With AP exams approaching, many high school students are swapping textbooks for TikToks and YouTube explainers, redefining what it means to study “effectively” in a digital age.
With college-level courses becoming more common in high school, students face increasing academic pressure. In response, many are turning to fast, digestible content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, especially when trying to catch up or squeeze studying into already packed schedules.
Many teens say online videos are more efficient, relatable, and better suited to their shorter attention spans than traditional methods.
Raya Skaf, a junior at Carlmont High School, decided to take the AP World History exam without enrolling in the course.
“I didn’t take AP World, but I used Heimler’s videos and still got a five. It taught me the whole course. I even learned how to write an LEQ the morning of the test,” Skaf said.
Skaf is among many students who find digital learning more accessible and efficient.
Many teens say traditional prep books are too time-consuming between extracurriculars, jobs, and finals. Conversely, videos offer quick summaries, visual aids, and engaging explanations that match their pace and attention spans.
Sophomore Arnav Prathipati, currently taking AP World History, also prefers video content over reading.
“My brain gets distracted when I read, but videos keep me focused. It feels like a conversation, and I remember more,” Prathipati said.
For students who feel behind or didn’t take the class at all, creators like Heimler’s History and CrashCourse break down complex events with teen-friendly language, visuals, and humor that feel far less intimidating than a textbook.
Steve Heimler, who recently surpassed one million YouTube subscribers, has become a go-to resource for many AP students. In a recent live review, Heimler shared his motivation for teaching: “My main goal is to serve students who are struggling to understand and who can’t believe that they actually understand the content. I can be like their YouTube Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Heimler said.
That sense of encouragement and clarity is exactly what many students say they need.
“Sometimes I just need someone to explain it to me in a way that makes sense. These videos feel like they’re made for students, not just written by adults who assume we already know everything,” Prathipati said.
While older resources like Princeton Review and Barron’s were once the go-to study aids, many students now see them as outdated. Instead, they favor faster, more visual, and more engaging content.
Aditya Mishra, a sophomore at the University of Southern California, used YouTube to study for all his AP exams and sees digital tools as a significant asset for future students.
“Everyone learns differently. When I was taking exams, I remember Khan Academy was great, and the Organic Chemistry tutor was the GOAT,” Mishra said.
Though Mishra preferred watching full-length lessons, he acknowledged that shorter, TikTok-style content might suit other learning styles.
“It’s easier to understand when someone walks you through the steps visually,” he said.
Not every student has given up on traditional resources. Julia Warner, a sophomore at Burlingame High School, still finds value in her AP textbook.
“I used the AMSCO textbook, which is long—I think it’s like 700 pages—but it details important events and includes significant continuities and differences. It also has multiple-choice questions and free-response sections like the AP test, which online sources can’t always replicate,” Warner said.
Still, some students feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of AP content, digital or not.
“I’m juggling AP Chem and a bunch of other tests, and it’s hard to know which one to focus on. It’s exhausting,” Carlmont junior Sachin Bulfer said.
Bulfer also questions whether digital tools oversimplify learning.
“It feels like we’re just regurgitating what the College Board wants, it’s just helping us pass, and it doesn’t teach us real-world skills,” Bulfer said.
Despite the growing popularity of digital tools, some students remain critical of the AP testing process.
Sachin Bulfer, a junior at Carlmont, juggling multiple AP exams, expressed concerns about burnout and the potential for oversimplification in online prep.
“It’s overwhelming, I still have to balance all these APs while also considering approaching finals in my other classes. I’m focusing on AP Chem right now, but it’s a lot because I have so many AP exams approaching simultaneously, and I don’t know which one to study for,” Bulfer said.
Balfer also questioned the effectiveness of relying too heavily on online tools to prepare for the exams.
“Every AP student just regurgitates what the College Board wants. It’s not helping us think. It’s just helping us pass and will not teach us real-world skills,” Bulfer said.
Despite these concerns, many students are choosing convenience over caution.
Social media platforms offer lessons that are easier to digest and fit into their packed days. As teens increasingly rely on these online resources, one thing is clear: digital prep is here to stay.
For Mishra, the flexibility and speed of online study content are game-changers. “It helped me when I got to college,” Mishra said, reflecting on his many successful AP scores.
As AP season intensifies, students continue experimenting with various study tools. While TikToks and YouTube videos might not replace textbooks entirely, they’re undeniably reshaping how teens approach exam prep—one sped-up lecture at a time.
“When it comes to APs, it doesn’t matter if you take all of them. It’s more valuable to take a few that match your interests,” Mishra said.
As more students turn to digital resources, it’s clear that platforms like TikTok and YouTube are transforming traditional study methods. Whether it’s Heimler’s in-depth explanations or a quick TikTok tutorial, these tools offer a faster, more engaging alternative to textbooks, and for many, they may be the future of exam prep.
