While there has been a growing interest in the use of animated, interactive, and embodied agents in education, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of their impact on learning outcomes. To comprehensively examine their impact on learning outcomes, this study utilized VOSviewer and CitNetExplorer for a bibliometric analysis, examining the research trends in the field of pedagogical agents for learning. The top 10 cited authors, sources, organizations, and countries in this field were identified. The findings indicate that animated, interactive, and embodied pedagogical agents may enhance learning outcomes. Furthermore, ethnicity and prior knowledge are significant factors in influencing learning outcomes. The integration of image, audio, visuals, and narration within these agents can positively impact learning outcomes, creating a more immersive and engaging learning experience. The ethical and social implications of pedagogical agents cannot be overlooked in the future research.