Babbel is a paid language learning service originating from Germany. After more than 15 years, the platform has evolved into a global leader in digital language learning, with a friendly ecosystem that includes an app, virtual classrooms, and, recently, the acquisition of the Toucan browser extension, allowing users to build and retain vocabulary while browsing the web.
But how does it work, and what is the relevance of this platform today? Here are 10 Babbel statistics for you to decide if this platform suits you best when it comes to learning a new language.
General Babbel Statistics
1. Babbel offers over than 60,000 lessons in 15 languages
Babbel offers over 60,000 lessons in 15 languages, created by 200 experts, for a comprehensive learning experience.
The team is working to improve integration across platforms, allowing features like Babbel Live to track student progress.
The platform focuses on practical language use in real-world situations for authentic engagement with products like the Babbel App, Babbel Live, Babbel Podcasts, and Babbel for Business.
2. 50.83% of Babbel users are female
Regarding the composition of Babbel users, according to the traffic recorded by Similarweb, the language platform is mainly used by women (50.83%) vs. 49.17% of men.
In addition, 24.88% of Babbel users are young adults between 25 and 34 years old; this is the population that accesses the platform the most, followed by young people between 18 and 24 years old, who make up 20.04% of its users.
3. Babbel helps 75% of users improve their oral proficiency after studying for at least 15 hours
A Michigan State University study found that 59% of Babbel participants improved their oral proficiency by at least one sublevel on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages scale.
This improvement percentage rose with increased usage, reaching 69% for those who studied for at least six hours and peaking at 75% for those who dedicated at least 15 hours to the app.
These results emphasize Babbel's effectiveness, especially for users who invest more time in their language-learning journey.
Corporate Babbel Statistics
Babbel recently acquired Toucan, a browser extension for language learning. Even though Toucan shut down earlier this year, its services are still available online.
According to TechCrunch, the feature will be merged into Babbel's app ecosystem and rebranded as "Toucan by Babbel," combining the resources of both platforms. In this process, Babbel is making all of Toucan's paid services free.
For more details on Babbel's corporate strategies and statistics, keep reading.
4. As of 2023, Babbel has a team of 750 individuals
Established in 2007 by Markus Witte, Thomas Holl, and two friends, the Babbel team, now comprising 750 individuals from over 50 countries, reflects a diverse blend of backgrounds and perspectives.
Originating from different corners of the world, the team works collaboratively in Babbel's Berlin and New York offices.
Together, they craft app-based language lessons, podcasts, games, videos, cultural content, and live online classes to facilitate language learning for a global audience.
5. Babbel has sold more than 15 million subscriptions
Adopting a subscription-based model was unconventional in the early days and sparked controversy. However, the team had to make their own Subscription Engine to keep the business going.
Today, Babbel employs a subscription-based approach to work directly with language learners, avoiding interruptions from third-party ads. The strategy worked well; as of 2023, the company has successfully sold over 15 million subscriptions.
This model aims to provide a focused and practical learning experience, aligning Babbel's success with the success of its learners.
6. Babbel's corporate learning program has collaborated with over 1,000 companies since 2021
Babbel's B2B arm saw notable growth, enrolling 5,000 new corporate learners since its launch in 2021, reaching over 1,000 companies.
Limited initially to Germany, the corporate learning service recently expanded to Italy, and there are plans for further growth in other European markets and the U.S.
With corporate language learning making up around one-third of the overall language learning market, Babbel sees this expansion as a significant opportunity for growth.
7. Babbel was valued at around $1.5 billion in 2021
Babbel planned to go public on the Frankfurt stock exchange in September 2021, aiming for a market valuation of around $1.5 billion.
However, just before the scheduled IPO, the company postponed due to concerns about the Evergrande debt crisis causing market volatility.
Babbel competes with Duolingo, a language learning app based in Pittsburgh, which achieved a valuation of around $6 billion after its booming stock market debut in July 2021.
8. Babbel's revenue soared to $270 million in 2022
In 2022, Babbel's language-learning platform grew significantly. Official reports reveal the company earned about $270 million during this time, a 32% increase from 2021 when it made around $185 million.
This surge in earnings comes on the heels of a significant boost driven by the pandemic-induced rise in online learning.
Notably, CEO Julie Hansen reports that Babbel is outperforming its projections for 2023, further solidifying its position as a critical player in the language learning market.
9. Babbel Live saw a 300% increase in subscriptions within a year
Babbel Live, introduced in early 2021, has rapidly gained popularity, experiencing a remarkable 300% surge in subscriptions within just one year.
According to TechCrunch, the second half of 2021 witnessed a 400% boost in revenue compared to the first half. Catering to tens of thousands of learners, Babbel Live now conducts 15,000 classes every month.
Notably, for approximately 25% of these users, the live platform serves as the initial interaction point, while 75% begin their language learning journey with the Babbel app.
10. Babbel Live makes up 9% of the company's revenue
Babbel Live, with live virtual classes by language teachers, has notably contributed to the company's revenue, accounting for 9%.
These classes, led by certified teachers and for small groups, offer flexibility regarding days, times, and levels.
With an extensive offering of over 40 hours of live classes, Babbel Live and Babbel for Business services are significant income sources in the Babbel ecosystem.
Summary: Babbel Statistics
1. Babbel offers over 60,000 lessons in 15 languages
2. 50.83% of Babbel users are female
3. Babbel helps 75% of users improve their oral proficiency after studying for at least 15 hours
4. As of 2023, Babbel has a team of 750 individuals
5. Babbel has sold more than 15 million subscriptions
6. Babbel's corporate learning program has collaborated with over 1,000 companies since 2021
7. Babbel was valued at around $1.5 billion
8. Babbel's revenue soared to $270 million in 2022
9. Babbel Live saw a 300% increase in subscriptions within a year
10. Babbel Live makes up 9% of the company's revenue
FAQ
What's in a Babbel Subscription?
With a Babbel subscription, you receive complete access to all self-study courses in your selected language(s). This includes step-by-step lessons starting from the Newcomer level and additional studies covering culture, useful vacation phrases, grammar, and more.
The subscription also gives access to podcasts, games, and the Review feature.
Is access to Babbel Live included in the subscription?
No, access to Babbel Live requires a separate subscription.
Can I use Babbel on different devices?
Absolutely. You can use Babbel on various devices like desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices through the Babbel app.
On your computer, you can access all your courses online without downloading extra software. Just use an up-to-date internet browser and connect to the internet to complete your lessons.
Final Thoughts
Babbel's strength is its team of over 150 experts creating language courses for your native language, ensuring a personalized learning journey.
The Babbel Method uses 100,000 hours of content voiced by native speakers, giving a solid foundation for accurate language learning. Research from institutions like Yale University and the University of South Carolina supports this method's credibility.
Regarding pricing, Babbel's rates (about $13 monthly or $7 annually) place it in the mid-range among competitors, making it a significant player in the language-learning market.
Sources
- The 16-Year Evolution of a Global Subscription Pioneer with Babbel’s CRO and US CEO Julie Hansen
- Babbel Named Global Most Innovative Language Learning Company
- babbel.com Traffic Analytics, Ranking Stats & Tech Stack | Similarweb
- New study gives insight on effectiveness of language learning apps | MSUToday
- About us | Babbel
- Babbel Amongst the 150 Most Transformational Companies in Digital Learning
- Despite scrapped IPO, Babbel sees fast growth for its language learning service | TechCrunch
- Babbel opens Germany's autumn IPOs with $1.5 bln valuation target | Reuters
- Babbel acquires language learning browser extension Toucan | TechCrunch
- Despite scrapped IPO, Babbel sees fast growth for its language learning service | TechCrunch