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Smartling > Case Studies > Hyper-localization: The Key to Canva's Global Success
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Hyper-localization: The Key to Canva's Global Success

Technology Category
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms
Applicable Industries
  • Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
  • Product Research & Development
Use Cases
  • Time Sensitive Networking
The Challenge
Canva, an online design and publishing tool, was launched in 2013 with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Today, Canva has over 60 million monthly active users, half of whom are non-English speakers, and the platform is available in over 130 languages. The challenge for Canva was to make the tool as accessible as possible to users across the globe and provide the best user experience, no matter what language they speak. This required a deep understanding of the subtle differences in cultures and languages, and the unique needs of the audiences in a scalable way. The challenge was also to maintain the Canva brand while heavily customizing the product for many different regions.
About The Customer
Canva's customers are a diverse group of over 60 million monthly active users from across the globe. These users range from individuals to businesses, all seeking to leverage Canva's online design and publishing tool to create and publish their designs. Half of these users are non-English speakers, highlighting the platform's global reach and the effectiveness of its localization efforts. Canva's customers have unique needs based on their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and the platform aims to meet these needs by providing a user experience that resonates with each local market.
The Solution
Canva's solution was hyper-localization, creating an experience that resonates with local markets without having to rebuild Canva every time. They dove into localization efforts early in the life of Canva, relying on data collected over time to apply their learnings and successes to new markets. They allowed local design teams to take control and experiment with what works with different markets. This approach was also applied to marketing and other content. Canva also ensured all employees shared the same company values and cultures and worked toward the same goals. They maintained an up-to-date style guide accessible to all translators to ensure the brand color and tone of voice came through clearly in their translations. Canva also used their growth data to decide which languages and regions to focus on first, considering market sizes and the potential number of users in a locale.
Operational Impact
  • Canva's early and strategic focus on localization has resulted in a highly successful global platform that resonates with users in over 130 languages. By allowing local design teams to take control and experiment with what works in different markets, Canva has been able to adapt to the subtle differences in cultures and languages, and meet the unique needs of its diverse user base. This approach has also helped Canva maintain its brand identity while customizing the product for different regions. The company's commitment to shared values and goals, along with its up-to-date style guide, has ensured that the Canva brand remains consistent across all translations. Furthermore, Canva's data-driven approach to localization has enabled it to prioritize its projects effectively, focusing on languages and regions with the greatest potential for growth.
Quantitative Benefit
  • Canva has over 60 million monthly active users
  • The platform is available in over 130 languages
  • Half of Canva's users are non-English speakers

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