Using Instagram Reels & YouTube Shorts for TOEFL iBT® Vocabulary

In today’s fast-paced world, learning TOEFL vocabulary doesn’t have to mean boring flashcards or thick books. With platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, you can now build your English skills one scroll at a time. These short-form videos offer quick, memorable ways to understand and remember new words. Whether you're commuting or taking a study break, TOEFL vocabulary practice using YouTube Shorts or Instagram can fit right in. Let’s explore how to make social media your secret tool for acing the TOEFL.

Using Instagram Reels & YouTube Shorts for TOEFL Vocabulary

Here are the best ways to turn Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts into powerful tools for mastering TOEFL vocabulary: 

1. Follow English vocabulary creators on Instagram and YouTube: 

Look for short-form content creators who regularly post TOEFL-focused vocabulary lessons. Many of them break down complex words in under a minute using simple language and visuals. 

For example, one popular format explains a word like "resilient" by showing someone bouncing back after a failure, followed by a clear sentence using the word in context. This helps you remember not just the meaning but also how the word is used in real-life situations.

2. Save useful videos and build a mini library: 

Every time you come across a helpful Reel or Short, save it to a dedicated collection or playlist titled “TOEFL Vocab”. This creates your own bank of words you can revisit before the exam. 

Let’s say you saved a video explaining the word “lucid” with the sentence “She gave a lucid explanation during the presentation.” Watching this again after a few days reinforces both the word and its application.

3. Use hashtags to find targeted content: 

Hashtags are your best friend when it comes to discovering the right kind of videos. Searching for #TOEFLVocabulary or #AcademicEnglish on Instagram or YouTube will lead you to posts that focus specifically on words you’ll likely encounter on the exam. These videos often feature one word per clip, like “substantiate,” with an example sentence embedded in the caption or spoken aloud.

4. Make your own short videos for practice: 

Speaking a word out loud and using it in a sentence can help it stick. Recording your own short video—even if you don’t post it—gives you a chance to use the vocabulary actively. For instance, saying “The findings substantiate her claims about climate change” not only helps with word recall but also boosts your speaking skills, which are tested on the TOEFL.

5. Interact with the content you watch: 

When you leave a comment or write your own sentence using a word from a video, you're more likely to remember it. If you just watched a YouTube Short explaining “inevitable,” try writing a comment like “It felt inevitable that he would ace the exam after studying so hard.” This small habit helps you think more critically about word usage and improves long-term retention.

6. Set a daily scroll limit for focused learning: 

It’s easy to fall into an endless scroll, so give yourself a fixed 10 to 15-minute window each day for vocabulary-focused content. During this time, only interact with videos that teach you something. For example, plan a short study break where you watch five vocabulary Reels, note down the new words, and use them in one or two original sentences afterward.

Top Instagram Accounts to Follow for TOEFL Vocabulary Reels

Here are ten Instagram accounts that consistently post engaging vocabulary content tailored for English learners: 

Best YouTube Channels for TOEFL Vocabulary Practice

Here are ten YouTube channels with strong subscriber bases, offering high quality content focused on TOEFL vocabulary, exam strategies, and usage examples: 

Using YouTube channels for TOEFL vocabulary practice is one of the most effective ways to learn through real examples and consistent exposure. These channels offer focused, short lessons that fit easily into any study routine. Choose the ones that match your learning style and make vocabulary building a daily habit.

Additional Resources: 

• Advanced English Vocabulary for TOEFL Preparation
• Influence of Pop Culture on Modern English Vocabulary
• Top 5 Tips to Master English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT
• How to Use English Flashcards to Retain New Vocabulary
• Word Games to Build Vocabulary: Scrabble, Crosswords, and More
• Build TOEFL Grammar Skills by Editing Song Lyrics