5 Language Learning App Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 19th, 2023

Start A Language Learning App

Language learning apps use different activities and methods to assist users to expand their vocabulary and develop correct linguistic skills and general communication skills. The demand for global language learning apps has recorded a massive rise in the past decade and is expected to rise beyond $21.2 in the next few years.

Therefore, if you love linguistics or you have a passion for building apps that teach people a new language, then the language app business idea is worth diving into.

Here are basic steps to guide you through the journey of building a language learning app:

Come up with an application concept
Make a unique business analysis
Define the feature set and make the requirements list
Choose the technology stack based on the platform
Develop the application design
Create the content
Develop full application version or MVP of your choice
User testing
Market and advertise the application

From the ideation stage to the final stage of your app development, focus on ensuring that your language learning application will have the following features:

Gamification to encourage learners and bring on the competition
Break down the courses into small chunks
Provides learners with timely and relevant tips
Variety of content and activities
User-friendly design and interface
Create a users’ community so they can interact and share tips
Ensure a simple sign-in
Regular assessment to test and score learner’s progress

Examples of language learning apps include Duolingo, Memrise, and LinguaLift.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a language learning app:

1. Gikken ($224K/year)

Alex, the co-founder and CEO of Gikken, came up with the idea for their flagship product, Mate Translate, while in high school. As an avid language learner, he wanted a fast and efficient way to translate words and sentences without interrupting his workflow. He developed the Instant Translate Chrome extension, which later evolved into Mate Translate, and eventually expanded it to other platforms with the help of developers. The business now generates around $18,000 a month and has a user base of 800,000 people.

How much they make: $224K/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 1

How We Started A $18K/Month App And Browser Extensions Development Business

Gikken is a small, profitable European company founded by Alex that makes browser extensions and apps used by 800,000 people every month, with their flagship product, Mate Translate, generating around $18,000 a month, but monetizing their user base better is their top priority for the next year.

Revenue

Alex grew the business to $18.6K/month

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2. Duolingo ($162M/year)

How much they make: $162M/year
Current team size:

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Discover how a PhD student's creation of CAPTCHA has evolved into the language-learning app Duolingo, valued at $1.5 billion today and experiencing a surge of growth during the pandemic.

Revenue

Luis grew the business to $13.5M/month

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So... can you actually make money with a language learning app?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

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3. Hyperfluent ($120K/year)

While the country was recovering from the effects of the Great Recession, Eva, like other graduates was having trouble finding a job. She took a road trip to decide the career path she wants to take, and remembered jotting down three of her passions: children, travelling, and languages. This was the start for Hyperfluent.

How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 0

How I Make $9K/Month Teaching Languages To NBA And Premier League Players

Eva Rosales founded Hyperfluent, a language acquisition consultancy service, which incorporates personalized consultations, tutoring and translational services, language immersion programs, and more, and can make a monthly profit of $9,000-10,000.

About

Eva started Hyperfluent about 13 years ago

Revenue

Eva grew the business to $10K/month

Costs

It cost Eva $1000 to start the business

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