Memrise Statistics 2026
Comprehensive data on Memrise's users, revenue, spaced repetition technology, AI features, and market position. Sourced from app analytics, funding data, and industry reports.
$35M
Annual Revenue (Est.)
+12% YoY
65M+
Registered Users
Across 180+ countries
23
Languages Offered
Including minority languages
8M+
Monthly Active Users
Free + paid combined
Key Takeaways
- Memrise has 65 million registered users and approximately 8 million monthly active users, making it the 4th-largest language learning app globally after Duolingo, Babbel, and Busuu
- The platform pivoted from flashcard-based vocabulary memorization to a full language learning experience with AI-powered conversation partners and video content from native speakers
- Memrise generates an estimated $35 million in annual revenue, primarily from its Pro subscription ($8.49/month) and a growing B2B segment
- The company's proprietary spaced repetition algorithm (based on Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve) is its core differentiator, claiming 2.2x better retention than traditional study methods
Platform & Growth
Memrise has 65 million registered users and 8 million monthly active users
Memrise, the London-based language learning platform founded in 2010 by neuroscientist Ed Cooke and Princeton computer scientist Greg Detre, has grown to 65 million registered users across 180+ countries as of 2024. Approximately 8 million users are active monthly (MAU), with roughly 1 million paying Pro subscribers. The platform's user base skews younger than competitors — 45% of users are aged 18–30, attracted by Memrise's gamified approach and focus on Asian languages. The platform saw its biggest growth spike during COVID-19 lockdowns (2020–2021), when downloads increased 60%.
Memrise offers 23 languages — the most diverse catalog for Asian language learners
Memrise teaches 23 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Turkish, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Arabic, English, Indonesian, Mongolian, Yoruba, and Slovenian. The inclusion of minority and less-taught languages (Mongolian, Yoruba, Icelandic, Slovenian) distinguishes Memrise from competitors. Japanese (22% of users), Korean (14%), and Chinese (8%) together account for 44% of all learning activity — making Memrise the go-to app for East Asian languages. The platform's video content featuring native speakers in real-world settings is particularly popular for these tonal and character-based languages.
Memrise generates an estimated $35 million in annual revenue
As a privately held company, Memrise does not publicly disclose financials. Based on app store analytics from Sensor Tower, subscriber estimates, and pricing analysis, Memrise generates approximately $35 million in annual revenue as of 2024 — up from $29 million in 2022. The company raised $21.8 million in total venture funding from investors including Octopus Ventures and Avalon Ventures. Memrise has been working toward profitability, having reduced its workforce from ~140 employees in 2022 to ~100 in 2024. The company's Pro subscription ($8.49/month annual plan) is the primary revenue driver at approximately 70% of total revenue.
Asia-Pacific is Memrise's largest market at 28% of users — unique among language apps
Unlike most language learning apps which are U.S.- or Europe-centric, Memrise's largest user base is in Asia-Pacific (28%), followed by Europe (27%), North America (22%), and Latin America (12%). Japan alone accounts for approximately 12% of all users. This geographic distribution reflects Memrise's strengths in Asian languages and its early investment in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese content. The app has been featured as an 'Editor's Choice' in the Japanese App Store multiple times. Memrise's Asian market strength also positions it well for the growing demand for English learning in the region.
Memrise pivoted from user-generated flashcards to a full immersive learning platform
Originally launched in 2010 as a community-driven flashcard platform (similar to Anki or Quizlet for languages), Memrise pivoted to a comprehensive language learning experience in 2022–2023. The 'new Memrise' features professionally produced video content with native speakers, AI-powered conversation practice, grammar lessons, and structured CEFR-aligned courses — a dramatic departure from the original spaced-repetition flashcard model. The legacy user-generated content was spun off into a separate app called 'Decks by Memrise' and later discontinued. The pivot was controversial — many power users preferred the flashcard format — but has driven stronger engagement metrics: average session duration increased from 7 minutes to 14 minutes.
Science & Learning
Memrise's spaced repetition algorithm claims 2.2x better retention than traditional study
Memrise's core technology is its proprietary spaced repetition system (SRS), developed by co-founder and memory champion Ed Cooke (who holds the record for memorizing a shuffled deck of cards in under a minute). The algorithm is based on Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve research and uses machine learning to predict the optimal moment to review each vocabulary item. Internal studies claim that learners using the Memrise SRS retain vocabulary 2.2x better after 30 days compared to traditional study methods. Each user's review schedule is individually calibrated based on their personal forgetting rate, creating what the company calls 'adaptive memory.'
33,000 video clips of native speakers power Memrise's immersive learning approach
Memrise has invested heavily in video content, producing over 33,000 short video clips featuring native speakers in real-world contexts — restaurants, shops, streets, offices — across 23 languages. Each clip demonstrates how words and phrases are actually used in natural speech, including colloquialisms, slang, and regional accents. This 'learn from real people' approach distinguishes Memrise from competitors who primarily use synthesized speech or studio recordings. The video production has cost an estimated $5–8 million and is ongoing, with new clips added monthly. User engagement data shows that lessons with video content have 35% higher completion rates than text-only lessons.
MemBot AI conversation partner was launched in 2023 for real-time speaking practice
In 2023, Memrise launched 'MemBot,' an AI-powered conversation partner that enables learners to practice speaking in their target language with an AI that responds in real-time. MemBot uses GPT-4-based technology with custom fine-tuning for language education, supporting 15 languages for conversation practice. The AI adapts to the learner's proficiency level and guides conversations toward target vocabulary and grammar structures. Since launch, users have conducted over 50 million MemBot conversations. Users who engage with MemBot at least 3 times per week show 45% faster improvement in speaking confidence scores compared to those who only use traditional lessons.
Memrise users learn an average of 44 new words per hour of study
Memrise's internal analytics show that users learn an average of 44 new vocabulary items per hour of active study time — higher than Duolingo's estimated 28 words/hour and Babbel's 35 words/hour. This efficiency advantage is attributed to the spaced repetition algorithm, which minimizes time spent on already-known items, and the 'mems' feature (user-created mnemonics and visual associations). However, language learning involves much more than vocabulary — grammar, pronunciation, reading, and listening comprehension are equally important. Critics note that Memrise's vocabulary-acquisition speed advantage may not translate to overall language proficiency improvements at the same rate.
Business & Monetization
Memrise Pro subscription costs $8.49/month and has approximately 1 million paying users
Memrise Pro, the premium subscription, is priced at $8.49/month (annual plan), $14.49/month (quarterly), or $24.99/month (monthly). A Lifetime plan is available at $119.99 — notably cheaper than Busuu ($199.99) and Babbel ($299). Approximately 1 million users are estimated to be paying Pro subscribers, representing a ~1.5% conversion rate from the 65 million registered user base. Pro features include offline mode, all languages unlocked, advanced learning statistics, and access to MemBot AI conversations. The free tier is ad-supported and limits access to basic courses, providing approximately 5% of total revenue from advertising.
Memrise for Teams (B2B) accounts for 12% of revenue and is growing at 30% YoY
Memrise launched its B2B offering, 'Memrise for Teams,' in 2022, and the segment now accounts for approximately 12% of revenue ($4.2 million). While smaller than Busuu's enterprise division, the B2B segment is growing at 30% YoY and is the company's fastest-growing revenue line. Key clients include language schools, universities, and small-to-medium businesses. Pricing starts at $5/user/month for teams of 10+. The B2B product includes progress tracking dashboards, custom course creation tools, and vocabulary lists aligned with industry-specific terminology. Memrise's strength in Asian languages gives it a competitive advantage for businesses with Japan, Korea, or China operations.
Memrise has raised $21.8 million in total funding — among the leanest in the space
Memrise has raised $21.8 million in total venture funding across multiple rounds from investors including Octopus Ventures, Avalon Ventures, Balderton Capital, and Naspers. This is significantly less than competitors: Duolingo raised $183 million pre-IPO, Babbel raised $47 million, and Busuu was acquired for $436 million. The lean funding approach has forced Memrise to be capital-efficient but has also limited its ability to invest in marketing and international expansion. Co-founder Ed Cooke has stated that the company is 'approaching cash-flow breakeven' and exploring additional revenue streams including licensing its SRS technology to educational institutions.
Future Trends
Memrise is doubling down on AI with plans for a 'fully adaptive' learning experience by 2026
Memrise's 2025–2026 product roadmap centers on creating a 'fully adaptive' learning experience where AI dynamically generates personalized lessons, conversation scenarios, and review schedules for each individual learner. The company plans to move beyond MemBot conversations to include AI-generated listening comprehension exercises, AI-narrated stories, and AI-powered pronunciation coaching. This AI-first strategy positions Memrise as the most technology-forward language learning app, but carries execution risk — the development requires significant engineering investment from a relatively small team of ~100 employees.
The global language learning app market is projected to reach $25 billion by 2028
The language learning app and digital tools market is projected to grow from $15 billion in 2024 to $25 billion by 2028, representing a 14% CAGR. Key growth drivers include globalization, immigration, international business expansion, and the increasing effectiveness of AI-powered learning tools. Duolingo dominates with ~35% market share, followed by Babbel (~8%), Busuu (~5%), and Memrise (~3%). The market is consolidating around 4–5 major players, with dozens of smaller apps struggling to compete. Memrise's best growth opportunities are in the Asian language niche (where it's the market leader among Western-developed apps) and the B2B segment.
Memrise faces strategic crossroads — acquisition, IPO, or independent growth
Industry analysts speculate that Memrise faces a strategic decision point in 2025–2026: seek acquisition (Pearson, McGraw-Hill, or a tech company), pursue additional funding/IPO, or continue as an independent bootstrapped company. The language learning M&A market is active — Chegg acquired Busuu ($436M), Duolingo went public at $6.5B, and Rosetta Stone was acquired by IXL Learning ($792M). Memrise's estimated valuation of $150–$250 million (based on revenue multiples) would represent a profitable exit for investors. The company's unique assets — SRS technology, 33,000 native speaker videos, and strong Asian language market position — make it an attractive acquisition target for education publishers or Asian tech companies seeking international language learning capabilities.
Financial Summary Table
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue (Est.) | $29M | $31M | $35M | +12.9% |
| Registered Users | 55M | 60M | 65M | +8.3% |
| Monthly Active Users | 6.8M | 7.2M | 8.0M | +11.1% |
| Pro Subscribers (Est.) | ~800K | ~900K | ~1.0M | +11.1% |
| Languages Offered | 22 | 23 | 23 | — |
| Employees (Est.) | ~120 | ~110 | ~100 | −9.1% |
"The future of language learning isn't about memorizing grammar rules — it's about immersing yourself in real language from real people. Our 33,000 native speaker videos and AI conversation partner bring that immersion to your phone."— Ed Cooke, Co-founder & CEO of Memrise
Visual Data & Charts
Revenue Growth ($M Est.)
Language Popularity (%)
Monthly Active Users (Millions)
Revenue by Segment (%)
Users by Region (%)
Methodology
This report compiles data from Memrise's public company information and press releases, Crunchbase funding records, Sensor Tower and data.ai app store analytics, and industry market research from Grand View Research and HolonIQ. As a privately held company, Memrise does not publicly disclose detailed financial metrics. Revenue and subscriber estimates are derived from app store revenue analytics, industry benchmarks for comparable companies, and pricing analysis. All statistics reflect the most recent data available as of March 2026. Where exact figures are not publicly available, estimates are clearly labeled as such and based on the best available industry data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Memrise cost?
Memrise offers a free tier with ads and limited access. Memrise Pro costs $8.49/month (annual plan), $14.49/month (quarterly), or $24.99/month (monthly). A Lifetime plan is available at $119.99 — one of the most affordable in the market. Pro includes offline mode, all languages, MemBot AI conversations, and advanced statistics.
How many languages does Memrise offer?
Memrise currently offers 23 languages including Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, and several minority languages like Mongolian, Yoruba, Icelandic, and Slovenian. Japanese, Korean, and Chinese account for 44% of all learning activity.
Is Memrise better than Duolingo?
Memrise and Duolingo have different strengths. Memrise excels at vocabulary retention (44 words/hour vs. Duolingo's ~28) thanks to its spaced repetition algorithm, and is considered superior for Asian languages (Japanese, Korean, Chinese). Duolingo offers more languages (40+ vs. 23), better gamification, and a larger community. Memrise's native speaker videos provide more authentic language exposure.
What happened to Memrise's user-generated content?
In 2022–2023, Memrise pivoted from a community-driven flashcard platform to a professionally curated learning experience. User-generated courses were moved to a separate app called 'Decks by Memrise' and later discontinued. The new Memrise features professionally produced video content, AI conversations (MemBot), and structured CEFR-aligned courses.
What is MemBot?
MemBot is Memrise's AI-powered conversation partner launched in 2023. It uses GPT-4-based technology to enable real-time speaking practice in 15 languages. MemBot adapts to the learner's level and guides conversations toward target vocabulary. Users have conducted 50+ million MemBot conversations, with regular users showing 45% faster improvement in speaking confidence.
Is Memrise effective for learning languages?
Memrise's spaced repetition algorithm claims 2.2x better vocabulary retention than traditional study methods. Users learn an average of 44 new words per hour. The platform is particularly effective for vocabulary acquisition and listening comprehension (via 33,000 native speaker videos). However, for comprehensive language proficiency including grammar and writing, users may benefit from supplementing Memrise with additional resources.
Sources
Last checked: March 2026
Memrise — Company About & Press Kit (2024)
Crunchbase — Memrise Funding History (2024)
Sensor Tower — Language App Analytics (2024)
Memrise — Product Blog & Updates (2024)
Grand View Research — Language Learning Market (2024)
Memrise — Science of Learning White Paper (2023)
HolonIQ — EdTech Market Intelligence (2024)
Memrise — Teams & Enterprise Solutions (2024)