Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
HelloTalk
Educational app From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
HelloTalk is a language exchange app and website released in 2012. It is monetized using the freemium model.[2] It was created by Chinese developer Zackery Ngai.
As of December 2025, the platform supports learning and communication in more than 260 languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and German. The application is available for download on Android and Apple stores and can also be accessed via the web.[3][4]
Remove ads
History
HelloTalk was created by Zackery Ngai (Wei Lihua), a Chinese software developer born in Hainan and raised in Hong Kong.[5] The app was launched in 2013. The company, HelloTalk Inc., is based in Shenzhen, China. It has an estimated 50 employees.
Over half of the users are from China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Ngai stated in 2023 that the app had over 1 million paid users and makes several million CNY monthly in revenue.[6]
In 2016, the app was reported to have 3 million users.[7] In May 2018, it reached 10 million users.[8][9] It grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 20 million downloads in 2020.[9]
Remove ads
Features
HelloTalk is monetized using a freemium model, offering users a set of basic features for free alongside optional paid services.[10]
The free version provides core language-learning functions such as language-partner matching, AI translation, grammar correction, and participation in Voiceroom, which are sufficient for general learning needs. Paid subscriptions unlock additional advanced features, including unlimited translations and simultaneous learning of multiple languages, designed for frequent users or multilingual learners. Subscription terms and pricing are clearly displayed within the app, allowing users to upgrade after trying the basic features.[3][4][9]
Remove ads
See also
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads