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Visual learning is a type of learning style in which students use images, graphics, colors and maps to communicate ideas and thoughts. Visual learners prefer using visual stimulation because it helps them learn and memorize better.
But, is visual learning effective?
What percentage of the world’s population are visual learners? Is visual learning better than other methods of absorbing information?
My updated visual learning statistics guide for 2025 has everything you need to know.
Use this link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.
All the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.
Jump here: Key Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year| Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)
Note: here’s an awesome quiz about visual learning based on this post. Take it after you’ve read the article. It’ll help you permanently remember everything you need to know about this topic.
Table of Contents
Key Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year
Key Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025
- 65% of the world’s population are visual learners. (Source)
- >50% of human brain’s surface is used to process visuals. (Source)
- Humans can remember 65% of visual information after three days. In comparison, after three days, people retain only 10-20% of written or spoken information. (Source)
- It takes the brain 13 milliseconds to process an image. The brain can also see images that last for just 13 milliseconds. (Source)
- Adding color makes visuals 39% more memorable. (Source)
- Human eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour. (Source)
- Humans can get the sense of a visual scene in less than 1/10 of a second. (Source)
- 90% of all information transmitted to the brain is visual. (Source)
- Men are more likely to prefer visual learning than women. In a recent survey 48% of male students and 36% of female students preferred visual learning over any other learning method. (Source)
- Human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. (Source)
- 40% of human brain’s nerve fibers are linked to the retina. (Source)
- Use of visuals in textbooks improves learning by up to 400%. (Source)
- Illustrated text is ~9% more effective than text alone when testing immediate comprehension. (Source)
- Illustrated text was 83% more effective when the comprehension test was delayed for several days. (Source)
- 40% of learners respond better to visual information than to text alone. (Source)
- Color makes emails and other written materials 39% more memorable. (Source)
- Reading boring official documents like contracts or policies is 80% faster with color. (Source)
- An adult can maintain full focus for about a minute (67 seconds for older adults, 76 seconds for younger adults). (Source)
Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)
What Percentage of People in the World are Visual Learners?
65% of the people in the world are visual learners. (Source)
This statistic underscores the importance of incorporating visual elements in both E-learning and traditional courses. It suggests the majority of students (and anyone who’s trying to learn anything) will benefit from plenty of graphical content in their learning material.
65% of the people in the world are visual learners. #Statistics #visuallearningstatistics #facts #nikolaroza Share on XHow Much of Human Brain’s Surface is Used to Process Visuals?
>50% of human brain’s surface is used to process visuals. Humans can get the sense of a visual scene in less than 1/10 of a second. (Source)
How Much Visual Information Can Humans Remember After Three Days?
Humans can remember 65% of visual information after three days. (Source)
Compare that to written and spoken material where recall is far weaker. After three days most people can remember 10-20% of what was spoken or written. (Source)
Clearly presenting information visually wins. But the best approach is to combine all three teaching methods for the best results while also accommodating the preferred learning styles of 100% of people. (Source)
How Long Can an Adult Maintain Full Focus?
An adult can maintain full focus for about a minute (67 seconds for older adults, 76 seconds for younger adults). (Source)
This short attention span shows the importance of breaking down information into digestible chunks. It also suggests the potential benefits of combining microlearning techniques with visual elements, as people generally remember visuals better. (Source)
How Long Does it Take the Brain to Process an Image?
It takes the brain 13 milliseconds to process an image. The brain can also see images that last for just 13 milliseconds. (Source)
13 milliseconds is far too fast and imperceptible to the conscious human mind and eye, but the brain’s perception is much better and it subconsciously still notices. (Source)
How Much More Memorable are Visuals When Color is Added?
Adding color makes visuals 39% more memorable. (Source)
Color adds aesthetic appeal but also significantly enhances retention of the learning material.
This statistic suggests that using color strategically in eLearning materials boosts their effectiveness, especially in the corporate setting where employee training materials are often bland and uninspiring.
How Many Visual Messages can our Eyes Register per Hour?
Human eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour. (Source)
You’ll never be sending anyone 36 000 visual messages in any given hour, but it’s worth knowing as this high capacity for visual input shows the power of visual communication for teaching. (Source)
Human eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour. #Statistics #visuallearningstatistics #facts #nikolaroza Share on XWhat Percentage of Information Transmitted to the Brain is Visual?
90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual. It’s because more than 50% of our brain’s surface is used to process visuals, but also because eyes act as windows into the world. We humans are visual creatures through and through. (Source)
For example, visuals are processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text, and 40% of nerve fibers are linked to the retina. (Source)
By How Much can Visuals Improve Learning?
Visuals improve learning by up to 400%. (Source)
This doesn’t mean textbooks and other learning material should be mostly images. Instead it means that images, graphics and infographics should complement and enhance the textual portion of the course. (Source)
Is Illustrated Text Effective for Immediate Comprehension?
Yes, illustrated text is effective for immediate comprehension.
In a recent study (I link to it in the footer of the page) illustrated text was found to be 9% more effective than text alone when testing immediate comprehension. (Source)
The same study showed that an illustrated text was 83% more effective when the comprehension test was delayed for several days. (Source)
These findings suggest human brain needs some time to process the material it saw, including the visuals within the content. (Source)
How Much More Memorable can Color Make Written Materials?
Color makes emails and other written materials 39% more memorable and infinitely more enjoyable. (Source)
Official company documents like long contracts and policies are known joy killers. Studies (which I link in the footer btw) have shown that reading official documents like contracts or policies is 80% faster with some added color. (Source)
Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025- FAQ
What is Visual Learning (Definition and Meaning)?
Visual learning is a learning style where people learn best when information is presented visually, such as through diagrams, charts, videos, or color-coded notes.
What does it mean to be a visual learner?
Being a visual learner means learning best by seeing and processing information through visual aids like images, diagrams, graphs, videos, or spatial representations.
Visual learners learn best when they have access to the visual aid listed above.
What are Some Examples of Visual Learning Style?
Here are some examples of a visual learning style.
Visual learners tend to be be detail-oriented, organized, and have a preference for using symbols, colors and shapes to organize information.
They like to use graphic organizers such as flow charts, mind maps, concept maps, diagrams, graphs, and sketch notes.
Another example is the usage of highlighters and notecards when studying information, especially dry information that makes you wanna take a nap.
Yet another example is that visual learners are highly adept at recalling information through mental imagery. They’re able to vividly picture scenes or concepts in their mind to recall details.
How Does Visual Learning Compare to Auditory Learning?
Visual learning process and auditory learning method are not in competition. Each of these two methods of learning is effective when paired with a person who has a preference for it.
Meaning, visual learners learn better visually than auditory. And a typical auditory learner will thrive with auditory lessons and do worse with predominantly visual lessons.
How Does Visual Learning Compare to Kinesthetic Learning?
Visual and kinesthetic learning methods are not in competition. Each way of learning is effective when paired with a person who has a strong preference for it.
In other words, visual learners will do better learning visually than kinesthetically. And the reverse is true as well. Kinesthetic learner will thrive with kinesthetic, interactive lessons and actually doing what they’re supposed to learn. And they’ll do worse with predominantly visual lessons.
Read my kinesthetic learning statistics guide next.
What are the Benefits of Visual Learning?
The benefits of visual learning are:
- Improved comprehension– Visual aids like diagrams, videos, pie charts and infographics can help learners understand complex concepts and processes.
- Increased engagement– Visual learning is often more engaging than traditional classroom methods. And more engagement= increased focus and better memory (knowledge retention).
- Promotes creativity– visual literacy practices help students develop their creativity and express their thoughts and opinions.
- Stimulates emotions– Visuals and emotions are processed in the same part of the brain, so they work together to create strong memories which reduces learning loss with the passage of time.
What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Visual Learning?
Strengths of visual learning are:
- Strong memory retention- visual learners remember information better when presented with images, diagrams, and charts, leading to improved recall.
- Detail-oriented observation– visual learners are able to notice small details and patterns in visual information.
- Spatial awareness– visual learners have a strong ability to visualize objects and scenarios in their minds, making them adept at understanding maps and spatial relationships.
- Creative thinking- visual learners often excel in creative fields like art and design due to their ability to visualize ideas.
- Organization skills- visual learners often organize information visually, making it easier to navigate and understand.
- Good at reading comprehension– visual learners can easily picture scenes described in text, enhancing their reading comprehension.
Weaknesses of visual learning are:
- Difficulty with auditory information– visual learners often struggle to follow lectures or absorb information presented primarily through verbal instructions.
- Distractions from visual stimuli– visual learners are easily distracted by irrelevant visual elements in their environment.
- Challenges with abstract concepts: concepts that are purely logical and that aren’t easily visualized are harder to grasp for visual learners.
- Heavy reliance on visuals– visual learners struggle to understand information if visual aids are not readily available.
- Potential for misinterpretations– visual learners often misinterpret visual cues, leading to misunderstandings. This effect is compounded when a visual learner is also a solitary learner (intrapersonal learner) who doesn’t like to ask for help and actively participate.
- May struggle with kinesthetic learning activities– tasks requiring physical movement or hands-on experience may be challenging for visual learners.
How do Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Learning Styles Differ?
Visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles differ by the way of imparting knowledge to students, pupils, and anyone who’s learning anything.
Visual learners absorb information by sight. Auditory learners absorb information by sound. Kinesthetic learners absorb information by moving their bodies.
Do Visual Aids Enhance Math Learning?
Visual cues do help with math learning.
Visual representations of mathematical concepts and relationships aid students in making sense of complex information and developing their analytical thinking skills.
Is Visual Learning a Scientifically Valid Concept, or is it a Myth?
Visual learning is a myth according to science. There’s currently no scientific evidence that visual learning is better than auditory, kinesthetic, or any other learning methods.
That said, there’s something there because as much as 65% of the global population say they’re visual learners. The remaining 35% are auditory and kinesthetic learners which means they’re not visual learners. So by saying they’re not visual learners they’re confirming it’s existence.
Basically, science (especially learning psychology) and popular opinion are at total odds here.
How Does Visual Learning Help Students in Their Educational Journey?
Visual learning helps students absorb material faster with better retention. It makes complex information more accessible and engaging through the use of images, diagrams, graphs, and videos.
What are Some Practical Methods and Strategies for Improving Visual Learning and Study Skills?
The number #1 practical method for improving your visual learning and study skills is to not force it. You won’t be able to force yourself to learn visually if you’re a kinesthetic or auditory learner.
However, everyone can learn visually to a degree, and here’s what you should do to improve your visual learning skills.
- Take notes– Writing things down and drawing illustrations helps you remember them better.
- Use visual aids– Charts, diagrams, pictures, and videos help introduce new material, reinforce concepts, and support struggling learners.
- Use color– color code your notes and binders so you identify items faster.
- Flashcards– flashcards are great for memorizing terms and definitions. You can write new vocabulary words on colored index cards with short definitions on the back.
- Draw concept maps– draw a shape around key terms and then draw lines to show how they relate to other words or concepts.
- Watch videos– videos of live lectures help you learn better and faster.
- Collaborate– collaboration and combining social learning (interpersonal learning) with visual help is going to be even better than visually learning alone.
This list of visual learning strategies and methods isn’t exhaustive.
What are Some Jobs and Careers Good for Visual Learners?
Jobs and careers good for visual learners are those where’s there’s a lot of creating, interpreting and working with visual information.
These jobs and careers are:
- Graphic designer;
- Architect;
- Photographer;
- Video editor;
- Interior designer;
- Fashion designer;
- Web designer;
- Data visualization specialist;
- Cartographer;
- Art director;
- User interface (UI) designer;
- Illustrator;
- Cinematographer;
- Animator;
- Urban planner.
This list of jobs suitable for visual learners isn’t exhaustive.
What are Some Characteristics of Visual Learners?
The characteristics of visual learners are:
- Visual memory: visual learners have a strong visual memory, think in pictures and are good at taking in a visual at once.
- Creativity: visual learners are creative and have vivid imagination.
- Attention span: visual learners have good attention span and are observant.
- Difficulty with auditory instruction: visual learners often have trouble with auditory instructions.
- Preference for visual aids: visual learners learn best from visual aids (flash cards, mind maps, concept maps, charts, graphs, videos…)
This list of visual learner characteristics isn’t exhaustive.
Why is Visual Learning so Effective?
Visual learning is so effective because 65% of the world’s population are visual learners.
Humans process visual information and emotions in closely tied parts of the brain. Emotional response together with visual stimuli and visual processing works together to generate memories.
Visual metaphors and images, therefore, can create strong impressions in students and help them remember much better.
Visual Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025-How Many People are Visual Learners (Conclusion)?
My updated guide for 2025 lists the latest statistics, facts and trends about visual learning and how to best take advantage of it. You’ve also learned what percentage of people globally are visual learners.
I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.
References:
- Visual learning statistics for online learning and training (definition, benefits, statistics)- https://training.safetyculture.com/blog/visual-learning-statistics/
- Visual Learner Statistics: Understanding the Power of Visual Learning for the percentage of population that are visual learners- https://wifitalents.com/statistic/visual-learner/
- VISUAL LEARNING IN CHILDREN- https://visionfirsteyecare.com/articles/visual-learning-in-children/
- Studies Confirm the Power of Visuals to Engage Your Audience in eLearning- https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/350326/studies-confirm-the-power-of-visuals-in-elearning
- 11 Startling Statistics that Underscore the Value of Visual Marketing- https://dingley.com/11-startling-statistics-that-underscore-the-value-of-visual-marketing/
- “65 percent of people are visual learners (learning theory)” is lazy journalism- https://lightbulbmoment.info/2018/11/03/65-percent-of-people-are-visual-learners-is-lazy-journalism/
- The Role of Visual Learning in Improving Students’ High-Order
Thinking Skills- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1112894.pdf - Top Visual Learning Facts and Statistics for 2025- https://www.wp-tonic.com/top-visual-learning-facts-and-statistics-for-2024/
- The Role of Visual Learning in Improving Student Performance- https://www.puppetry.com/posts/the-role-of-visual-learning-in-improving-student-performance
- Creating visual explanations improves learning for people who’re visual learners- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5256450/
- Visual versus auditory learning and visual memory recall performance on short-term versus long-term tests- https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol15/iss1/6/
- Rule #10: Vision trumps all other senses.- https://brainrules.net/vision/
- In the blink of an eye MIT neuroscientists find the brain can identify mental images seen for as little as 13 milliseconds.- https://news.mit.edu/2014/in-the-blink-of-an-eye-0116
- 20 Ways to Share Color Knowledge- https://www.office.xerox.com/latest/COLFS-02UA.PDF
- Visual Learner Statistics: Facts and Trends [2025]- https://jobera.com/visual-learner-statistics
- Learning Styles Myth- Am I a visual learner? – The learning styles myth by Jonathan Firth- https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/
- Visual Learning: A Definitive Guide to the V in VARK- https://www.continu.com/blog/visual-learning
- Visual Learning Style | Facts, Characteristics & Examples- https://study.com/academy/lesson/visual-learning-style-definition-characteristics.html
- Teachers – What percent of your students are visual learners?- https://teach.quora.com/Teachers-What-percent-of-your-students-are-visual-learners
- Visual teaching strategies to improve learning- https://lucidspark.com/blog/visual-teaching-strategies-to-improve-learning
- The Visual Learning Style- Traits and Characteristics- https://www.thoughtco.com/visual-learning-style-3212062
- Visual Learning Style- https://www.houghton.edu/undergraduate/student-life/student-success/academic-support-and-accessibility/study-skills/general/visual-learning-style/
- What are visual learners?- https://www.quora.com/What-are-visual-learners
- Gender differences in episodic memory and visual working memory including the effects of age- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23383629/
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.