StoryLearning is a language learning method created by Olly Richards that focuses on learning through stories rather than traditional grammar drills or vocabulary lists. The idea is that by reading and listening to a story in your target language, you will absorb grammar and vocabulary naturally, much like how we learn our first language.
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Olly Richards is a well-known figure in the language-learning community, and his method is based on comprehensible input, a concept supported by linguist Stephen Krashen. However, the big question is: Does it actually work, and is it worth the money?
2. What’s Included in the Course?
Each StoryLearning course (such as Spanish Uncovered, French Uncovered, Japanese Uncovered) follows the same format:
1️⃣ A Complete Story in Your Target Language
- The story is broken down into multiple chapters.
- You listen to the story while reading along.
2️⃣ Grammar, Vocabulary & Pronunciation Lessons
- Short video explanations of grammar rules taken from the story.
- Vocabulary breakdowns with Quizlet flashcards.
- Pronunciation tips.
3️⃣ Exercises & Quizzes
- Translation exercises based on the story.
- Comprehension questions.
4️⃣ Cultural Insights
- Short videos covering culture in the target language.
3. The Pros: What StoryLearning Does Well
✅ Story-Based Learning Works for Some People
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- If you enjoy stories, this method can be engaging compared to dry textbooks.
- The focus on reading and listening can improve comprehension.
✅ A Well-Structured Beginner Course
- The lessons are organized in a step-by-step way.
- Suitable for absolute beginners who like a structured approach.
✅ Covers Multiple Skills
- Unlike pure input-based methods, it also includes some grammar explanations, vocabulary, and exercises to reinforce learning.
✅ One-Time Payment, Lifetime Access
- Unlike subscription-based platforms, you pay once and get lifetime access to the course.
✅ Good Refund Policy
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- Many users confirmed that refund requests were honored quickly with no hassle.
4. The Cons: Why Many Learners Say It’s Overpriced
🚫 Extremely Expensive ($297–$397 per Course)
- The biggest complaint is the price.
- Each course is essentially a beginner textbook + graded reader, which many feel is not worth $300 when other resources offer the same value for a fraction of the cost.
🚫 The Stories Are Not Very Engaging
- Many users found the stories boring and repetitive.
- Some languages have better-written content than others, but overall, reviews suggest they are not as immersive as expected.
🚫 Quizlet Flashcards Are Free Anyway
- The included Quizlet sets are public, meaning you don’t need to pay for the course to use them.
🚫 Limited Speaking Practice
- The course doesn’t help with speaking and conversation skills. If your goal is to actually talk to native speakers, you’ll need to use additional resources.
🚫 Better and Cheaper Alternatives Exist
- Many learners felt they got more value from:
- Assimil, Teach Yourself, Pimsleur, or Michel Thomas for structured courses.
- Native content, Italki tutors, or immersion methods for real-world language skills.
5. Is It Worth the Price?
🔹 Who Should Consider Buying It?
✅ Absolute beginners who like structured learning and enjoy stories.
✅ People who hate traditional grammar-heavy courses and prefer an input-based method.
✅ Learners who want a clear, step-by-step plan and don’t mind spending extra.
🔹 Who Should Skip It?
❌ Anyone on a budget – $300 can be spent more effectively on multiple other resources.
❌ Learners who want strong speaking practice – This course doesn’t help much with conversation skills.
❌ People who don’t enjoy reading stories – If you find fiction boring, this method won’t work for you.
Alternatives That Are Much Cheaper (or Free)
| Alternative | Cost | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Assimil | $40–$100 | Structured courses with dialogues and grammar |
| Teach Yourself | $30–$50 | Grammar-based learning with exercises |
| Pimsleur | $15/month | Audio-based learning, great for speaking |
| Anki & Quizlet | Free | Vocabulary flashcards |
| Graded Readers (A1–B1) | $10–$20 | Similar to StoryLearning, but much cheaper |
| Netflix + Target Language Subtitles | Free/$15/month | Natural input, free if you already have Netflix |
| Italki / HelloTalk | Free–$10/hour | Real conversation practice |
6. Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Is StoryLearning a scam? No. The method is legitimate and effective for some people.
Is it overpriced? Yes. You can get the same (or better) results using cheaper alternatives.
💬 Final Recommendation:
👉 If you find it on a Black Friday sale for under $100, it might be worth it.
👉 If you’re willing to spend $300+, there are better resources out there.
👉 If you want to try it, make sure you use the money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Would I Personally Buy It?
No—I would spend that money on a combination of Assimil, Italki lessons, and graded readers, which would give me more real-world language skills for less money.
What Do You Think?
Have you tried StoryLearning? Was it worth it for you? Let me know in the comments!