The language learning service market was valued at $59.60 Billion and is predicted to reach $191.06 Billion by 2028. The industry is constantly taking heights in the market growth stat graphs. Don’t you think such exponential growth in the industry also opens up many opportunities for you? 

Investing in language learning app development can be the door to establishing a strong business. There are millions of users using these apps and learning different languages. Building a user-friendly language learning app as a new business venture can be a chance to win the market with a huge user base.

Searches for Apps Related to Learning a Language Have Grown 85% Yoy.

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If you want to know more about it and how to develop the app, this blog is for you. We will brief you on how to build a language learning app like Duolingo. Read and understand the concept to build a strong business platform for you.

What is a Language Learning App?

The global language learning market is expected to grow at a CAGR at 20% percent amid the prediction period of 2022 to 2027.

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A language learning app is an e-learning app that facilitates different language learning for users. It includes many language courses, training sessions, rectifying grammatically, helping with vocabulary, listening & speaking practices, live classes, tutorials, etc. The app aims to provide language learning to interested users comfortably according to their schedules. These applications are accessible anytime and anywhere with no bars on timetable follow-ups. 

Insights Into Language Learning App Market Statistics

Investing in language learning app development is profitable due to the rise in its demand. Here are the stats to prove its scalability- 

  • The language learning market size was valued at USD $52 Billion in 2022, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% between 2023-2032
  • APAC is expected to contribute 43% to the growth of the online language learning market. 

Duolingo: A Game-Changer in the Language Learning Market

duolingo language learning app

Duolingo is a freemium business model that provides free content. It is also accessible with extra features in subscription plans. It is a million-dollar application, which reached a revenue of $369.7 Million in 2022. Duolingo has 500 Million registered users, and 54 Million were active in the months of 2022. The only reason behind its success is “Marketing Strategies,” which brought highly influential success to the app. The brand follows up with appealing strategies to market its services. It offered language learning for free. Also, the application educate learners in a fun way, which makes it more addictive. 

Moreover, the business became a brand due to its appealing designs and attractive features. The app wisely introduced gamification and social media collaborating strategies to receive an exceptional user base. Other businesses in the marketplace can use Duolingo’s campaigns and marketing strategies for their business success. 

Duolingo Quarterly Monthly Active Users (2020 to 2022)

How Language Learning Apps Like Duolingo Work? 

The apps aim to engage users and keep them in language practice for fluency. Know how the app works for its appropriate accessibility-

Users RegistrationForemost, create a user profile and register on the application. The users must submit basic information like their name, contact number, nationality, or other required information.
Select the Language and Perform Skill-Test AssessmentThe users must choose their language and perform the skill-test assessment. The skill test is important to evaluate the learners’ performance and suggests the right course, tutorials, and videos for education. 
Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking PracticeThe application provides reading, writing practice format. As well as it provides listening and speaking practice sessions through speech recognition technology to improve the user’s skills.
Courses and Tutoring AllocationsThe app provides required courses and live tutoring classes to users based on their performance during the practice sessions. 
Wait for Acceptance or RejectionYou will get access through the apps if the user clarifies the skill-test assessment. The users have to re-do the test in case they fail. 
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Benefits of Creating a Language Learning App 

Investors can avail a plethora of benefits from building a language learning app like Duolingo. Read what those benefits are- 

Benefits of Creating a Language Learning App

1. Vast Target Audience 

Geological boundaries do not restrict language learning apps. Those applications are accessible globally. Therefore, it can target far-located audiences and create a huge user base for the app. If the development includes user-friendly features and functioning, it automates the growth of applications in the marketplace. 

2. Market Growth Leads to Business Growth 

The language learning service market is growing rapidly, which increased the market revenue of the e-learning industry as well. The predictions are also in favor of these apps’ growth. It is very important to build a user-friendly and seamless user-experience application. If the users are satisfied with the app, market growth also leads to your business growth. 

3. Seamless Management 

Building a language learning app will perform all the management tasks by itself, such as developing communication skills, creating daily progress reports for the learners, allocating suitable classes and tutorials, etc. You no longer require extra people to manage the workflow because the app is featured to manage everything by itself. 

4. Cost-Effective Solutions 

Building an application is cost-effective because it eliminates the need for traditional class set-up, physical materials, etc. It automates the assessments, optimizes the resources, targets extensive users, and manages the classes and students online, which saves lots of money

Key Features for Language Learning Apps

Features Descriptions 
Sign-In The users will sign in to the application and register them. 
Profile Management The users can cross-check their performance, track their assignments, and analyze other activities. 
Language Selection You can select the language which needs to learn from the given options. 
Skill Test The app will provide the skill-test assignment to analyze the performance and knowledge of the learner. 
Course Selection The app provides many language learning courses. Users are allowed to choose a preferable course for learning. 
Personalized Lessons The users can also avail themselves of personalized courses and lessons. These sessions are custom-oriented as per one’s needs.
Online Practice Tests The apps will provide online practice tests frequently to improve your skills and cross-check your performance. 
Certification Language learning apps are reliable and authentic platforms that provide certification to deserving learners. 
Payment Gateways There are multiple paid features, which you can buy through the various payment gateway options available. 
Chatbot The application provides chatbot features that help resolve queries immediately. The chatbot will provide real-time answers to sort users’ problems. 

Advanced Features of Language Learning Apps 

Features Descriptions
Interactive Lessons The apps offer interactive lessons, which include vocabulary, grammar rectifications, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to make them user-friendly. 
Language ExchangeThese feature connect language learners who want to practice speaking with native speakers of the language they are learning. Users can engage in language exchange sessions via messaging, voice calls, or video calls.
Performance Tracking An application can include a dashboard in which the client can track client performance. Duolingo also offers features that showcase the client’s learning progress appropriately. 
Gamification Adding gaming features like rewarding the users, badges, giving them points, and challenge offerings ensures the app is more user-friendly. 
Listening and Speaking Practices The application can use speech recognition technology to provide frequent listening and speaking practices for user improvement. 
Offline AccessAllows the users to download and save audio, videos, and course details to access them afterward to study. 
FlashcardFlashcard in apps are designed to help learners memorize vocabulary and phrases. They often use spaced repetition algorithms to reinforce learning and make it more efficient.
Generative AI ChatbotIntegrating Chatbot in a language learning app helps users get real-time answers to any query. The users will get answers to all kinds of personalized queries within the chatbot itself. 
Podcasts and Audio FeaturePodcasts feature in language learning apps provide learners with opportunities to improve their listening skills by exposing them to native speakers, conversations, and various language topics.
Add Rewarding SystemThe app should enable its users to follow their daily achievements as well as reward them for each of those achievements. Rewards can be offered to users when they successfully complete their daily homework.
Language Learning Social NetworksThis feature combine language learning with social networking features, allowing learners to connect with other learners and native speakers, share resources, and engage in language-related discussions.
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Top 5 Alternatives to Duolingo

Evaluating only Duolingo is not enough. Explore other language learning apps to know more features, trends, and functionalities, which helps in finalizing for own application much better- 

1. Babbel 

Babbel logo

Babbel is similar to Duolingo, which provides instructional language courses. It helps to rectify basic grammar errors, improve sentence formation and enhance speaking fluency. The only limitation with Babbel is that; it will provide only one language course with a one-time subscription purchase. Users have to subscribe every time when they switch to another language learning course. 

Babbel is not just similar but a better version of Duolingo. There are instructional language courses that help to rectify basic grammar errors and improve sentence formation. 

The users must pay one more time for a subscription to learn other languages. 

2. Memrise 

Memrise logo

Memrise does not follow the old-school textbook learning format. It is an enjoyable and fun learning app that deals in 20+ languages. There are proven memory techniques, games, challenges, and activities included in the application, which help the users to learn in a better way. Currently, it is the most used application considered among all. 

3. Mango Languages 

Mango Languages logo

Mango is an award-winning language learning software that is based on intelligent technology. There are proven methodologies used to help learners gain knowledge appropriately. Almost 70+ world language courses and 20+ ESL courses are available on Mango. The expert linguists and native-speaking instructors craft the courses with accuracy and interactive aspects. 

4. Bussu 

Bussu logo

Bussu is a similar kind of application compared to Duolingo. In the application, you will get a structured progress curriculum, which includes vocabulary, audio, and gaming experiences. The users will like the free version, but the subscribed paid version of Bussu is worth trying. This application became popular because the community here is more interactive and shares feedback based on your speaking skills. It is better at supporting users and meeting their requirements. 

5. Rosetta Stone 

Rosetta Stone logo

Rosetta Stone is again a kind of Duolingo application, which recently evolved and introduced its new cloud version with a subscription model. People most often find the app more expensive compared to others.

How Can AI Revolutionize Language Learning Apps?

AI&ML can revolutionize language learning apps in several ways, enhancing the overall learning experience and effectiveness for users:

Personalized LearningAI algorithms can analyze learners’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles to create personalized study plans. This tailored approach helps learners focus on areas that need improvement, optimizing their progress.
Adaptive ContentMachine learning can adapt the app’s content and difficulty based on the user’s proficiency level and progress. This ensures learners are consistently challenged without feeling overwhelmed or underwhelmed.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)NLP capabilities enable the app to understand and assess learners’ spoken and written language, providing real-time feedback and corrections. This fosters better language production and comprehension.
Smart RecommendationsAI can suggest relevant learning materials, such as articles, podcasts, or videos, aligning with the user’s interests and current proficiency level, making learning engaging and enjoyable.
Language GenerationAI-powered language models can generate interactive dialogues and conversations, giving learners the opportunity to practice communication with virtual language partners.
Sentiment AnalysisThrough sentiment analysis, AI can gauge learners’ emotions and frustrations during the learning process, providing support and encouragement when needed.
Continuous ImprovementAI&ML can track learners’ progress over time, identifying patterns and trends, and subsequently improving the app’s effectiveness through data-driven optimizations.

Things to Consider Before Building an app like Duolingo

There are numerous things to consider before developing a language learning app- 

1. Know the Targeted Audience 

Decide which is your targeted audience for the language learning apps. Building the application for certain age groups at the initials is better. Finalize whether you need the application for beginners, intermediate learners, or skilled ones. 

2. Goals of the Application 

Define the application work on which aspect, such as skills, language factors, learning factors, practice sessions, etc. Make sure you decide prior on what skills the application will work and what is the final goal for the users. 

3. Keep the App Engaging and Interactive 

Make the application interactive and engaging with games, competitions, challenges, buzzers, quizzes, etc. The more features are incorporated into the app, the far it approaches. 

4. List the Features 

Before the development initiates, ensure you are already clarified with the list of features. It can include generative AI, speaking & listening practices, gamification, tracking, etc. 

5. Decide Monetization Strategies 

The final agenda for building an app like Duolingo is to achieve success like it. Therefore, it is better to pre-decide the monetization strategies so that you can work on them appropriately afterward. 

How To Create a Language Learning App Like Duolingo?

Here are the steps to Create a language-learning app like Duolingo- 

1. Market Research and Planning

Foremost, do market research and evaluate in depth to know what the needs and requirements are in demand. Once you grab all market knowledge, then create the planning process. Make a plan to know how the development will occur to continue the project. 

2. Designing

Here, we build user-friendly UI/UX for the seamless use of the application. We will work on the design, wireframes, and mockups and create a prototyping demo. When the clients approve the designs, then the process will carry forward to development. The application should have a seamless experience with convincing looks, simple to use, and engaging elements.  

3. Development 

The back-end and front-end development is included in the development stage. In this, the developer will build a strong and secured server infrastructure, create the database, and integrate the APIs with the application. It also includes creating a user-friendly navigation experience with required tech stacks. Afterward, the back-end and front-end will both integrate to build a platform. 

4. Include the Features 

It is time to integrate whatever number of features were selected by clients to include in the application. Common features are a must. Besides the common ones, include the unique and extra features in the application to make the application demanding in the marketplace. 

5. Q/As and Testing 

Now, the app will be tested by the Q/As. It is a very important factor which you should pay attention to. In the quality testing of the application, the QA will figure out loopholes, bugs, problems, etc with the application. It helps to deliver a bug-free and fully interactive application to clients before deployment. 

6. Deployment 

Now launch the application on the decided platform, such as PlayStore or AppStore, respectively. Deploy the application based on its tech stacks (iOS, Android, Both). 

7. Support & Maintenance 

When the product or application is launched, now comes the most important segment called “Support & Maintenance.” In this segment, the application will be reviewed by the developers, clients, and tech algorithms also. The developers are responsible for making certain changes according to the response rate of the application from the market.

Monetization Strategies for Language Learning Apps 

Discover smart ways to generate revenue with your language learning app!

1. Freemium Model

The language learning app can be downloaded and used without paying any money. Although if someone wants a few advanced features or an ad-free experience, it is offered with a paid subscription plan.

2. Advertisements (In-App Ads)

This monetization strategy can be immensely fruitful for the app, as just by showing some of the third-party advertisements, the app earns a significant sum of revenue. This method works wonders in attracting more users to the app, and it is a win-win situation for both, as the users enjoy premium services just by watching a few ads, while the app owners, in return, get to make massive income just by showing some ads.

3. Subscription Model

This monetization model attracts a different category of users willing to pay for the ad-free version of the app. Besides that, these users also get to unlock some other exclusive features.

4. One-Time Purchase

This means once you pay a certain sum, all the features and functionalities can be used without restriction for a lifetime.

Ultimately all the models are great for earning revenue, and both attract a different category of users, so as an app owner, you can pick what works well for your business.

Technology Stack For Developing A Language Learning App

For Front-End DevelopmentCSS3 and Bootstrap, backbone.js, jQuery, & Twitter Bootstrap
For Back-End DevelopmentJavaScript, AngularJS, Python, Django, and Ruby
For Android appJava
For iOSSwift
For Persistent Data Storagea combination of Redis and Memcache
For Cloud StorageAmazon data servers and Google Cloud storage
a combination of Redis and MemcacheDynamoDB
For cachesa combination of Redis and memcache

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Language Learning App? 

The average starting cost to develop an app like Duolingo is $5000; the rest of the exact cost depends upon the requirements of the client. The cost can be calculated after evaluating some factors that affect the cost, such as- 

  • Features of the Application 
  • Deployment Platform (Android, iOS, or both) 
  • Location of Developers or Development Company 
  • Estimated Time for the Completion of the Project
  • Number of Team Members Incorporated in the Project 
  • Tech-Stack Used to Build the App 

If you choose to build an app with extra customized features, then be prepared to pay more for it. 

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How Emizentech Can Help You? 

Emizentech is a top mobile application development company specializing in dynamic language learning apps with advanced technologies. As a trusted partner, we offer businesses top-notch development services backed by a proven track record of success. 

Customized SolutionsThe designers working on the project will make every pixel appealing. We will build an app specially crafted with a seamless user experience. 
Experienced DevelopersWe have highly skilled and experienced developers in our team, who deals with simpler to complex projects both. The team is talented and assures building a user-friendly app.
Custom Development SolutionsOur team can develop custom apps and uphold the app ideas to clients for appropriate executions. We provide quick deliveries with advancements as well. 
High-End SecurityOur company believes in providing high-end security to clients. Also, we commit to providing the graphics, source code, and other content of the app to clients.

Wrapping Up

Duolingo is a very popular language learning app that received great success in the marketplace as well. We have covered all the details regarding making one like this, from knowing the appropriate audience to launching the app in this blog. If you also have an idea to create a language learning app like this, this article will definitely help you. You can also contact our team of experts for the best assistance and get all the answers to your queries regarding making an e-learning app like Duolingo.

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Author

EmizenTech's Mobile App Development team is led by Naren Bhati, who designs and develops technically innovative solutions for our global clientele. He has the technical expertise to steer our app development team on the right path.

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