2026 eLearning Industry Challenges and Solutions

The global eLearning market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections indicating it will reach approximately $336.98  billion by 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. As corporate training alone is expected to grow at approximately 13% CAGR through 2027, eLearning content managers face mounting pressure to deliver high-quality, culturally relevant training materials across multiple languages and regions.

For eLearning publishers, educational software companies, and B2B training providers, the challenge extends beyond simple translation. Today's global workforce demands learning experiences that are linguistically accurate, culturally appropriate, and technologically sophisticated. By 2026, nearly 50% of eLearning will be conducted in languages other than English, making localization not just a competitive advantage but a business imperative.

This article examines four challenges facing eLearning content managers in 2026, and it offers practical solutions and insights into how a specialized localization partner like SimulTrans can help you navigate this complex landscape.

1. Evolving LMS Standards

The Challenge

Learning Management System (LMS) standards continue to evolve, creating technical complexities for eLearning localization projects. While SCORM 1.2 remains the most popular standard, SCORM 2004 is far more powerful for tracking user responses to specific questions and multiple attempts. Meanwhile, xAPI provides a more flexible way to track a wide variety of learning, including activities that occur outside of the LMS.

For eLearning content managers, this means juggling multiple file formats and technical requirements such as:

• SCORM packages (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) for traditional LMS-hosted content
• xAPI/Tin Can API for tracking learning experiences across multiple platforms and offline activities
• cmi5 standards that combine the strengths of both SCORM and xAPI
• XLIFF files (XML Localization Interchange File Format) for streamlined translation workflows

The challenge intensifies when localizing interactive elements, assessments, and multimedia components that must function seamlessly across different technical environments and language versions.

The Solution

SimulTrans is an eLearning localization provider that works with all major eLearning authoring tools and LMS standards because it is software-agnostic. Our eLearning localization services support popular authoring platforms, including Adobe Captivate, Articulate Rise 360, Articulate Storyline 360, and Adobe Premiere, along with file types such as SCORM, XLIFF, xAPI, SRT, VTT, and STORY formats.

Our eLearning localization team has expertise in:

• SCORM Package Localization: Converting and localizing SCORM-compliant courses while preserving functionality and tracking capabilities. Ensuring localized SCORM packages integrate seamlessly with your LMS and maintain all interactive features. Learn more about our SCORM localization process.

• xAPI Implementation: Leveraging xAPI's advanced tracking capabilities to capture learning data across multiple platforms and devices, ensuring your localized content delivers the same rich analytics as your source materials.

• XLIFF Workflow Integration: Working directly with XLIFF exports from your authoring tools to streamline the translation process, reduce turnaround times, and maintain perfect synchronization with your source files.

  Check out our comprehensive guide on Articulate 360 localization provides detailed steps for efficient workflow management.

2. Immersive Learning Technologies

The Challenge

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in eLearning are expected to grow at a CAGR of 16-30%. Fortune 500 companies are increasingly integrating VR into advanced training programs. In 2026, AR and VR will stop being innovation projects and become essential tools. This, in turn, will result in these four challenges:

• 3D Environment Text: On-screen text integrated into virtual environments requires careful placement and cultural adaptation
• Spatial Audio Localization: Voice instructions and ambient audio must be synchronized with visual elements across languages
• Interactive Element Adaptation: Buttons, menus, and interactive hotspots may require repositioning to accommodate text expansion in different languages
• Cultural Context for Visual Elements: Imagery, colors, and symbols carry different meanings across cultures

The Solution

SimulTrans offers audio and video localization solutions specifically designed for multimedia-rich eLearning content. Our technical capabilities include:

• AI voice generators that use deep learning algorithms to craft natural-sounding voices
• Subtitle creation and synchronization for video content
• On-screen text translation and graphics editing
• Engineering and testing of localized interactive elements
• Graphics file editing using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects
• Animation and multimedia synchronization
• Quality Assurance testing across devices and platforms

Localizing immersive learning content presents unique challenges as translated eLearning content often doesn't fit well within the original layout or design due to different text length and text orientation, which can ruin the appearance of your entire course.

For insights on preparing eLearning content for efficient localization, download our free eLearning Localization Checklist.

3. Cultural Adaptation 

The Challenge

68% of users are more likely to stay with a brand or service if the content is personalized and culturally relevant. Yet adapting eLearning content for each market remains one of the most challenging aspects of eLearning localization.

eLearning content managers must navigate:

• Cultural Nuances: Examples, case studies, and scenarios that work in one culture may be ineffective or even offensive in another
• Visual Appropriateness: Images, colors, and symbols may require careful evaluation for cultural appropriateness
• Learning Style Preferences: Different cultures have different approaches to learning, from competitive gamification to collaborative problem-solving

The Solution

SimulTrans employs native-speaking professional translators who are full-time linguists with at least five years of experience and relevant degrees in their subject matter areas. Each translator translates only into their native language, ensuring natural and culturally appropriate content.

Our comprehensive approach to cultural adaptation includes:

• Up-front analysis of potential cultural issues in imagery, examples, and messaging
• Collaborative review sessions with in-country stakeholders
• Development of region-specific glossaries and style guides
• Identification of content that requires complete recreation rather than translation

4. Microlearning and Mobile-First Content Localization

The Challenge

In 2026, microlearning becomes much more purposeful, with guided flows of learning touchpoints spread throughout the day, appearing as short scenarios after challenging customer calls or tips before team meetings. Mobile learning is growing strong with projections for the market to increase by 27% annually through 2028.

Content in one language can take up more space than it does in a different language, potentially disrupting the appearance of eLearning content on slides or in authoring tools. This challenge is magnified in mobile-first designs where screen real estate is limited.

This shift creates specific localization challenges for content creators:

• Character Count Limitations: Mobile interfaces and microlearning modules have strict character limits that can be problematic when text expands in translation
• Responsive Design Requirements: Localized content must display correctly across various screen sizes and orientations
• Just-in-Time Delivery: Microlearning content often needs rapid translation to maintain relevance and timeliness
• Bite-Sized Multimedia: Short videos, infographics, and audio clips require expert localization 

The Solution

SimulTrans provides scalable solutions specifically designed for high-volume, time-sensitive microlearning content. Our approach includes:

Rapid Turnaround Capabilities:

• Massive translation team enabling simultaneous work across multiple languages
• 24-hour quote turnaround for most projects
• Accelerated workflows for urgent content updates
• Simultaneous target language management to meet tight deadlines

Mobile-Optimized Localization:

• Design-aware translation that anticipates text expansion and responsive layout requirements
• Character count management and concise translation approaches
• Testing across multiple devices and screen sizes
• Font and typography recommendations for optimal readability in different languages

Free Online portal:

• Real-time project status tracking
• Automated workflow management
• Collaborative review and approval processes
• Centralized delivery and asset management

Translation Memory Technology: 

• Terminology consistency across microlearning modules and course libraries
• Cost savings through the leverage of previously translated content
• Faster turnaround times for content updates

Why Choose SimulTrans for Your eLearning Localization Needs

Key Differentiators

• Privately Owned and Customer-Focused: Unlike most major language service providers, SimulTrans is privately held and funded. This means our priorities align closely with yours, not external investors. We customize our solutions to meet client needs and focus on building long-term, strategic relationships.
• Unbiased Technology Recommendations: We're software-agnostic and always use the best tools for the job.  We'll always suggest the most cost-effective solution for your needs without being locked into costly service plans or proprietary platforms.
• Commitment to Quality: Our ISO certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 17100, and ISO 18587) demonstrate our commitment to quality, proven processes, and continuous improvement. We also maintain an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with the global ISO27001 standard.
• Cybersecurity Aware: We maintain rigorous IT security protocols and provide regular cybersecurity training to all employees, ensuring your sensitive training materials remain protected.
• Sustainability and ESG Credentials:  SimulTrans is mindful of our impact on both the community and the environment. We strive to infuse ESG principles into every facet of our operations, showcasing our commitment to responsible business conduct. Read our Climate Report.

SimulTrans' Service Offering for the eLearning Industry

We use advanced technology to localize all components of your courses, including:

• Translation of eLearning content
• AI or Human Audio voiceovers
• Subtitles and closed captions
• Engineering and testing  
• Multilingual Desktop Publishing

A recent case study for Wiley demonstrates our capabilities, where we helped our customer achieve a 46% cost reduction per language, 3 days faster delivery per video, and 2 hours less internal effort per language.

Customer Satisfaction

With a 97% customer satisfaction rate in 2025, SimulTrans has earned the trust of thousands of businesses across diverse industries. Our transparent communication, quality deliverables, and flexibility in meeting unique client needs have made us the preferred partner for leading brands worldwide.

Client testimonials consistently highlight:

• Quality: "SimulTrans is easy to work with, good communication, and thorough work."—IBM
• Reliability: “SimulTrans is always very quick to respond to queries and invariably manages to push through quickly those projects that we identify as being a high priority.”—Wiley
• Partnership: "Available, professional, satisfied to work with this team”—Electrolux

Become Our Next Happy Customer

Get Started Today

Request a Free Quote: Upload your files to our website and receive a detailed quote within 24 hours. Get a quote now.

Schedule a Consultation: Discuss your specific eLearning localization project with one of our experienced project managers. Book a meeting.

Explore Our Resources: Learn more about eLearning localization best practices, industry trends, and technical insights on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes eLearning localization different from standard document translation?

A: eLearning localization is significantly more complex than standard document translation. It involves not just translating text, but also adapting multimedia elements, including audio narration, video content, animations, interactive quizzes, and on-screen graphics. Additionally, eLearning localization requires technical expertise to work with authoring tools, Learning Management Systems (LMS) standards like SCORM and xAPI, and file formats such as XLIFF. Cultural adaptation is also critical to ensure that examples, scenarios, and visual elements resonate with learners in different regions. SimulTrans combines linguistic expertise with technical capabilities and cultural understanding to deliver fully functional, culturally appropriate eLearning courses into over 100 languages.

Q: How long does it typically take to localize an eLearning course?

A: Project timelines vary based on several factors, including course length, number of target languages, multimedia complexity, and review requirements. For a standard hour-long course with moderate multimedia content being translated into 3-5 languages, typical timelines range from 2-3 weeks. However, SimulTrans has the capacity to accelerate timelines significantly when needed. Our massive translation team can work simultaneously across multiple languages to reduce delivery times substantially through efficient processes. We provide detailed project schedules during the quote phase and maintain proactive communication throughout the project to ensure on-time delivery.

Q: What eLearning authoring tools and file formats does SimulTrans support?

A: SimulTrans supports all major eLearning authoring tools and file formats, including Adobe Captivate, Articulate Rise 360, Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Premiere, Lectora Inspire, and PowerPoint. We work with SCORM packages (all versions), XLIFF files, xAPI/Tin Can API, SRT and VTT subtitle files, STORY files, and many other formats. Our software-agnostic approach means we can adapt to whatever tools you use and always recommend the most cost-effective solution for your specific needs. We also provide technical engineering services to integrate translated content back into your authoring tools and LMS, ensuring seamless functionality across all language versions.

Q: How does SimulTrans ensure quality and accuracy in eLearning translations?

A: SimulTrans maintains rigorous quality standards through multiple mechanisms. All translations are performed by professional native-speaking linguists with at least five years of experience and relevant subject matter expertise. Every translation is reviewed by a second qualified linguist for accuracy, appropriate terminology, and correct grammar. Our ISO 9001, ISO 17100, and ISO 18587 certifications ensure we follow well-documented processes consistently. For specialized content like medical eLearning or compliance training, we provide subject-matter expert reviews and independent third-party linguistic reviews. We track all issues on our Quality Database for continuous improvement.

Q: Can SimulTrans handle both voiceover recording and subtitle creation for video-based eLearning?

A: Yes, SimulTrans provides comprehensive audio and video localization services, including both professional human voiceover recording or AI-generated synthetic voiceovers, and subtitle creation. You can choose the right voice for your content. For voiceover, we transcribe audio content, translate scripts, record the script, engineer the audio, and integrate it back into your video files or eLearning courses. For subtitles, we create synchronized SRT or VTT files that can be integrated into your video player or LMS. We also offer audio description services for accessibility compliance, ensuring your content meets requirements for learners with visual impairments.

Q: What is translation memory and how does it reduce costs?

A: Translation memory is a database that stores previously translated content at the sentence or segment level. When new content is submitted for translation, the translation memory automatically identifies matches or partial matches with previously translated content. Exact matches can be reused automatically, significantly reducing translation time and cost. Fuzzy matches (partial matches) provide translators with a starting point, improving consistency and reducing the work required. SimulTrans builds and maintains a translation memory for each client. Over time, this provides substantial savings, particularly for eLearning content that often contains repeated phrases, standard instructions, or common terminology. Translation memory also ensures perfect consistency across your entire course library.

Q: How does SimulTrans handle urgent or rush eLearning localization projects?

A: SimulTrans has the capacity and processes to handle urgent projects effectively. Our massive, global translation team enables us to work across time zones and assign multiple translators to large projects simultaneously. We provide quotes within 24 hours and can often begin work immediately upon approval. For rush projects, we maintain contingency options and flexible resource allocation to avoid unexpected delays. Our project managers have an average of over seven years of localization management experience and are trained to create detailed project plans and maintain proactive communication. Many clients specifically praise our ability to support constant streams of rush localization projects.

Q: What should I consider when preparing eLearning content for localization?

A: Proper preparation can significantly streamline the localization process and reduce costs. Key considerations include: leaving flexibility in your design for text expansion (translations can be 20-30% longer than English), avoiding embedded text in graphics or videos when possible, using live text instead, providing source files for all graphics and animations, avoiding culturally specific idioms or colloquialisms in source content, keeping audio and video scripts separate from media files for easier translation, using clear, simple language in the source content, and documenting any technical requirements or constraints. SimulTrans offers a free eLearning Localization Checklist that covers 17 key points to ensure your courses can be easily localized. Our analysis team also provides up-front localization analysis to identify potential issues before translation begins, saving time and money throughout the project lifecycle.

Q: How does SimulTrans charge for eLearning localization services?

A: SimulTrans uses a transparent fee structure based on the actual work required for your project. Translation costs are calculated per word and vary by language pair, typically corresponding to the cost of living in target countries (for example, Simplified Chinese translation costs about one-third of Swedish translation). Engineering, audio, and testing services are charged per hour. Voiceover talent is charged per minute of recording. We provide substantial discounts through our translation memory system (TMS), which identifies and reuses previously translated content. Desktop publishing and graphics editing are typically charged on a per-page basis. We provide detailed, itemized quotes before beginning any work, and our SimulTracker portal allows you to monitor costs in real-time throughout the project. This transparency helps you budget effectively and understand exactly what you're paying for.

Q: What industries does SimulTrans serve for eLearning localization?

A: SimulTrans serves many businesses across diverse industries around the world, providing eLearning localization soltuions for educational institutions, healthcare organizations, technology companies, manufacturing firms, financial services, life sciences companies, and many others. We have particular expertise in technically complex fields, including medical device training, pharmaceutical education, software training, compliance training, safety procedures, cybersecurity, and professional development programs. Our translators include subject matter experts with relevant degrees and extensive experience in specialized fields. This ensures that technical terminology is translated accurately and content maintains its instructional effectiveness across languages. Whether you're training employees on new software, educating healthcare professionals on medical procedures, or providing compliance training to a global workforce, SimulTrans has the expertise to deliver high-quality localized eLearning content that meets your industry's specific requirements.

Q: How does SimulTrans stay current with evolving eLearning technologies and standards?

A: As a leader in the localization industry since 1984, SimulTrans has consistently adapted to technological changes and new industry standards. Our team actively monitors developments in eLearning technologies, authoring tools, LMS platforms, and industry standards like SCORM, xAPI, and cmi5. We maintain relationships with major software vendors and participate in industry events to stay informed about emerging trends. Our team regularly evaluates and adopts new tools and technologies that can benefit our clients.  We also invest in continuous training for our project managers and technical staff to ensure they remain experts in the latest technologies. This commitment to staying current means you can trust SimulTrans to handle your localization needs regardless of which authoring tools or standards you adopt in the future.

About SimulTrans

SimulTrans enables thousands of businesses to provide high-quality content to their international customers in over 100 languages. We translate and localize software, documents, websites, videos, and eLearning content.
 
Management ownership allows an exclusive focus on customers and quality, as exemplified by ISO 9001, ISO 17100, and ISO 18587 certifications. In addition to its headquarters in Mountain View, California, SimulTrans has offices in Bonn, Boston, Dublin, Madrid, New York, and Tokyo.