Introducing uStudio Read Along: Elevating Learning and Retention

In today’s fast-paced enterprise, the demand for low-friction, widely accessible tools to train, onboard, and continuously develop teams has never been greater. That’s why we’re excited to announce Read Along, a new feature for our mobile and desktop streaming apps that we think is a game changer for learners.

Like many popular consumer apps, Read Along synchronizes spoken words with media playback, providing an engaging experience that enhances retention, recall, and comprehension. Let’s dive into how this feature works and why combining listening with reading leads to more effective learning.

What is Read Along?

Read Along transforms the way employees interact with audio and video streams. Here’s how it works:

In the mobile player, Read Along is available in two format options: a snippet view when the player is expanded and as a full screen overlay when selected by the user for a more immersive reading experience. In both views, text is highlighted in sync with the corresponding audio, making it simple to follow along and stay engaged with the content.

On mobile (available now) or desktop (coming soon), users can click the eyeglasses or expand icons to activate Read Along mode. In this mode, users can read the complete transcript of an audio or video episode and click on any part of the text to jump directly to that point in the content, making it easier than ever to navigate and revisit key moments in the stream. Say goodbye to tedious back and forth scrubbing. With Read Along, users have yet another way to align learning with their time and learning style.

The Science Behind Listening While Reading

Thanks to relevant research, we know that engaging multiple senses during learning amplifies results. Here are handful of our favorites:

Dual Coding Theory: This principle states that combining auditory and visual stimuli strengthens memory retention. A study published in the Educational Psychology Review found that learners who integrate listening with reading achieve better comprehension than those using only one modality.

Cognitive Load Reduction: A 2017 study in the Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia found that synchronizing text and audio reduces cognitive load, allowing learners to process information more efficiently. By having the text highlighted as it’s spoken, Read Along holds the user’s focus and minimizes distractions.

Better Language Processing: For multilingual learners where English is a second language, Read Along may offer additional value. Research in the Applied Linguistics Journal highlights how dual input improves vocabulary acquisition and language proficiency and comprehension. This feature is ideal for improving performance among global teams who engage with corporate training.

Why Read Along Matters for Enterprise Learning

Investing in learning and development is not just about skill-building—it’s a strategic move that enhances business performance, retains top talent, derisks and ensures future growth. Enterprises that diversify workforce learning programs tend to be more agile, resilient, and positioned for long-term success. With Read Along, leaders are able to do the following:

Provide Choice: Some people prefer to learn by listening, some by watching or reading. Above all, enterprises must ensure learners have choice. To maximize information consumption and comprehension, it must be delivered in multiple modalities.

Reinforce Key Points: Reading highlighted words and phrases during a stream gives employees another way to seek and find key points, and to review them over and again with ease. It’s never been easier to internalize key points in a podcast.

Boost Engagement: In a world where distractions are constant, uStudio works to keep users engaged with your content. By synchronizing streams with written words, Read Along provides a more immersive experience that keeps users focused.

Easy to Enable and Use

The best part? Read Along is incredibly easy to activate. Any episode with an associated transcript automatically offers the Read Along option in the mobile and desktop players. Starting April 1, 2025, all episodes uploaded to uStudio will be automatically transcribed. Between now and then, it is available for activation and testing by sending us an email at support@ustudio.com. As a content administrator, you will always have the flexibility to edit the automated transcripts or to upload your own transcript for accuracy or customization. 

A Smarter Way to Learn

uStudio’s Read Along empowers employees to master complex concepts, engage with content on their terms, and retain information more effectively. With this feature, training and development teams can deliver materials that truly resonate—and drive measurable results.

Ready to see Read Along in action? Start exploring this transformative feature in the mobile app today, and stay tuned for its desktop debut!

Not a uStudio customer yet?

Click here to request a demo and discover the power of our streaming apps and platform firsthand. One of our team members will guide you through a personalized demonstration, including access to a test studio. Invite your colleagues, explore the features, and see how uStudio can transform your learning and development initiatives. Get started today!