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I was tired of language exchange apps turning into Tinder, so I built an anonymous alternative
r/SideProject
6/29/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem | Language Exchange | Mentioned as turning into dating-like platform | |
| HelloTalk | Language Exchange | Mentioned as turning into dating-like platform | |
| Speaky | Language Exchange | Mentioned as turning into dating-like platform | |
| talkpair | http://talkpair.com | Language Exchange | Anonymous chat, language matching, built-in translation/grammar correction |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Language exchange apps turning into dating platforms
- Conversations not leading to learning
- Users seeking attention rather than language practice
- Ghosting behavior
- Gender imbalance in responses (males get few replies, females get flooded with irrelevant messages)
- Lack of focus on actual language practice
Problems to Solve:
- Create a platform focused solely on language exchange
- Prevent dating-like interactions
- Ensure meaningful conversations
- Address gender imbalance issues
- Reduce ghosting and attention-seeking behavior
Potential Solutions:
- Anonymous chat system (no profiles)
- Language-based matching (learners paired with native speakers)
- Built-in translation and grammar correction tools
- Focus on dialogue rather than personal identities
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Solving a clear user pain point (dating app fatigue in language learning)
- Building a focused alternative to existing solutions
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Sharing on relevant communities (e.g., r/SideProject)
- Seeking feedback and testers from target audience
Monetization & Product:
- Currently free (implied by being a side project)
- Product-market fit: addresses specific frustrations with existing apps
- Key features: anonymity, language matching, in-chat translation/grammar tools
User Engagement:
- Anonymous interaction to encourage genuine conversations
- One-click help tools to reduce friction during chats
- Community building through Reddit outreach for initial users