Have you ever heard someone in Learning and Development say they want to create ‘the Netflix of Learning’? It sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Slick, personalised, easy to use. But, there’s a but: copying Netflix might be one of the worst ideas in digital learning, and also one of the best.

Let’s unpack that.

Why the ‘Netflix of Learning’ is a Terrible Idea

When people say they want a ‘Netflix of Learning’, they usually mean a library of shiny content in a familiar streaming-style interface. Rows of courses. Infinite scrolling. Endless choice.

But here’s the problem. On Netflix, choice paralysis is a feature, not a bug. People spend an average of 18 minutes deciding what to watch, and that’s when they’re choosing entertainment. No one in your business is going to spend 18 minutes deciding which compliance course to do next.

Netflix thrives on leisure. Learning is different. Employees open a platform because they need something useful, not just new. So, giving them hundreds of options without direction overwhelms them.

And let’s not forget the ‘doom scroll’ effect. On Netflix, that endless scroll is addictive. In learning, it’s destructive. Learners won’t scroll for fun. They’ll give up if they can’t find what they need quickly.

So, if your learning platform looks like Netflix but doesn’t feel purposeful, engagement will fall off a cliff.

But Here’s Why It’s Also Amazing

There are things that Netflix nails, and they’re exactly what we should be borrowing for digital learning.

1. Seamless continuityYou know that moment when the ‘Next Episode’ button appears and you think, “Oh, go on then”? That’s behavioural design in action. Netflix removes every barrier to momentum.

Imagine using that same principle in eLearning:

• A course that automatically offers the next micro-module at the right time.

• A prompt that says, “Want to go a bit deeper?” instead of a dull ‘Next’ button.

• A recommendation that feels timely and personal, not random.

  
  

That’s how you turn a one-off click into a learning habit.

2. Personalisation that actually worksNetflix recommends what you’re most likely to finish. It even tests thumbnail images to see which ones you’re most likely to click.

For learning, that means:

• Using data to predict what skills a learner needs next.

• Adapting visuals and headlines to draw attention.

• Serving content that feels hand-picked, not shelf-stacked.

  
  

3. Emotional storytellingNetflix is brilliant at pulling you into a story fast. You care about the characters, the problem, and the resolution. And according to The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr, that emotional engagement is what keeps the human brain hooked.

It’s the same in learning. When a course opens with a relatable scenario or a real-world challenge, the learner’s brain treats it as their story. That emotional connection is what helps information stick.

So, while you shouldn’t copy Netflix’s interface, you absolutely should copy its psychology.

What This Looks Like in Practice

At Popcorn, we take inspiration from platforms like Netflix, but we translate those ideas into purposeful learning design.

Here’s how:

• Data-driven pathways: Using analytics and learning needs analysis to serve relevant, role-specific content.

• Bingeable structure: Breaking content into short, connected modules that flow naturally.

• Interactive eLearning: Building momentum through curiosity.

• Smart nudges: Designing ‘next step’ triggers that keep learners engaged, without nagging.

• Strong storytelling: Bringing emotion, realism, and relatability into even the driest subjects.

  
  

The result? Learning and Development Solutions that feel natural, human, and effective.

The Real Lesson from Netflix

The magic of Netflix isn’t in its design but in how it makes you feel. Effortless. Personal. Rewarding. That’s the part worth copying.

In learning, it’s not about building a flashy platform. It’s about understanding what makes people want to keep watching, and using that insight to make people want to keep learning.

As Will Storr reminds us, we’re wired for stories because they help us make sense of our world. Great learning design works the same way.

Talk to Popcorn

If you’d like to find out how your organisation can take the best ideas from Netflix (and other platforms) to make learning more engaging and commercially effective, talk to Popcorn.

We’ll help you build digital learning solutions that your people connect with.