Online Language Learning Market Size & Forecast

The Online Language Learning Market is expected to reach $44.9 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 19.5% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of the online language learning market is driven by globalization and the growing need for cross-border communication, the growing e-learning market, and the penetration of artificial intelligence in e-learning. Furthermore, the increasing expenditure on the education sector, rising penetration of the internet and smartphone user base, and increasing preference for multilingual employees by multinational companies are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

Online Language Learning Market Growth Drivers

Growing E-learning Market Driving the Market Demand

The e-learning market is growing rapidly and enabling individuals from different regions to stay connected and learn different courses through the Internet. Flexibility in learning, low cost, easy accessibility, growing investments in digital learning activities, and high effectiveness of animated learning are some factors favoring market growth. Moreover, the user demand for ease of access and improved effectiveness through new animated, engaging, and interactive learning tools has increased in recent years. The rise in the number of internet users and growing access to broadband coupled with mobile phones with online capabilities are making it easy to opt for e-learning.

Furthermore, the availability of a visually engaging interface in e-learning is increasing employee productivity over traditional learning methods. For instance, in May 2023, Infosys Limited (India) collaborated with Adobe Inc. (U.S.) to transform the digital workforce through Infosys’ online learning platform, Infosys Springboard. Through this collaboration, Infosys will help reskill and bridge the skill gap of aspirants by enabling free access to advanced digital learning content offered by Adobe on Infosys Springboard. Therefore, with technological improvements in learning and teaching, the interest in e-learning platforms is growing globally, driving the growth of the online language learning market.

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Penetration of Artificial Intelligence In E-learning Is Driving Market Demand

Technological advancements worldwide have made establishing and managing online language learning more accessible. New technologies, such as the IoT, cloud computing, mobile internet, and wearable gadgets, have resulted in the spread of online language learning products and applications. Recent developments, such as social networking platforms, voice recognition, and computer video cameras, have further expanded the potential of technology to enhance online language learning.

The introduction of wearable technology to learn languages is one of the key trends to gaining traction in corporate online language learning. Wearable technologies, including HoloLens, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart glasses, assist users in learning languages in an advanced manner. For instance, Google Glass offers access to websites and supports more than 150 apps, including media, utilities, and language learning. It promotes learner interaction and language fluency by facilitating language learning in different set-ups, such as collaborative and individual. Due to the growing demand for mobile devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, key market players are designing apps using big data, machine learning, and AI. For instance, in April 2023, Coursera, Inc. (U.S.) launched AI-powered tools that can auto-generate course content and inform how teachers structure lessons by recommending readings, assignments, glossaries, and other materials. These tools could potentially help teachers save time on lesson planning.

Online Language Learning Market Trends

Flexible Pricing Structure

Companies operating in the language learning market are adopting innovative, attractive, and flexible pricing strategies to establish and strengthen their presence. Most companies operating in the online language learning market sell their solutions directly and indirectly to individuals, educational institutions, corporations, and government bodies. Vendors sell their platforms to enterprises and education organizations through a direct sales force as well as a network of resellers and organizations, which gain access to their solutions under web-based subscriptions.

Players offer flexible pricing based on learners’ preferences. For this, subscription-based services are available for users based on long-term and short-term requirements. For instance, Rosetta Stone LLC (U.S.) provides language learning for one language at USD 48.06 for three months, for one language at USD 130.99 for a 12-month subscription, and 25 languages at USD 181.68 for a lifetime subscription. Hence, the availability of flexible subscription models for online language learning is expected to boost market growth in the coming years.

Online Language Learning Market Opportunity

Rising Penetration of Internet and Smartphone User Base Generating Growth Opportunities for Market Players

Over the past decade, digital growth has witnessed a rapid transition, with millions worldwide coming online every day. Among all digital technologies, the internet has been one of the most transformative and fast-growing technologies. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (Switzerland), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs) stated that approximately 67 percent of the world’s population, or 5.4 billion people, is using the Internet. This represents a growth of 4.7 percent since 2022, an increase from the 3.5 percent recorded from 2021 to 2022. In addition, the percentage of individuals owning a mobile phone is higher than the percentage of Internet users in every region and every income group. Worldwide, 78 percent of the population aged 10 and over in 2023 own a mobile phone, 11 percent higher than the individuals who use the Internet.

Devices are getting cheaper, global alliances are advocating for affordable data access, and mobile operators are investing in developing necessary network capacity and pricing models to manage the inevitable transition from feature phones to smartphones owing to the rising penetration of the internet and smartphone user base. Such rising penetration of the internet and smartphone user base is driving language learning providers to launch mobile apps and web-based platforms for language learning. For instance, In July 2023, the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) launched an online platform including complementary videos, e-books, lesson plans, and worksheets. The platform is free for primary school teachers and students learning the English language. Such increasing focus of language learning providers on facilitating online learning through web and mobile apps, coupled with rising smartphone and internet penetration, is expected to provide opportunities for market stakeholders.

Online Language Learning Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Learning Mode: In 2024, the Self-learning Apps and Applications Segment to Dominate the Online Language Learning Market

Based on learning mode, the online language learning market is segmented into self-learning apps and applications and tutoring. In 2024, the self-learning apps and applications segment is expected to account for the larger share of 66.2% of the online language learning market. The segment's large market share can be attributed to the increasing adoption of self-learning apps and information & communication technology (ICT) in educational institutions, the increasing accessibility to higher education opportunities, a rising demand for immersive and practical language practice, the growing digitalization of educational content, an expanding user base of mobile phones, the easy availability of language learning apps, online courses, and virtual tutors, and a growing demand for personalized and flexible language education experiences.

Also, the self-learning apps and applications segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By Age Group: In 2024, the 13-17 Years Segment to Dominate the Online Language Learning Market

Based on age group, the online language learning market is segmented into <13 years, 13-17 years, 18-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, and >40 years. In 2024, the 13-17 years segment is expected to account for the largest share of 28.4% of the online language learning market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to the growing importance of language learning for higher education, the significance of language learning in self-development, and preparation for competitive examinations and education abroad.

However, the <13 years segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the growing significance of learning a language at a young age, easy accessibility and better user interface for online language learning platforms, and the growing trend of gamification in language learning.

By Language: In 2024, the English Segment to Dominate the Online Language Learning Market

Based on language, the online language learning market is broadly segmented into English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and other languages. In 2024, the English segment is expected to account for the largest share of 55.6% of the online language learning market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to the growing priority for English in business & professional areas, rising investments in start-ups & small companies teaching English, the growing number of English language learners worldwide, and the increasing emphasis on learning English in schools and educational institutions.

However, the Spanish segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the high popularity of the Spanish language in many countries and it being the third most widely used language on the internet. These factors, along with the increasing need for convenient and adaptive language learning solutions and a growing number of Spanish speakers and learners, represent an increased demand for online language learning solutions.

By End User: In 2024, the Individual Learners Segment to Dominate the Online Language Learning Market

Based on end user, the online language learning market is segmented into individual learners, educational institutes, government institutes, and corporate learners. In 2024, the individual learners segment is expected to account for the largest share of 48.8% of the online language learning market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to the widespread adoption of smart devices, increasing access to the internet, online language learning providers’ increasing live content transmission on the internet to enhance brand engagement and reach students, the proliferation of social media platforms, and the presence of numerous well-established language learning sites.

Moreover, this segment is also expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Online Language Learning Market

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 46.5% of the online language learning market, followed by Europe, North America, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The market growth in Asia-Pacific is driven by government initiatives to strengthen national education networks, the growing government focus on the education sector, rapidly developing economies, and increasing disposable incomes leading to increased internet penetration, which are propelling the demand for online language learning in the region.

Moreover, this region is also projected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Online Language Learning Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players profiled in the online language learning market include Babbel GmbH (Germany), Duolingo, Inc. (U.S.), ELSA Corp. (U.S.), Enux Education Limited (China), Mango Languages (U.S.), Rosetta Stone LLC (U.S.), Open Education LLC (U.S.), New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (China), Berlitz Corporation (U.S.), McGraw Hill LLC (U.S.), Cambly Inc. (U.S.), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (U.S.), Cambridge University Press & Assessment (U.K.), Busuu Limited (U.K), inlingua International Ltd. (Switzerland), Transparent Language, Inc. (U.S.), The British Council (U.K), ATI STUDIOS A.P.P.S. S.R.L (Mondly) (Romania), and Memrise Limited (U.K.).

Online Language Learning Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In November 2023, Babbel GmbH (Germany) partnered with the FSC Indigenous Foundation (Panama), a global indigenous organization working with and for indigenous peoples worldwide, to offer English lessons to indigenous peoples around the world.
• In March 2023, Duolingo Inc. (U.S.) launched Duolingo Max, a new AI-powered personal tutor for language learners with features such as ‘Explain My Answer’ and ‘Roleplay,’ developed using the latest technology from OpenAI. This feature empowers users to practice real-world conversational skills with app-based characters.
• In December 2022, Cambridge University Press & Assessment (U.K.) collaborated with Microsoft Corporation (U.S.) to launch a new winter-themed Minecraft world to help children learn English. In-game challenges encourage students to practice a range of new language skills that focus on new words, words in new forms, spelling, word formation, visual clues, and critical thinking skills.
• In September 2022, the National Development Council (NDC), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Australian Office signed the "Australia-Taiwan English Language Learning Partnership Action Plan 2022" to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and Australia in English language learning.

Online Language Learning Market Research Summary:

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