Anyone else think language learning apps are missing the fun part?
Most language apps feel like spreadsheets with streaks.
Lately I've been playing around with two projects that take a different approach:
-
Parley: AI conversations where you actually practice speaking instead of tapping multiple-choice answers.
https://www.tomedes.com/games/parley -
Linguaboard: turns language learning into more of a game/challenge experience rather than traditional lessons.
https://www.machinetranslation.com/games/linguaboard
It got me wondering:
If you were building the ideal language-learning product as an indie hacker, what would you optimize for?
- More gamification?
- Real conversations?
- Multiplayer competition?
- Learning through games/content you already enjoy?
- Something else entirely?
Curious because language learning seems like one of those markets where everyone says they want to learn a language, but very few products keep people engaged long enough to actually do it.
What would make you come back every day? 👀
'spreadsheets with streaks' nails it. i think the actual issue is that the learning loop is too far from anything you'd do for fun on your own. my friend learned spanish basically by accident from watching spanish-speaking twitch streamers for two years. nothing taught her grammar, no streak punished her. just the show was good. apps need to find their version of 'the show was good' instead of stacking more dashboards.
I think the missing piece is not just fun.
Most language apps create a good first session, but the hard part is giving someone a reason to come back after the novelty fades.
Games, AI conversations, and multiplayer can all help, but only if they create a clear daily tension: “I want to finish this conversation,” “I want to beat yesterday’s version of myself,” or “I do not want to lose progress with this character/story.”
So I’d be careful optimizing for gamification broadly.
The sharper question is probably: what emotional loop makes the learner return tomorrow without needing discipline?
Happy to put the tighter retention-angle in writing if useful. This market probably lives or dies on the comeback loop, not the first-session wow.