Busuu is a European language-learning platform founded in 2008 that distinguishes itself by primarily developing in-house content. The platform places a strong emphasis on enhancing vocabulary and grammar skills.
Paired with a native speaker to receive feedback on your writing and speaking, Busuu also incorporates lessons neatly structured into chapters and addresses everyday situations with a polished touch. But how effective and used is this platform today? Explore it in these 10 Busuu statistics for 2024.
Busuu Usage Statistics
Language learning apps, virtual reality games, and integrations like the Busuu Alexa bot significantly enhance the self-study experience. Amid the pandemic, Duolingo, Busuu, Babbel, and Preply have witnessed increased demand.
Busuu, based in London, has a 4.7-star rating on the Apple Store and over a million downloads, showing users are happy. On Google Play, it has an excellent 4.1-star rating.
Interested in how people use Busuu? Let's check out the stats.
1. Busuu offers courses in 14 languages
In 15 years, Busuu has evolved into a prominent player in the Edtech arena.
As of 2023, the platform offers courses in 14 languages. However, while some users praise its effectiveness, especially for Spanish, a common language, reviews also say the quality can differ for each language.
2. Busuu has more than 120 million users worldwide
Busuu has surged to the forefront of language learning, surpassing 120 million learners in late 2021, accompanied by over 500,000 paying subscribers across 160 countries.
The platform significantly impacted the UK, where, in 2020, its number of users surged by 312%. Today, Busuu has left its linguistic imprint on over 3 million users in the UK alone.
3. By October 2023, Busuu attracted 5.1 million visits to its website
According to Similarweb, as of October 2023, Busuu's website had a 3.31% increase in visits compared to the previous month, indicating growing popularity.
With 5.1 million monthly visits, Busuu is second only to Babbel in the language-learning platform scene.
4. 10.46% of visits to Busuu's website come from the U.S.
In 2023, 10.46% of visits to Busuu's website originated from the United States, making it the top contributor with a 3.6% increase in visits.
Brazil follows closely with 7.9%, securing the second spot, and Mexico comes in third with 6.96%.
5. The 18-24 age group leads Busuu's user base
Busuu.com's audience is vibrant, with an almost equal split between male (50.51%) and female users (49.49%).
The spotlight is on the 18-24 age group, making up 30.54% of visitors, showcasing the platform's appeal to young adults.
The 25-34 age group closely follows, representing 26.4% of Busuu’s web traffic.
This demographic diversity reflects a broad appeal, offering an inclusive space for users of various ages and genders to embark on their language-learning journey.
6. Busuu can boost language skills for a college semester with just 13 hours of study over two months
In a study led by a University of Maryland academic in early 2021, Busuu was found to be effective, requiring users an average of 13 hours over two months to progress one college semester, a significant reduction from the typical 90-105 hours.
The study shows users using the free or paid plans see real progress in their language skills.
Corporate Statistics
Busuu is trusted by 500 global organizations, like Puma and DHL, for employee language learning programs.
The platform helps connect international teams, motivate staff, and improve communication with clients and customers.
If you are curious about how Busuu operates, check its corporate statistics.
7. Busuu secured $2 million in its latest funding round in 2020
Busuu has navigated challenges and sustained itself through strategic investments over the years.
The latest funding round, which took place on May 27, 2020, saw the language-learning platform securing $2 million from GP Bullhound and high net-worth individuals.
Despite this injection of funds, Busuu's founding team retained majority ownership back then.
8. Chegg acquired Busuu for $436 million
In 2021, Chegg, the NYSE-listed student media learning platform, acquired Busuu in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $436 million (€385 million).
Dan Rosensweig, Chegg's President and CEO, said the deal expands Chegg's business and adds value for users. The agreement also lets Chegg enter global markets and help Busuu grow in the US.
9. Busuu got 15 million euros in funding for its launch
To succeed, Busuu focused on getting many users and intelligent fundraising. CEO and co-founder Bernhard Niesner shared that they grew significantly with just 15 million EUR in funding.
They got support from business angels like Hansi Hansmann and Martin Varsavsky and investments from ProFounders Capital, McGraw-Hill Education, and a family office.
10. Busuu's team is made up of over 100 people
According to Bernhard Niesner, CEO and co-founder of Busuu, despite the challenge of a limited initial investment for the average European country, ten years after its foundation, the Busuu team could maintain and grow to 100 people, including freelancers.
Summary: Busuu Statistics
1. Busuu offers courses in 14 languages
2. Busuu has more than 120 million users worldwide
3. By October 2023, Busuu attracted 5.1 million visits to its website
4. 10.46% of visits to Busuu's website come from the U.S.
5. The 18-24 age group leads Busuu's user base
6. Busuu can boost language skills for a college semester with just 13 hours of study over two months
7. Busuu secured $2 million in its latest funding round in 2020
8. Chegg acquired Busuu for $436 million
9. Busuu got 15 million euros in funding for its launch
10. Busuu's team is made up of over 100 people
FAQ
Why did Chegg acquire Busuu?
Chegg bought Busuu to expand globally and boost Busuu's growth in the US market.
Busuu brings its curriculum, regularly measures its effectiveness, and has a supportive community for language learners. That aligns with Chegg's understanding of on-demand, self-paced courses.
What recognition has Busuu received in the Edtech sector?
Busuu was the sole UK company listed in GSV Ventures' 2020 Global Edtech 50, a compilation of the world's most impactful growth companies in Edtech.
The platform was honored with the title of the Language Learning App of the Year at the Edtech Breakthrough Awards that same year.
How can I become a Busuu affiliate?
- To start as a Busuu affiliate, sign up for their affiliate program.
- Fill out the application with basic info about your business and audience, follow the instructions, and submit it for review.
- After applying, wait a few days for Busuu to review and respond.
- Once accepted, you can access your affiliate dashboard.
Final Thoughts:
Busuu works in the $60 billion global language learning market, where digital language learning captures a modest 10% share.
The platform has free and premium memberships, providing useful features like grammar lessons, offline mode, McGraw-Hill certification, and a vocabulary trainer.
Busuu's rapid ascent in the language-learning scene positions it as one of the world's fastest-growing Edtech companies, competing with giants like Duolingo, as reported by TechCrunch.
Sources:
- Student media giant Chegg acquires language learning startup Busuu for $436M | TechCrunch
- 8 Best Language Learning Apps (2023): Online Courses and a Pocket Translator | WIRED
- UK leading the way in use of language-learning apps - BBC News
- busuu.com Traffic Analytics, Ranking Stats & Tech Stack | Similarweb
- Chegg to Enter Rapidly Expanding Digital Language Learning Market with Acquisition of Busuu | Business Wire
- 10 learnings from 10 years on the startup rollercoaster | by Bernhard Niesner | Medium
- 2020 Winners - EdTech Breakthrough