We know that educational content is one of the best ways you can provide true value on TikTok: and what does value get us? VIEWS!

Educational content is a shortcut to build authority, engage with your audience, and provide that all-important value that keeps people coming back.

But nailing it isn’t just about throwing facts into a video – it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates.

So how do we brainstorm, create, and refine educational TikTok content? Let’s get into it…

1. Brainstorm

Every great TikTok starts with a strong idea. For educational content, you need to identify topics that your audience genuinely cares about, that will be measurably useful, and that align with your expertise, niche, and brand values.

• Know Your Audience: Who are they, and what do they need? You should have a good grasp of your demographic, but it’s always good to reassess. Use your Analytics to see what’s been working, and dig into the comments section to find recurring questions or pain points. Check our resource library for how-tos on doing this.

• Trending Topics and Evergreen Content: Look for trending topics that can be adapted into educational content. However, don’t rely solely on trends; evergreen content (topics that remain relevant over time) will give your videos a longer shelf life – use our SEO tools to make sure this content continues to get seen.

• Competitor Analysis: See what’s working for others in your space. Take notes on the type of educational/high-value content that resonates and think about how you can put your unique spin on it.

2. Develop a Content Framework

Once you’ve got a solid idea the next step is to structure your content. A well-organised video can be the difference between a scroll-by and a share-worthy piece. Let’s break down a framework that works.

• Hook: The first few seconds (more like the first 1.6 seconds) are crucial: your hook needs to grab attention immediately. For example, if you’re teaching about productivity, start with something like, “Do you want to be more productive? This is how” The goal is to make viewers curious or excited to learn more – use ‘YOU‘ to center them right at the start of your content.

• Title: An impactful title helps you stay focused on the core message of your video. It’s like the headline of a blog post or newspaper article: concise and grabbing, and maybe a little bit click-baitey. Something like, “Boost Your Productivity in 25 Minutes” sets clear expectations.

• Overview: Here you quickly outline what the video will cover. Think of it as a mini introduction that tells viewers why they should stick around. For instance, “I used to use this trick ALL THE TIME at work, but it’s only recently I’ve applied it at home, too. It’s a game-changer!”

• Main Content: This is where you dive into the details. Break down the educational content into digestible chunks and steps. For example, if you’re explaining a technique, you might first explain what it is, then show how to do it, and finally discuss why it works. Use visuals, text overlays, green screens, and voiceovers to reinforce key points. Make sure these points are used within your caption – you want to make the viewer save the content to return back to later, so as much information as possible is crucial.

• Engagement: Educational content should invite viewers to interact. Ask them to try the technique or share their experiences in the comments. You might say, “how do you stay productive?!”

• Conclusion/Call-to-Action: Wrap up your video by summarising the main points and guiding viewers on what to do next. Whether it’s to share the video, follow your account, or try the technique themselves, make sure there’s a clear action.

3. Crafting the Content: The Production Process

With your framework in place, it’s time to get filming. Here’s how to streamline the process:

• Script It Out: Even if your TikTok isn’t heavily scripted, having a bullet-point outline can keep you on track. This is especially important for educational content, where clarity is key.

• Shoot with Purpose: Use the tools at your disposal – whether that’s your phone, a ring light, or editing software. Make sure your lighting is good, your audio is clear, and your visuals support the content.

• Editing: Tighten up your content in the editing process. Cut out any fluff, add text overlays for emphasis, and do as much of this within CapCut or the app itself. Remember, less is more – keep it snappy and engaging.

4. Post, Promote, and Engage: Amplifying Your Content

After creating your video, the job’s not done yet. Promotion and engagement are crucial for getting your content seen.

• Optimal Posting Times: Use analytics to identify when your audience is most active and post during those times to maximise reach.

• Cross-Promotion: Educational videos work really well elsewhere: share your TikTok videos on other platforms like Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn to reach a broader audience. You can also embed TikTok videos in blog posts or newsletters.

• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments (use your keywords in your responses!), ask follow-up questions, and encourage viewers to share their experiences. This not only boosts engagement but also gives you ideas for future content.

5. Analyse and Iterate: Refining Your Strategy

After a few posts, review how your educational content is performing. Which videos are getting the most views, shares, or comments? Use this data to refine your approach.

• A/B Testing: Try different hooks, lengths, or formats to see what resonates best. For example, if one video has a high drop-off rate, consider shortening the introduction or making the hook more tantalising in future videos.

• Feedback Loop: Pay attention to the feedback from your audience. If they’re asking for more detailed explanations, consider creating a series on the topic.