How LingQ Scaled to Millions with Zero Ad Spend episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 10, 2026 · 53 MIN

How LingQ Scaled to Millions with Zero Ad Spend

from App Marketing by App Masters · host Steve Young

In this episode, discover the app marketing strategies that helped LingQ scale to millions of users with zero ad spend. We are joined by Mark Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of LingQ, to reveal exactly how they built a product people love.A former pro hockey player turned tech founder, Mark brings a unique perspective on performance, resilience, and building products that scale. Together with his father, polyglot and YouTuber Steve Kaufmann, he built LingQ, a product-led app that teaches languages through real-world immersion.Mark will share how a small, mission-driven team grew LingQ into one of the most recognized language apps without relying on massive ad budgets, just product innovation, community, and data-driven growth.You will discover:✅ The product-led growth strategy behind LingQ’s global success✅ How to scale organically by focusing on community and retention✅ Building for long-term engagement: what keeps users coming back daily✅ Why founder-led storytelling still matters in 2026’s crowded app marketLearn More:🌐 Explore LingQ: https://www.lingq.comYou can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtube.com/live/NSyW0hxytrU👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community?Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders →👉 https://appfounders.coWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, discover the app marketing strategies that helped LingQ scale to millions of users with zero ad spend. We are joined by Mark Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of LingQ, to reveal exactly how they built a product people love.A former pro hockey player turned tech founder, Mark brings a unique perspective on performance, resilience, and building products that scale. Together with his father, polyglot and YouTuber Steve Kaufmann, he built LingQ, a product-led app that teaches languages through real-world immersion.Mark will share how a small, mission-driven team grew LingQ into one of the most recognized language apps without relying on massive ad budgets, just product innovation, community, and data-driven growth.You will discover:✅ The product-led growth strategy behind LingQ’s global success✅ How to scale organically by focusing on community and retention✅ Building for long-term engagement: what keeps users coming back daily✅ Why founder-led storytelling still matters in 2026’s crowded app marketLearn More:🌐 Explore LingQ: https://www.lingq.comYou can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtube.com/live/NSyW0hxytrU👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community?Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders →👉 https://appfounders.coWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

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How LingQ Scaled to Millions with Zero Ad Spend

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How long is this episode of App Marketing by App Masters?

This episode is 53 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 10, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode, discover the app marketing strategies that helped LingQ scale to millions of users with zero ad spend. We are joined by Mark Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of LingQ, to reveal exactly how they built a product people love.A former pro...

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