Lingopie Review: My 2-Week Experience Learning Spanish in 2024

As a visual learner, I’ve often struggled to find language-learning apps that cater to my needs. When I began my search for a new platform to learn Spanish, Lingopie caught my attention.

In this comprehensive Lingopie review, I’ll explore the pros and cons of the app based on my personal experience using it for two weeks as a complete beginner. 

As well, I’ll suggest some viable Lingopie alternatives worth considering, so you can make an informed decision on your language-learning journey.

What is Lingopie? And what makes it stand out from other language-learning apps?

The first time I came across a Lingopie advertisement, I was quite impressed with the claims. 

The time and resources it would take to achieve what they say they do is impressive, and if they really did those things, the platform would be awesome.

Well, when I signed up and took my first few lessons, I confirmed they really took the time to add context and captions that are helpful to the learner. So, hats off to Lingopie!

For those who haven’t yet familiarized themselves with the Lingopie concept, the company describes itself as a Netflix-style streaming platform with shows and movies in 10 languages, featuring interactive dual subtitles and advanced language learning features. 

It offers authentic content for real-world language exposure and cultural immersion.

If you’re familiar with FluentU or Yabla, then you know exactly how Lingopie works.

The main thing that makes Lingopie stand out is the amount of content in its library, from standalone video lessons to its extensive Netflix content repertoire. 

On top of that, the fact that they don't focus on every sentence but on the words, expressions, and phrases that matter makes it a valuable app.

My Lingopie Review: My experience learning Spanish as a total noob

My experience with Lingopie began when I was searching for platforms to learn Spanish . After some research, I narrowed down my options to Babbel, FluentU, and Lingopie.

I decided to use Lingopie to learn Spanish as a complete beginner, and I dedicated two weeks to exploring the platform. Here's what I discovered during my Lingopie journey.

Great user interface, but overwhelming content on the welcome dashboard

I loved the experience when I was signing up. From guiding me with in-app messages to funneling me into setting up my account properly, everything was spot on.

As someone with a marketing background, I really appreciate little conversion and retention tricks, and Lingopie is full of those. 

For instance, before taking me to my dashboard, they shared some statistics, saying that Lingopie learners generally achieve a 70% vocabulary increase in 7 weeks. That's a great way to boost a learner's motivation and encourage them to keep momentum.

Now, because in the welcoming flow I mentioned that I'm a beginner and that I was learning for cultural reasons, I'd expected the content they suggest to me to be suited to my needs, making it easy for me to know where and how to get started.

I was surprised when I fell into a dashboard with a bunch of things on my to-do list and tons of videos.

For instance, on the dashboard, I'm presented with the option to book free lessons with teachers. 

They also show me the top 10 pieces of content and the community favorites. 

To add to the confusion, some videos have the Argentina tag, some with Spain, and some with Mexico.

As a beginner, that's a lot of decisions to make all at once. What do I know about whether I should start with Argentinian Spanish or that of Spain or Mexico?

Also, should I start with the community favorites videos or the top 10?

More confusing? There's the Viewers' Choice top video and the Editor's Choice video.

To be honest, since I don't even know a thing about Spanish, I was pretty confused as to what the normal thing to do should be.

A learning experience that could be improved with structure and unification of the content in one place

As mentioned earlier, the content and dashboard in Lingopie can strike you as being quite disorganized and confusing, especially if you’re a beginner.

For example, when I stumbled upon a video series called Spanish 101, I thought it would be an excellent starting point. 

However, to my surprise, the series began with a video on colors in Spanish, and the video suddenly introduced concepts like the silent consonant "J" and other advanced topics.

Ideally, a language learning platform should introduce the basics, such as the alphabet and reading fundamentals, before taking you to more complex concepts. This way, you can build a solid foundation and progress smoothly.

Another issue I faced was the lack of clarity on where to begin. Lingopie displayed at least 8 video categories, leaving me unsure about the optimal learning path. 

Should I start with Colors in Spanish, or is there another series that covers essential topics like greetings and the alphabet?

Moreover, I expected Lingopie to have a unified learning experience, with all the learning materials, including Netflix videos, accessible within the app itself. 

However, I discovered that I needed to download a Chrome extension that transforms Netflix shows by adding subtitles whenever I'm on the Netflix platform.

The problem with this approach is that not every Netflix viewing session is meant for learning. 

Sometimes, I simply want to enjoy a show for entertainment purposes. It would have been preferable if Lingopie consolidated all the learning videos and materials within its own platform rather than integrating them into my Netflix experience.

An intermediate learner’s best friend but a beginner’s nightmare

As a newbie language learner, I need more of a structured learning plan, mapping out where to start and the eventual next steps. 

However, because of the way Lingopie is designed, I think it's more of an intermediate learner's dream. The content is rich and goes into the nitty-gritty of stuff that intermediate learners would need to sound more nuanced and well-versed when speaking.

But for beginners like myself, the way Lingopie is structured makes things quite challenging. 

The lack of a clear progression path and the abundance of content can be overwhelming. Without a solid foundation in the language, it's difficult to grasp the more advanced concepts and vocabulary presented in the videos.

Moreover, the videos often lack the necessary context and explanations that beginners require to fully comprehend the language. While intermediate learners can fill in the gaps using their existing knowledge, beginners are left struggling to keep up.

Another issue is that the videos are not always tailored to the specific needs and goals of beginners. Some focus on topics or situations that are not immediately relevant to a beginner's learning journey. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being lost in the sea of content.

An unbeatable price for self-paced language learning

Despite some of the challenges I faced as a beginner, one aspect of Lingopie that really stands out is its pricing. Compared to other language learning platforms and resources, Lingopie offers an unbeatable value for self-paced learners. 

With a subscription, learners gain access to a library of authentic content, including TV shows, movies, and videos, all with interactive subtitles and a lot of languages.

This wealth of material provides endless opportunities for immersion and practice, allowing learners to engage with the language at their own pace.

The self-paced nature of Lingopie is another significant advantage. Learners can progress through the content at a speed that suits their schedule and learning style. 

You can revisit lessons, pause and rewind videos, and practice specific skills as needed. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those with busy lifestyles or inconsistent study schedules.

The bottom line: pros and cons of Lingopie

Lingopie pros: Standout features that I love

• Rich and diverse content : Lingopie offers a library of TV shows, movies, and videos in multiple languages. You get access to an extensive range of authentic material.

• Filtering options : The ability to filter content by country or language allows you to focus on the specific dialect or regional variations you wish to learn.

• Grammar Coach : This tool provides instant explanations and context for the grammatical concepts you encounter in the videos. It helps you understand the nuances of the language and reinforce your learning.

• Live classes : You get live classes. That means ample opportunities to interact with native speakers and practice your language skills in real-time.

• Pop Quiz and Flashcards : These features are excellent for reinforcing vocabulary and testing comprehension. They also make your learning experience more engaging and interactive.

• Interactive subtitles : You can click on unfamiliar words and phrases and instantly see their translations and explanations, which is incredibly helpful for understanding context and expanding vocabulary.

Lingopie cons: Areas where Lingopie can improve

• Lack of TV compatibility : Lingopie cannot be used directly on a TV, which can be inconvenient for learners who prefer watching videos on a larger screen for a better experience.

• Limited Netflix content : Not all Netflix shows are available in Lingopie's catalog. It can be particularly disappointing, as you may not find some of your favorite series included.

• Focus on listening and reading skills : Lingopie primarily focuses on these skills, which means learners don’t have extensive opportunities to practice speaking. If you’re signing up for a well-rounded language proficiency, then you’ll need to consider an alternative. 

• Limited speaking exercises : To address the lack of speaking practice, Lingopie could consider incorporating more speaking exercises or partnering with language exchange platforms to provide learners with opportunities to practice their conversational skills.

• Live class availability : While live classes are a great feature, they are not available for all languages or at times convenient for all learners. Expanding the live class offerings and providing more flexibility in scheduling could make this feature more accessible to a wider range of users.

Why use Lingopie instead of Netflix’s own subtitle feature?

While Netflix offers its own subtitle feature, Lingopie provides a more comprehensive and language-learning-oriented experience. 

Here are a few reasons why learners might choose Lingopie over Netflix's built-in subtitles:

1. Interactive subtitles : Lingopie's interactive subtitles let you click on unfamiliar words and phrases to instantly see their translations and explanations. This feature ensures that you understand the context and expand your vocabulary. Netflix's subtitles, on the other hand, do not offer this level of interactivity or additional information.

2. Language-specific features : Lingopie is designed specifically for language learning, and as such, it offers a range of features tailored to help learners improve their skills. These features include the Grammar Coach, Pop Quiz, flashcards, and live classes. Netflix, being a general entertainment platform, does not provide these language-learning-specific tools.

3. Filtering options : Lingopie allows users to filter content by language, country, and difficulty level. This feature makes it easier for learners to find content that aligns with their learning goals and preferences. Netflix's catalog is not organized with language learning in mind, making it more challenging to find suitable content.

4. Curated content : Lingopie’s content is curated with language learners in mind. The platform selects shows and movies that are appropriate for language learning, considering factors like clarity of speech, use of common vocabulary, and overall difficulty. Netflix's catalog, while vast, is not curated specifically for language learning purposes.

5. Progress tracking : Lingopie offers progress tracking features that help you monitor your improvement over time. You see which words you've learned, track your viewing history, and set learning goals. Netflix does not provide any built-in progress tracking or language-learning-related analytics.

Get French Classes, a more immersive Lingopie alternative if you’re learning French

If you're looking for a more immersive and comprehensive French learning experience, Get French Classes offers a unique approach that sets it apart from platforms like Lingopie. 

And yes. That’s us.

We specifically designed our program to help you build daily habits, receive personalized feedback from native speakers, and engage with a supportive community of learners.

One of the key features of our program is the daily video lessons and assignments. 

These bite-sized lessons are carefully crafted to help you build a consistent learning habit, which is crucial for making steady progress in language acquisition. 

By engaging with the language on a daily basis, you'll find yourself naturally absorbing vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic expressions.

On top of the self-study materials, Get French Classes provides private classes with experienced native-speaking tutors. 

These one-on-one sessions allow you to receive immediate feedback, ask questions, and practice speaking in a safe and supportive environment. 

Here are some of our French tutors:

Our tutors are not only fluent in French but also trained in effective teaching methods, ensuring that you receive the guidance and support you need to succeed.

We understand that language learning can sometimes feel isolating, which is why we've incorporated group classes into our program. 

These interactive sessions bring together learners at a similar level, allowing you to practice speaking, listening, and collaborating with your peers. 

Group classes provide a fun and engaging way to apply what you've learned, build confidence, and form connections with other French enthusiasts.

By combining daily lessons, private tutoring, and group classes, Get French Classes aims to offer an immersive experience that closely mimics the benefits of language immersion. 

While Lingopie focuses primarily on providing video content with interactive subtitles, Get French Classes takes a more holistic approach. 

• Our video lessons serve as a comprehensive substitute for Lingopie, covering a wide range of topics and scenarios to prepare you for real-world communication.

• Also, our private classes offer a more personalized and targeted alternative to expensive in-person courses like those offered by Alliance Française.

• And for those seeking the benefits of language exchanges and group classes, our program eliminates the need to use separate platforms like Lingoda or iTalki. 

Here’s how Get French Classes compares against Lingopie:

And here's what some of our learners have to say:

What now? Should you use Lingopie to learn a new language?

If you’re an intermediate learner looking to enhance your language skills, Lingopie could be a great fit for you. 

The platform offers rich, authentic content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries, which can help you improve your listening comprehension and expand your vocabulary. 

The interactive subtitles and flashcard features make it easy to learn new words and phrases in context.

However, if you’re a complete beginner and need a more immersive and structured learning experience, Get French Classes might be the better choice for you.

When you sign up to learn French with Get French Classes, you’ll benefit from:

• Daily video lessons and assignments that help you build a consistent learning habit

• Personalized feedback and guidance from experienced native-speaking tutors during private classes

• Opportunities to practice speaking and engage with a supportive community of learners through interactive group classes

• A holistic approach that balances all four language skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking

• An immersive learning experience that mirrors the benefits of language immersion without the need to travel abroad

• A structured curriculum designed to take you from beginner to advanced levels

• Comprehensive progress tracking and assessments to monitor your skill development and provide targeted guidance

• A convenient, all-in-one platform that integrates all the learning resources and features you need to succeed