What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Languages Used on the Internet by 2024?
English remains predominant in many fields, including the internet. However, it is no longer alone at the top of the most popular languages list. Offering products or services only in English, when your audience and prospects are diverse, is not enough.
We are not trying to disrupt your current translation strategy. After all, only the business knows its needs. Yet, if you are here today, it is because you see the potential for expansion that content translation holds for you. Simply put: It is a great first step toward attracting new clients, building brand awareness, and raising credibility.
Deciding which languages to translate into can be tricky. Thus, here are the top 10 most popular languages on the internet to help you analyse market trends and identify which of these languages intersect with your target markets. Spoiler alert: Yes, English is still at the top of the list.
Why a Translation Strategy Matters
2024 is likely to reinforce trends from last year, including putting the user experience (UX) at the core of multilingual marketing.
The relationship between experience and purchase decision-making can be summarised by the phrase “Can’t Read, Won’t Buy,” as reported by CSA Research.
This study indicates that 65% of people prefer content in their own language, while 40% categorically state that they would not buy products in foreign languages. A bit tough, right?
Most interestingly, they surveyed speakers of over 25 languages, clarifying that this trend is widespread and not limited to the most popular languages.
Translating is more than just a nice touch. Are you still not convinced? Then consider these stats: 30% of people never buy at English-language sites, and another 30% rarely do.
#OptimationalTip: We do not want to say we told you so, but rather to give you the tools to figure out what is truly worthwhile—and critical—for your business. Investing in professional localisation services ensures that your content is not only translated, but also culturally adapted to resonate with your diverse audience.
Top 10 Most Popular Languages: Internet Edition
Statista compiled and published the following figures in its latest report: Languages most frequently used for web content.
#1 English
With 1,186,451,052 users today, English is the most popular language on the internet (i.e., the one with the most speakers). This is not surprising, as it has been the case almost since the internet began. This figure represents 25.9% of the world’s share in the ranking.
#2 Chinese
China’s large population and vast territory contribute to its position. With 888,453,068 internet speakers and an overall participation rate of 19.4%, its place on the podium is clear. The annual user growth rate of 2,650.4% (compared to English’s 742.9%) is another reason to include Chinese in your translation strategy.
#3 Spanish
Spanish has a significant advantage, being the official language of multiple countries. With 363,684,593 Spanish-speaking internet users, it represents 7.9% of the world’s share. Its wide variety of dialects makes localisation paramount.
#4 Arabic
With a 9,348.0% annual growth rate, Arabic has 237,418,349 active internet users and represents 5.2% globally. This presents another great opportunity for your multilingual marketing campaign.
#5 Indonesian/Malaysian
With over 64% of their active population online (198,029,815 users), Indonesian/Malaysian account for 4.3% of the global participation rate.
#6 Portuguese
Portuguese has seen sustained growth in internet users. With 171,750,818 users, it represents 3.7% of the world’s total. Portuguese is the official language of nine countries and one independent territory (Macao), so it should definitely be part of your translation strategy.
#7 French
French ranks seventh among the most popular languages online, with 151,733,611 active users and a world share of 3.3%.
#8 Japanese
The internet penetration rate in Japan is 93.8%, meaning almost their entire population uses the internet (118,626,672 active users). After English, Japanese receives the highest daily hits on Wikipedia.
#9 Russian
Russian has a high growth rate, securing its place in the ranking with 116,353,942 internet users. Among the top 10 million ranked websites, Russian is one of the most popular languages for available content online, second only to English.
#10 German
German has been in the ranking for years, although its position has fluctuated. It remains in the top 10, with 92,525,427 currently active users.
#OptimationalTip: This ranking may change over time with the addition of new languages and the displacement of others. However, one thing is clear: Start with a multilingual marketing plan for greater outreach.
Learn more about international website expansion with this guide.
Wrapping Up: The Most Popular Languages Set the Pace for Translations
It is not about translation for translation’s sake, but about finding the intersection between what your business needs and where the potential for growth lies. Always keep in mind that no one will buy what they do not understand. Even those who understand will feel more confident if the offer is presented in an easy-to-digest way.
As a business, never lose sight that the buying process is often emotional, so UX is a fundamental value that every serious company must guarantee.
Let’s start now with your multilingual strategy: Feel free to contact us today. We can help you localise your communications for new target audiences, ensuring your messages are culturally relevant and effective.
