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I've used Duolingo and like it for learning grammar and vocabulary. Why would someone pay for it though? I would have been prepared to pay but I don't see why

I've used Duolingo and like it for learning grammar and vocabulary. Why would someone pay for it though? I would have been prepared to pay but I don't see why I would. The only paid features I see are to remove ads (which you rarely see compared to how long you use the app for), offline use (which isn't an issue if you have good mobile internet) and to skip to harder stages (which seems counterproductive). In terms of making an income, it feels they give far too much away for free. Do they make most of their money from the ads? Or so many people use it for free that it's okay if only a low percent convert?

jborden13 7y ago
Ultimately, I primarily opted for the paid version of DuoLingo to support their mission of free language learning for all. The ad removal and offline use (great for planes and while traveling) were secondary reasons.
- yakshemash 7y ago
  I opted for the paid version for exactly the same reason, but I was sorely disappointed to learn that they don't allow the app to be installed in my home country when I went there for a visit and was hoping to introduce my young nephews to the joys of learning a foreign language. It happens that third world countries don't generate enough ad money to be part of the free language learning for all mantra. Needless to say, I didn't renew my subscription. I must admit though that the app contributed toward my goal of attaining reasonable proficiency in Portuguese in one year, though I got much more out of obstinately listening to podcasts and regular radio even though I understood little at the beginning, and also making native speaker friends online. I used https://www.hellotalk.com/ https://www.hellotalk.com/, an app to meet language learning partners to chat with, and where Brazilians happen to be extremely active and eager to exchange with people willing to help them with their English or French.

jborden13 7y ago

Ultimately, I primarily opted for the paid version of DuoLingo to support their mission of free language learning for all. The ad removal and offline use (great for planes and while traveling) were secondary reasons.

yakshemash 7y ago
I opted for the paid version for exactly the same reason, but I was sorely disappointed to learn that they don't allow the app to be installed in my home country when I went there for a visit and was hoping to introduce my young nephews to the joys of learning a foreign language. It happens that third world countries don't generate enough ad money to be part of the free language learning for all mantra. Needless to say, I didn't renew my subscription. I must admit though that the app contributed toward my goal of attaining reasonable proficiency in Portuguese in one year, though I got much more out of obstinately listening to podcasts and regular radio even though I understood little at the beginning, and also making native speaker friends online. I used https://www.hellotalk.com/ https://www.hellotalk.com/, an app to meet language learning partners to chat with, and where Brazilians happen to be extremely active and eager to exchange with people willing to help them with their English or French.