How this 21-year-old college student used AI to build his 'Learning with Lyrics' Instagram and TikTok accounts

Have you ever pondered the reason manhole covers are round or the origins of the steamroller? While a quick Google search can provide answers, what if the explanation comes to life through a catchy AI-generated song? Welcome to 'Learning with Lyrics,' a burgeoning social media sensation on Instagram and TikTok, boasting 900,000 and 548,000 followers, respectively. The mastermind behind this innovative concept is Cashen Tomlinson, a 21-year-old marketing major at California State University, Long Beach. Launched in September, his channels showcase how a creative idea combined with readily available AI tools can produce engaging content. "I've always been curious about how things work," Tomlinson shared, explaining his inspiration for the channels. Tomlinson's videos tackle intriguing topics—ranging from how vending machines identify counterfeit coins to the science behind airplane contrails. He begins his creative process by utilizing AI to compile a comprehensive research brief, ensuring the information is accurate and reliable. "I personally verify everything to make sure my facts are 100% correct," he emphasized. The songwriting process involves instructing Google's Gemini to draft lyrics, which Tomlinson then refines for clarity and memorability. He employs Suno, an AI music generator, to produce catchy tunes, often using similar melodies across different videos, featuring an AI-generated female vocalist. The visuals are a blend of stock footage, his own animations, and AI-generated clips from tools like Veo or Sora, including an AI-created profile image for the account. Creating each song takes Tomlinson around two to three hours, with a total of about five hours spent on each video. His efforts have already earned him a few thousand dollars through TikTok's creator rewards program, a delightful surprise for a college student. While the lively videos might appear targeted at a younger audience, Tomlinson reveals that his primary demographic is adults aged 25 to 35. The comments section reflects this engagement, with viewers expressing their fondness for the catchy tunes, often mistaking them for actual Taylor Swift songs. Though some might dismiss these videos as mere distractions, Tomlinson sees value in their captivating nature. "I think they might be seen as 'brainrot' because they’re so engaging, but it’s a good thing that they captivate viewers while also teaching them something interesting," he remarked. In an era where educational content is evolving, 'Learning with Lyrics' stands out as a testament to the creative possibilities afforded by AI technology.