streamline training delivery across organizations, positioning it as a key competitive advantage. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for building, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating employee training programs from a centralized hub. Users can enhance course content with engaging elements such as surveys, exams, assignments, badges, and certificates.
12. Master-O
G2 Review Rating: 4.7/5
Price: Not available online
Master-O provides an intuitive content authoring tool that allows users to repurpose existing content into bite-sized sales playlists. These playlists include game-based assessments and microlearning interactions. Master-O also comes pre-loaded with researched sales training content covering topics from improving retail sales and enhancing distributor productivity to negotiation skills. This content is designed for easy learning and practical on-the-job application.
13. mLevel
Price: Not available online
mLevel is a SaaS microlearning app used by companies to train and reinforce knowledge among their frontline workforce. Training covers software usage, procedural and policy adherence, product knowledge, and leadership skills. The platform integrates gamification to deliver highly interactive learning activities that are engaging for employees.
14. Surge9
Surge9 is an AI-driven microlearning, training reinforcement, and gamification platform that combines software architecture, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and user-friendly content authoring to deliver effective training programs. It supports various content formats, including microcourses, flashcards, daily practice sessions, and quizzes.
15. MobieTrain
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organizational needs; typically starts from $1,250.
MobieTrain is an AI-powered microlearning app focused on enhancing the performance and engagement of customer-facing teams. It adopts a mobile-first strategy, delivering bite-sized training modules accessible anytime, anywhere. The platform features gamification, real-time analytics, and an easy-to-use content authoring tool, simplifying the creation and delivery of engaging training content. MobieTrain helps shorten onboarding times, increase employee retention, and improve customer satisfaction, making it a comprehensive solution for modern workforce training needs.
16. Spekit
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Pricing: Custom pricing based on features and scale.
Spekit is a digital adoption platform designed to provide contextual training content directly within the software tools employees use daily, functioning as a micro learning app. It features real-time analytics, in-app alerts, and the capability to create interactive courses. Spekit is ideal for just-in-time learning, enhancing employee productivity and engagement by delivering relevant knowledge precisely when and where it is needed.
17. Axonify
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Pricing: Starts from $1 per user per year (custom pricing based on features and scale).
Axonify focuses on improving knowledge retention through microlearning and daily reinforcement, utilizing gamification to boost engagement. It offers robust analytics and AI-driven personalized learning paths, particularly effective for frontline employee training. Axonify’s intuitive interface and frequent updates ensure a modern, user-friendly learning experience that adapts to the evolving needs of the workforce.
18. Digemy
G2 Rating: Not available.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organizational needs.
Digemy delivers a personalized microlearning experience by adapting to individual learning speeds and preferences. It utilizes interactive modules and real-time analytics to optimize learning outcomes, ensuring user engagement and effective knowledge retention. Digemy’s strategy focuses on delivering relevant content in small, manageable segments to enhance both engagement and retention rates.
19. Code of Talent
G2 Rating: Not available.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organizational needs.
Code of Talent emphasizes social learning and collaboration, providing interactive and engaging microlearning modules. It incorporates real-time feedback and gamification elements to promote employee participation and knowledge sharing. This platform is designed to support continuous learning and development within organizations, improving both individual and team performance.
20. Articulate 360
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Pricing: Starts at $1,299 per user per year.
Articulate 360 is a comprehensive suite for creating interactive e-learning content, featuring tools like Storyline 360 and Rise 360. It supports the creation of responsive, visually appealing content for microlearning modules, simplifying the development of engaging and effective training programs. Articulate 360’s integration capabilities and strong customer support make it a popular choice for organizations looking to enhance their training initiatives with high-quality, interactive learning experiences.
Key Features of Micro Learning Apps
For a platform to be considered a micro learning app, it must meet specific criteria and include features that enable L&D teams to create effective microlearning experiences. Essential features include:
1. Versatile Bite-Sized Content Creation
Micro learning apps are built to facilitate the creation and delivery of short, focused learning modules. These modules address specific topics or skills in concise segments. They must provide instructional designers and training content creators with course authoring and content editing tools to develop these bite-sized content pieces.
Moreover, micro learning apps should support learning content in diverse formats, utilizing various training methods, from videos and detailed articles to interactive exercises, job aids, and more.
2. Universal Accessibility Across Devices
Micro learning apps must be optimized for access across various devices, enabling employees to learn seamlessly within their workflow. This includes compatibility with tablets, smartphones, web browsers, and industry-specific applications like POS systems. This broad accessibility supports a flexible learning environment, allowing employees to engage with training during downtime, such as commutes, or directly integrated into their daily tasks.
3. Personalized Learning Journeys
Micro learning apps often incorporate advanced algorithms and AI to create personalized learning paths for each user. These paths are customized to individual learning needs, preferences, and progress, ensuring users receive the most relevant content at the optimal time.
4. Gamification for Enhanced Engagement
Gamification elements are frequently integrated into micro learning apps to boost learner engagement and motivation. These elements include points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges, making learning more interactive and enjoyable.
5. Robust Analytics and Progress Tracking
Micro learning apps include robust analytics and tracking tools that offer detailed insights into learner performance and engagement. These tools monitor metrics such as completion rates, quiz scores, time spent on modules, and overall progress.
Analytics help managers and trainers identify trends, measure training effectiveness, and make informed, data-driven decisions to refine learning strategies.
6. Seamless LMS Integration
Many micro learning apps offer seamless integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS), allowing organizations to incorporate microlearning into their broader training ecosystem. LMS integration ensures that microlearning content is easily accessible, manageable, and trackable alongside other training initiatives.
Advantages of Micro Learning Apps
Here are some of the most significant advantages of using micro learning apps:
1. Enhanced Flexibility and Accessibility
Micro learning apps provide exceptional flexibility and accessibility, allowing learners to access educational content anytime, anywhere. The mobile-friendly design of most micro learning apps enables employees to engage with training materials at their convenience, whether during a commute, a break, or at home.
2. Tailored Personalization
Training content is most effective when it is directly relevant to a learner’s specific job role and needs. Micro learning apps use advanced algorithms and AI to adapt to a learner’s progress, preferences, and performance, delivering customized content that addresses specific skill gaps and learning styles. By focusing on individual requirements, micro learning apps significantly increase learner satisfaction and improve training outcomes.
3. Increased Learner Engagement
Given the short attention spans common in today’s digital workforce, maintaining engagement with traditional, lengthy training content is challenging. Microlearning naturally promotes higher engagement by breaking down content into short, focused modules. This allows learners to quickly absorb and apply new knowledge without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Improved Knowledge Retention
Compared to lengthy training sessions, microlearning, which presents material in short, digestible chunks, significantly improves knowledge retention. By presenting training material in small, digestible chunks, micro learning apps help embed knowledge more effectively, ensuring that learners can better recall and apply what they have learned.
5. Cost-Effective Training Solutions
Micro learning apps are generally more cost-effective than traditional training methods. They require less time and fewer resources to develop and deliver content. Furthermore, the improved engagement and retention rates associated with microlearning mean organizations can achieve better training results with fewer resources.
The flexibility of microlearning also reduces costs associated with hiring trainers, further lowering expenses while maximizing the return on investment in employee development.
Practical Applications of Micro Learning Apps
Here are several key use cases for micro learning apps:
1. Streamlined Onboarding and Orientation
New hires often feel overwhelmed by the volume of information presented on their first day. The more information, the longer it takes for them to integrate and start contributing effectively.
Micro learning apps streamline employee orientation and onboarding by providing new employees with easily digestible information in bite-sized modules. This helps them quickly grasp company culture, policies, and their specific roles. New hires can access modules covering essential topics like company history, mission, values, organizational structure, and key policies.
This approach ensures new employees are not overloaded with information initially and can learn at their own pace, fostering greater confidence in their new roles.
2. Continuous Professional Growth
Both employees and employers prioritize professional development as it mutually benefits both parties. However, tight schedules often make it difficult for employees to allocate time for extensive professional development training.
Micro learning apps support continuous professional development by offering ongoing access to training modules that employees can complete at their convenience. This approach enables employees to stay updated with the latest industry trends and skills without requiring extensive time commitments.
For example, employees can access short, digestible courses on emerging technologies or advanced skills relevant to their field, anytime and anywhere, through a mobile-friendly micro learning app.
3. Efficient Technology and Software Training
Micro learning apps deliver focused, step-by-step tutorials on using specific tools and applications. Employees can learn at their own pace and revisit modules as needed to reinforce their understanding.
Interactive elements, such as simulations and hands-on exercises, enhance the learning experience, ensuring employees gain practical, applicable skills. This method shortens the learning curve and helps employees quickly become proficient with new technologies.
Tools like Whatfix Mirror make it possible to create risk-free simulation training environments for enterprise software applications without needing technical support. This creates an interactive, duplicate application environment for end-users to learn with hands-on experience on real workflows without impacting company data or performance.
Alt text: Whatfix Mirror logo representing simulation-based software training.
Explore Mirror →
4. Effective Compliance Training
Micro learning apps are particularly effective for compliance training, where ensuring employee understanding and adherence to regulations and policies is critical. Microlearning modules can break down complex compliance requirements into easily understandable segments. These can include scenarios, case studies, and quizzes to test knowledge and reinforce key points.
Micro learning apps also facilitate regular updates to compliance training content, ensuring employees remain current with changes in laws and regulations. This approach helps maintain high compliance levels and reduces the risk of non-compliance, which can have significant legal and financial consequences for organizations.
5. Leadership and Management Development
Micro learning apps offer modules on various leadership skills, including effective communication, team management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. By engaging with these short, focused lessons, current and aspiring leaders can progressively develop their skills, applying learned concepts in real-time to their daily responsibilities.
Micro learning apps also support the integration of feedback and coaching sessions, allowing leaders to reflect on their experiences and continuously improve their performance. This ensures leadership development is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, fostering a more adaptable and effective leadership culture within the organization.
Microlearning Apps: Enhanced with Whatfix
Organizations depend on complex enterprise applications and custom-built digital processes to achieve business objectives and drive company growth.
However, this dependency requires L&D and IT departments to collaborate effectively to equip internal end-users with the necessary onboarding, training, reinforcement learning, support, and change communication to drive technology adoption and maximize ROI. Whatfix DAP serves as a comprehensive solution to address all five of these needs. Here’s how:
- Provides contextual, in-app guidance that simplifies complex information into small, manageable steps, making it easier for users to understand and retain new knowledge.
- Creates and deploys customized microlearning content tailored to specific roles, tasks, and processes.
- Offers contextual guidance, including tooltips, pop-ups, and self-help widgets, for on-demand information and support.
- Builds sandbox environments for simulated hands-on training with Whatfix Mirror.
- Analyzes end-user behavior to identify friction points and optimize workflows using Whatfix Analytics.
Ready to discover more about Whatfix? Schedule a demo today!
