How to develop a language learning app like Duolingo?

Milan Panchasara
An Idea (by Ingenious Piece)
3 min readJan 11, 2021
Photo by: Mohit Mehra On: Self create

Did you know that learning a new language can expand the size of your brain? Well, according to Swedish scientists, this statement is true. There are more than 6,000 languages spoken in the world. Just like they say, “In today’s world, language knows no boundaries.” Knowing more languages than your native ones has become constructive to do better business and social interactions.

Learning new languages can be beneficial for travel, improved qualifications, and last but not least, to improve your knowledge. The other reason people learn new languages is that many companies have become international, and it has become crucial to know that particular language.

Consequently, people turn to language learning platforms. There are so many language learning platforms on the internet. The very popular of all those platforms are mobile applications, and the best example is Duolingo. Well, let’s start with understanding what Duolingo is.

What is Duolingo?

Duolingo is a platform for language learning and crowdsourcing translations. Duolingo was launched in 2012, and it has acquired more than 300 million users since then. Duolingo covers more than 30 languages and has the freemium version of the business model. You can learn as many foreign languages as you want from scratch. If you’re going to make an app like Duolingo, then I am sure this article will help you.

How to make a language learning app like Duolingo?

First and foremost, you need to know what you will need to develop an app like Duolingo.

  1. Suitable format
  2. Social media integration
  3. Gamification
  4. Crystal clear services
  5. Beautiful designs
  6. Engaging user experience
  7. Availability on major platforms

Business models you can select for developing a language learning app like Duolingo.

  • Subscription model:

You can give the option of monthly, weekly, and yearly subscriptions to your users where they can buy an individual subscription and avail of the services.

  • Freemium Model :

This model allows users to access some features for free and charge for extra features.

  • In-app advertisement:

Duolingo mainly earns from the in-app advertisements itself. You can charge money from the marketers who want to display their advertisements in your app.

  • One time purchase:

There will be some users who would like to use your app for only one particular course. So, you can buy from them for one course that they are willing to purchase.

Features to consider for developing your language learning app:

  • Sign-up;
  • User profile setting;
  • Learning dashboard;
  • Learning process;
  • Achievement card;
  • Online community
  • Live streaming of lectures;
  • Assignments;
  • Competition and gamification;
  • Push notification

What are the steps that you have to consider before starting the development?

  • Decide the content
  • Choose the platform for your app
  • Start designing your app (UI/UX)
  • Conclude the technology stack

By now you may have the only question that, “How much would it cost to develop an app like Duolingo”? Well, if we can estimate the cost of developing an app like Duolingo, we can say it can vary between $25K to $35K. This cost depends on a number of factors such as,

  • Features you select
  • Number of screens you include
  • Design and visuals
  • Complexity
  • Development team
  • Number of hours
  • Location of the company
  • App maintenance

However, a mobile app development company can tell you the exact price of app development. Only they can analyze your business requirements and can give you an exact price.

We have tried to cover everything in brief here, but it is hard to explain everything in here.

However, we have written an in-depth guide on how to develop a language learning app like Duolingo. This article will explain everything from business model to feature list and whatnot.

Thank you!

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Milan Panchasara
An Idea (by Ingenious Piece)

Tech Writer & Sr. Marketing Consultant | 6 Years of Exp. | Write on Popular Technology & Different Industries. | LinkedIn: https://rb.gy/00j83