How to Create a Language Learning App: Guide for Product Owner

Speaking multiple languages is essential for success in education and business. Building a language learning app can meet the rising demand for remote learning tools, but thorough market research is key to standing out in a competitive market.

ProCoders has extensive experience in language learning app development. Besides, we have researched all the additional info for you and are ready to share it in this article! Let’s start!

Are you thinking about starting a language learning business but unsure about its profitability? Or perhaps wondering which language learning app reigns supreme in the market? Join ProCoders as we delve into the future of language learning and explore the ins and outs of this rapidly-growing industry.

Language Learning Apps Development Market Overview

Some of the methods to improve learning experience for students are:

• online tutoring

• video conferencing

• gamification, etc.

Research has shown that students who learn online have better retention. They perform better than those who learn through traditional methods. Here’re some other findings:

Statistic	Percentage
Schools planning to operate online	75%
US students equipped with digital tools	57%
Elementary students with digital tools	63%
Middle school students with digital tools	63%
High school students with digital tools	63%
Schools purchasing additional technology	80%
Undergraduates taking at least one online course	19.5%
Professors approving of online learning	49%
eLearning helping students retain more information	25-60%
Increase in eLearning resulting in a 30% increase in failing grades	30%
Socioeconomic divide with students lacking access to eLearning resources	25-33%

The Most Successful Language Apps that Took off in 2020-2022

Duolingo

Duolingo, a widely popular language-learning app, offers courses in over 30 languages. It’s known for its gamified approach and persistent notifications. Duolingo is free to use with optional in-app purchases and subscriptions.

Babbel

This app is widely used for its effective and practical approach to language learning. It has a subscription-based business model, and offers courses in over 14 languages.

Memrise

Memrise focuses on language learning through:

• spaced repetition

• flashcards

• mnemonics

It offers a freemium model with optional in-app purchases and subscriptions.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk connects language learners with native speakers for real-time practice. It’s free to use, and additional features are available through in-app purchases and subscriptions.

Create Your Own Language App: Main Features to Include

Main Features of Language Apps	Description	Should it be the main (easy-to-make) feature or an additional one (advanced)?
Vocabulary and grammar lessons	Provides users with the basic building blocks of the language they are learning through exercises and activities that help them learn new words, phrases, and grammar rules.	Main
Audio and text exercises	Helps users practice listening and reading comprehension through activities such as listening to dialogues, reading passages, and answering questions.	Main
Speech recognition and pronunciation feedback	Helps users improve their speaking and pronunciation skills by analyzing their speech using speech recognition technology and providing feedback on pronunciation, intonation, and other aspects of speaking.	Main
Flashcards and quizzes	Helps users memorize and test their knowledge of new vocabulary and grammar rules using flashcards and quizzes.	Main
Progress tracking	Allows users to track their progress and see how much they have improved over time, which helps them identify areas they need to work on and how much they have progressed in their learning.	Main
Personalization	Allows the app to adapt to the user’s learning style and level and provide tailored content based on their goals, preferences, and learning style.	Main
AI-based tutoring	Provides a personalized and adaptive learning experience by analyzing the user’s performance and adjusting the content accordingly using AI-based tutoring.	Additional
Social learning	Allows users to connect with native speakers and interact with each other to help them practice and improve their conversation skills.	Additional
Gamification	Uses game-like elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards to make the learning experience more engaging and interactive.	Additional

ProCoders offers a Discovery Phase to assist with this process. This ensures that the app’s design, target audience, and language being taught are considered, resulting in the development of an effective language-learning app. All in all, adding a Discovery Phase will result in saving budget and optimizing app’s features, leveling up chances of success on the market.

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3 Features that Will Make Your App Stand Out According to ProCoders

Based on our experience, ProCoders has highlighted the next must-have features for every e-learning app

1. Real-life Feedback:

Real-life feedback is essential in language learning apps, providing progress and improvement insights. Feedback comes in various forms, like instant evaluation on speaking and listening and speaking skills, feedback from tutors or native speakers on written work, conducting tests, and connecting with natives for real-time conversation practice. Peer-review and user-submitted work also help. These features promote practical language practice, confidence, and progress tracking, making your app stand out with accountability.

2. Offline Learning: 

For business owners, meeting the needs of their language learning app’s target audience is crucial. Offline access is advantageous, especially for users with limited internet access. It provides convenience and accessibility by allowing users to access content and exercises without an internet connection. This enhances the user experience, increasing satisfaction, usage, positive reviews, and ultimately, revenue.

3. Cross-Platform App

Cross-platform development allows you to reach a wider audience. How? Users on different platforms can access your app. It also allows you to make the most of your development budget as you develop the app once and deploy it across multiple platforms.

At ProCoders we can help you develop a language learning app for iOS, for Android or for a learning website. We can make it look beautiful and functional across all devices, whether it is for a laptop or for an iPad. For this, we use such technologies as React Native and Flutter.

How Do Language Learning Apps Make Money?

Keep in mind that when you make your own language learning app, you should also monetize it. Here’re some ways of how you can do that:

Subscription-based model

This is when users pay a monthly or annual fee to access all of the app’s content and features. For example, Duolingo Plus, Rosetta Stone, and Babbel all use this model.

In-app purchases:

Users can purchase additional content or features within the app. That can be:

• additional lessons

• exercises

• study materials

This is common in many mobile games and is also used by some language-learning apps like Duolingo.

For example, you can add access to the communication with a real native for an additional price.

Advertising: 

You can put thematic ads into your app’s interface and earn revenue.

For example, many free language learning apps, like Duolingo, show ads to users who haven’t subscribed. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t bother your audience with excessive and boring ads.

Corporate/Enterprise license: 

This is when companies or educational institutions can buy a license to use the app for their employees or students. For example, Rosetta Stone offers enterprise solutions for businesses and schools.

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A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Your Own Language App

Step 1. Defining your target audience

Understanding your audience is key to creating a language learning app that works for them. Here’s how your target group can shape the app’s features:

• Young Adults: Use gamification and interactive tools to keep learning fun and engaging.

• Professionals: Focus on industry-specific vocabulary and scenarios (e.g., medical terms for doctors, technical language for developers).

• Immigrants and Refugees: Provide essential language skills and cultural guidance to help them adjust to a new environment.

• Expats and Corporate Learners: Include features like pronunciation practice, language exchange forums, and personalized plans to support their specific goals.

Researching your audience’s needs ensures the app delivers practical and relevant solutions.

Step 2. Researching the market: 

Analyze existing language learning apps to understand their features, teaching methods, and user feedback. This helps you identify what works, what doesn’t, and any gaps in the market. For example, if most apps focus on grammar and vocabulary but neglect conversation skills, your app could stand out by prioritizing interactive speaking features.

Step 3. Planning the app’s features: 

Focus on essential features for your MVP, such as vocabulary lessons, grammar exercises, audio tasks, and speech recognition. Launching an MVP lets you gather user feedback and generate initial revenue. Use this feedback to improve your app by adding features like AI tutoring, social learning, or gamification to enhance the experience.

After refining your app, choose a monetization strategy and explore investment opportunities to scale.

How to build a language learning app if you’re unsure about what features to include? ProCoders can help through our Discovery Phase, where we analyze your product, research the market, and recommend the best features to make your app stand out.

Step 4. Looking for the right developer/vendor:

Once you know what your app should do and how it should look, finding the right developer is crucial. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Define Your Requirements: Outline the features, platforms, and budget for your app.
2. Review Experience: Check developer portfolios and client reviews on platforms like Upwork, Clutch, or Toptal.
3. Evaluate Technology: Consult with experts to ensure the developer’s tech stack fits your project.
4. Test Skills: Start with a trial task or smaller project to assess their capabilities.
5. Set Timelines: Agree on timelines and milestones to ensure alignment with your goals.
6. Check Communication: Ensure the developer is responsive and clear in their communication.
7. Finalize the Choice: Evaluate contracts, pricing, and potential risks. Use escrow services or legal agreements for added protection.

Step 5. Designing the user interface: 

Create wireframes and mockups for your app so that it’s easy to use and navigate. Focus on:

• visual design

• layout

• user flow

Thus, you’ll make the interface intuitive and user-friendly.

Step 6. Developing the app: 

Build the app using a suitable programming language, focusing on compatibility across devices and platforms. Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs while optimizing performance for a smooth user experience.

Step 7. Adding content:

Develop or acquire audio, images, and text for the app. Make the content interactive, relevant, and suitable for your target audience.

Step 8. Launching the app: 

Publish the app on App Store or Google Play. You can promote it through:

• social media

• SEO

• paid ads, etc.

Optimize your app store listing with a quality icon, clear screenshots, and compelling descriptions to attract users.

Step 9. Monitoring and improving: 

Track your app’s performance and user feedback regularly. Analyze metrics like engagement, retention, and conversions to identify areas for improvement. Use this data to fix bugs, add features, and incorporate user suggestions to keep the app relevant and functional.

Possible Challenges You May Face When Making a Language Learning App

Content creation: 

Building a language app requires a significant investment. And we don’t just mean money. Time, resources, and expertise are also important assets.

Assemble a team of content creators, editors, and proofreaders with language instruction experience to keep the information is accurate and up to date.

Monetization: 

Choosing the right monetization model depends on:

• your target audience

• app features

• market competition

You have to analyze all of the above, and the right model will show itself.

User engagement: 

Keeping users’ attention within your app can be complicated. Interactive elements and rewarding experiences can help users stay consistent and make progress.

Adapting to different learning styles: 

Different users prefer different learning methods, such as audio, visual, or a mix of both. Designing your app to accommodate these preferences is essential for broader appeal.

Staying Competitive:

To remain competitive, stay updated on trends and technologies, and incorporate unique features that distinguish your app. Prioritize user data protection by following privacy regulations to build trust with your audience.

Marketing and promotion:

Promoting a new app requires a well-planned strategy and a significant marketing budget. Focus on increasing visibility, downloads, and user engagement. Offering guarantees, such as results or a money-back policy, can build user trust and improve your app’s success.

ProCoders’ Expertise and Experience We Can Contribute to Your Language Learning App Development

We’ve collaborated with clients from the UK, Europe, and the US to develop diverse e-learning software.

Our projects range from basic course management systems to advanced platforms with features like:

• gamification

• interactive exercises

• real-time communication

One of our recent projects, the Quartz Network, is an example of a comprehensive e-learning system. The system includes an educational application that allows users to create, register, track, and conduct educational events. It also includes a paid subscription feature where users can access and view content from previous events.

Every project is unique, so we can’t provide an exact cost upfront. That’s why we offer a Discovery Phase—a detailed process conducted under an NDA. During this phase, we analyze your project’s requirements and provide a time and resource estimate, ensuring we align with your vision for creating a language learning app project.

When working on e-learning projects, we consider:

• scope

• complexity

• technologies needed

We do this to provide accurate cost estimates and adjust the requirements or the budget along with our client.

At ProCoders, we provide such experts as:

• developers

• designers

• project managers

• QA engineers, etc.

We opt to have a wide range of specialists to make sure you get:

• Technical Expertise: Our developers create stable, high-performing, and compatible apps across devices and platforms.

• Project Management: Our project managers plan and execute projects productively. They manage timelines, milestones, and deliverables while keeping you updated on progress.

• Quality Assurance: QA engineers test your app for bugs and compatibility across devices. As a result, you get a smooth and reliable user experience.

• Cloud and Server-Side Expertise: We handle back-end infrastructure, databases, APIs, and integration with cloud services like AWS, GCP, and Azure.

Whether you need to outsource app development or simply add several developers to your team, we can adjust our working process.

If you want to hire application developers – don’t hesitate to contact us!

How to Create a Language Learning App: Membean Case Study

When Membean reached out to ProCoders, they faced challenges keeping up with the rapid development pace in the language learning app market. They needed additional resources to meet tight deadlines and specialized expertise their existing team lacked. Hiring and training new developers wasn’t a feasible solution due to time and cost constraints.

The Solution

ProCoders provided two skilled developers through the staff augmentation model. These developers seamlessly integrated into Membean’s team, working on app design, development, testing, and maintenance. Their specialized expertise helped Membean stay updated with trends and technologies in the language learning space.

The Outcome

Over two years, our developers became key contributors to Membean’s app success. They ensured the app met requirements, delivered a smooth user experience, and supported ongoing innovation. The cost-effective approach allowed Membean to access the expertise they needed without exceeding their budget.

Conclusion

Creating a language learning app is challenging but rewarding. By researching your audience, focusing on an MVP, and refining features like gamification and speech recognition, you can build an engaging app that supports learners effectively. With dedication, your app can become a valuable tool for users worldwide.