The Current Audience of Websites Created in Russia

Part 1: Introduction & Interview (4–5 minutes)

Topic: Internet Use and Online Content

Examiner: Do you often visit websites from other countries?

Candidate: Yes, especially when I study or research something. I often read websites in English or other languages to get a wider perspective. I also look at design and structure to see how different cultures present their ideas online.

Examiner: Have you visited websites made in Russia?

Candidate: Yes, of course. Many Russian websites offer useful content — in education, media, business. I’ve noticed that some of them now focus more on internal audiences, while others still try to reach international visitors.

Examiner: Do you think websites reflect the culture of the country they are made in?

Candidate: Absolutely. You can see it in the language, the style of communication, the structure, and even in the values they express. Websites are not just technical tools — they’re also part of cultural identity.

Part 2: Long Turn (3–4 minutes)

Task: Describe what kind of audience currently visits websites created in Russia and how this has changed in recent years. You should say:

• What types of websites are most popular

• Who the main audience is now

• How global trends have influenced this change

Candidate: Today, websites created in Russia are visited mostly by a domestic audience, including people from different regions of the country and Russian-speaking communities abroad. In the past, many Russian websites had a wider international focus — especially in tech, education, and creative industries.

But now, due to political and economic changes, many international platforms have limited access, and Russian websites have adapted to serve local needs more directly. For example, e-commerce sites now target regional logistics, media websites follow internal policies, and even IT startups focus more on local customers or countries in friendly zones.

At the same time, Russian content still reaches audiences abroad — especially Russian speakers in CIS countries, the Balkans, and even Germany or Israel. Some cultural or educational platforms still try to keep dual-language formats and attract global learners.

In short, the audience has become more regionalized, but not completely isolated. Russian websites continue to be part of the global internet — just with a different emphasis and different communication strategies.

Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)

Topic: Digital Borders and Online Communication

Examiner: How have global events influenced the audience of websites in different countries?

Candidate: They’ve had a big impact. Political tension, sanctions, and regulation have changed who can access what. Some countries block certain platforms, and others build their own systems. So audiences become more local, or they move to alternative spaces.

Examiner: Do you think it’s still possible for Russian websites to reach a global audience?

Candidate: I think yes, but it depends on the content and the strategy. Educational platforms, design tools, or open-source tech can still attract global users — especially if they offer something unique and valuable. It’s harder now, but not impossible.

Examiner: What role does language play in keeping websites accessible to more people?

Candidate: Language is crucial. If a website has versions in English or other languages, it becomes much more visible and welcoming. Also, neutral tone and clear structure help people feel comfortable, even if they are not from the original culture.

Part 2: Long Turn (3–4 minutes)

Task: Describe what kind of people visit different types of websites today, and compare audiences of Russian and international platforms. You should say:

• What types of websites are most popular

• What kind of people visit them and why

• How audiences differ between Russian and international platforms

Candidate (from Russia): As a student who wants to work as a platform administrator in the future, I’ve been observing how different types of audiences use websites depending on content, culture, and communication style.

I’d say we can classify audiences into a few categories:

• Informational users — people who visit platforms like online newspapers, educational portals, or blogs. In Russia, this includes students and older adults who trust national sources. Internationally, platforms like Coursera or BBC attract people who want global perspectives.

• Transactional users — those who go to e-commerce, delivery, or service websites. In Russia, people often use marketplaces like Ozon or Wildberries, especially in small towns. On international platforms like Amazon, the audience is more global and often more price- and review-oriented.

• Entertainment users — they watch videos, play games or scroll through social media. Russian platforms like VK or Rutube are used more now due to limited access to Western apps. But international platforms like YouTube or TikTok still have a broader, younger and trend-driven audience, especially via VPNs.

• Professional users — they use platforms for work, freelancing, networking. In Russia, platforms like HH.ru or Profi.ru are used mostly for domestic services. On the other hand, LinkedIn or Upwork attract international professionals, often in English-speaking environments.

So, in general, Russian platforms serve a mostly domestic or Russian-speaking audience, with more focus on regional logistics, local payment systems, and simplified interfaces. International platforms usually target a global audience, offering multilingual content, scalable infrastructure, and more algorithm-based personalization.

Personally, I think a good platform administrator should always understand who the users are, what motivates them, and how to adapt the interface and communication style accordingly.

Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)

Topic: Adapting Online Platforms to Global or Local Audiences

Examiner: Do you think websites should be designed differently for different types of users?

Candidate: Yes, definitely. If the audience is mainly from one country, the design can reflect that culture. But if it’s global, then the platform should offer language options, neutral design, and flexible features to fit different habits and expectations.

Examiner: Can Russian platforms still compete internationally?

Candidate: I think they can — especially in fields like education, design tools, or tech automation. But they need to focus on multilingual access, clear branding, and user experience. Political restrictions make it harder, but good digital products can still cross borders.

Examiner: What are some challenges in managing platforms with international audiences?

Candidate: The main challenge is communication — both in terms of language and tone. Also, support systems need to work across time zones and cultures. Another issue is compliance with local laws, which can vary a lot, especially in data protection and payments.