Do Language Apps and Videos Really Help Kids Learn?
In today’s digital world, parents often ask: Can educational videos and language apps really help children learn a second language? The answer is yes—especially when those tools are interactive, age-appropriate, and used regularly with guidance.
Research over the past few decades has shown that screen-based learning—whether through TV, tablets, or apps—can positively support vocabulary development and sound recognition, especially in children aged 2 to 6. While face-to-face interaction remains the most effective method, digital resources can be a powerful supplement.
What the Research Says
Pioneering studies in the 1990s found that children learned new words by regularly watching shows like Sesame Street. More recent research expanded on this idea. Linebarger and Walker (2005) reported that 30-month-old children who were exposed to educational programming had larger expressive vocabularies than their peers.
In 2007, Dr. Krcmar and her colleagues demonstrated that toddlers could learn new words from televised lessons, though live instruction remained more effective. Even more compelling, Amy Rush’s 2011 study showed that babies as young as 4 months old were able to learn novel words from infant-directed videos—especially after repeated exposure and with parental involvement.
Interestingly, Robb et al. (2009) found that even background educational audio and video exposure (without full attention) contributed to vocabulary development. This shows how naturally children absorb the sounds and rhythm of language when they’re consistently surrounded by it.
How Today’s Technology Makes a Difference
Unlike DVDs, today’s language learning happens on phones, tablets, and smart TVs, using apps, digital books, and interactive video platforms. These modern tools are designed for mobile, portable, and multi-sensory experiences that keep kids engaged.
Apps like Dinolingo, Endless Spanish, and Gus on the Go offer child-friendly videos, songs, games, and storytelling designed to teach vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation. Platforms like YouTube Kids also feature curated language content, while audiobooks and podcasts provide rich listening opportunities.
Making the Most of Digital Language Tools
To help your child learn from videos and apps effectively:
- Watch and play together: Children learn better when adults participate and reinforce the material.
- Repeat often: Repetition builds recognition and strengthens memory.
- Choose quality over quantity: Pick content that is created by educators or based on child development research.
- Encourage interaction: Pause videos to ask questions, imitate sounds, or act out vocabulary.
- Balance screen time with real-life use: Practice new words in daily routines or play.
A Fun and Effective Tool for Language Learning
One of the most popular tools for teaching kids languages today is Dinolingo, a digital platform available on web, iOS, and Android. Designed for children ages 2–14, Dinolingo offers over 50 languages and includes videos, games, songs, flashcards, and stories. It also features offline access, a parent dashboard, and a rewards-based system that makes learning fun and trackable. Up to six family members can learn together on one subscription, making it ideal for multilingual homes.
Final Thoughts
So, can children learn languages from videos and apps? Yes—especially when they’re used with intention and fun. Today’s technology offers children engaging ways to hear, see, and practice a new language daily. Whether it’s a song on a car ride or a five-minute game before bedtime, digital tools are an exciting addition to the language learning journey.
By blending high-quality apps with real-life interaction and play, you can give your child the best of both worlds—and help them build bilingual skills that will last a lifetime.