Learning Objectives
To drive foundational literacy by helping learners improve their reading fluency and comprehension.
Google’s Read Along
Google’s Read Along
Reading
Languages
Read Along is a reading app that helps young learners have fun while they learn to read. Read Along has an in-app reading buddy that supports learners as they read aloud, offering assistance when they struggle, plus rewards them with stars when they do well – guiding them along as they progress.
website
Last updated: November 21, 2025
Overview
Learning objectives
To drive foundational literacy by helping learners improve their reading fluency and comprehension.
Evidence of impact
STRONG
Cost structure
SUBSCRIPTION
11 languages
Target audience: Educators and teachers
Early Childhood Education, Primary Education
Works offline but connectivity for updates required
Smartphone, Tablet, Desktop/Laptop, Chromebook
The information presented is provided by the company, and reviewed in good faith. Learning Cabinet is not responsible for inaccurate content.
How this product was evaluated?Product Details
Data protection and privacy
Privacy
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Product alerts users of significant changes to the privacy policy
Data Sharing
- Product does not share data with third parties
- Product does not show external advertisements
Data Origin
Product does not utilize AI
AI has not been trained using product datasets
Information security
- Cybersecurity program in place
- Technical best practices in place
- Threat detection in place
- Self-assessments have been conducted
- No third party assessments conducted
Safeguards
- Product does not allow interactions between users and users cannot create content
- Product does not use AI to generate content
Theory
Read Along integrates constructivist and behavioral learning theories. It promotes self-guided learning through diverse content and interactive features, fostering comprehension and fluency. Rewards like stars and badges encourage engagement. Its offline, ad-free design ensures accessibility and focus. The logic model links access to resources with improved reading skills, enhancing academic performance and cognitive development. Feedback builds confidence, contributing to global literacy goals.
Strong evidence of impact
Impact 3/3
Google’s Read Along shows a proven positive impact, backed by at least one experimental study that shows a statistically significant positive impact on the intended learning outcomes.
Different levels of research evidence indicate the reliability of the proof of positive impact. The solutions featured in the Learning Cabinet range from:
- Strong: Backed by at least one experimental study that shows a statistically significant positive impact on the intended outcomes.
- Moderate: Backed by at least one quasi-experimental study that shows a statistically significant positive impact on the intended outcomes.
- Promising: Supported by correlational or pilot research that indicates positive or promising results on the intended outcomes.
Evidence
External Evidence
Pre-Post StudyOpen
The study shows Google Read Along boosts reading fluency, especially in Hindi (42%) and Marathi (20%). Beginners gained most, improving confidence (81%) and interest (83%). Offline functionality ensures accessibility in low-connectivity regions.
Engagement
Recommended use
Early Childhood Education, Primary Education
-
-
Target audience
Students, Teachers
Wide
reach
Curriculum
- Global curricular frameworks
Information about curriculum
We are not committed to a specific curriculum, but instead provide the content globally in 11 languages.
Pedagogical design
Read Along integrates diverse stories catering to various interests and levels, keeping learners engaged. It provides real-time in-app feedback on fluency and pronunciation, supports comprehension with tools to hear words pronounced or understand meanings, and allows learners to progress at their own pace. With offline functionality, it is accessible in low-connectivity areas and remains private and secure without ads or in-app purchases. Rewards like stars and badges build confidence and motivate learners to improve their reading skills.
Additional Details
Flexibility
The product allows learner agency (e.g. it provides flexibility for the learner or teacher to make choices, take actions, or influence their learning outcomes and experiences).
Learner engagement
The product has elements that raises the level of affection in learner (e.g. pedagogically meaningful narrative, characters, etc.).
The product has interactive design where a learner can interact with the content via different actions, like for example solving problems.
User Experience
User interface
Open Product Screenshots
Supervision and communications
The product automatizes communication processes.
Infrastructure
- Device compatibilitySmartphone, Tablet, Desktop/Laptop, Chromebook
- Designed for low-cost devicesYes
- EnvironmentWeb-Based (Accessible via a web browser without requiring installation on a device), Device Installable (Requires installation on a device to be used, i.e. a mobile or desktop app)
- Offline availabilityWorks offline but connectivity for updates required
- Integration with 3rd party
Support
- Training materialsVideo tutorials, User manuals
- Training material languagesArabic, BengaliEnglish, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu,
- Training material target usersEducators and teachers
- Technical supportCommunity Support
Local Adaptability
- Curriculum / educational content can be customizedYes
- Visual / audiovisual content can be customizedYes
- Content can be customizedNo
- Current languagesArabic, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
- Possibility to translate the product to new languageNo
- Current writing systemsIndic Scripts
- Licensing information
- The solution is proprietary
Data import/export
- Export data capability
- Exportable data typesUser performance and progress, Assessment results
- Import data capability
- Automation
Affordability
Affordability Card
Business model
- Business to Consumer (B2C)
Pricing model
- Free
Organisation and Operations
Organization Details
Developed in
USA
Type of organization
Business enterprise
Stage of organization
Mature
(since 1998)
Number of employees
1000+
Developed in
USA
Type of organization
Business enterprise
Stage of organization
Mature
(since 1998)
Number of employees
1000+
Developed in
USA
Type of organization
Business enterprise
Stage of organization
Mature
(since 1998)
Number of employees
1000+
Large implementation example
Accessibility of Design
Google’s Read Along fulfils the WCAG 2.1 level AA requirementsGet in touch with the organization
Expert Review of Google’s Read Along
Evaluated using the Learning Cabinet’s rigorous EdTech for Good Framework to ensure safety, learning impact, scalability, and inclusion for all learners.
Get in touch with the organization
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