Key Takeaways
- Duolingo is shifting to an “AI-first” strategy, integrating artificial intelligence across its operations.
- The company will phase out hiring contractors for tasks that AI can perform effectively.
- This move mirrors Duolingo’s successful pivot to a “mobile-first” approach back in 2012.
- CEO Luis von Ahn stated the aim is to boost efficiency and allow employees to focus on more creative tasks, not replace full-time staff.
- AI skills will become essential for new hires, and current staff will receive AI training.
Duolingo, the popular language-learning platform, is embracing artificial intelligence in a big way.
In an email to employees, co-founder and CEO Luis von Ahn announced the company will gradually stop hiring contractors for work that AI can now handle.
He described this as becoming an “AI-first” company, a strategic shift similar to when Duolingo prioritized mobile development back in 2012.
Von Ahn emphasized that waiting is not an option when facing such a significant technological change, according to the memo shared on LinkedIn and reported by YourStory.
The 2012 “mobile-first” decision was crucial to Duolingo’s growth, and the company sees a similar opportunity with AI today.
This AI transition means several changes are coming. New hires will need AI competence, and AI integration will factor into performance reviews.
Duolingo plans carefully managed headcount growth, focusing hiring only where automation isn’t feasible.
Von Ahn highlighted a recent success where AI accelerated content creation, a process that would have taken decades manually.
He reassured staff that the objective isn’t replacing permanent employees. Instead, AI should free them from repetitive tasks to tackle more complex problems.
Duolingo will support its workforce through this transition with training and tools to help them adopt AI effectively.
This move comes after Duolingo reduced its contractor workforce by about 10% last year as it started using generative AI for creating lesson content.
Other tech companies, like Shopify, have also implemented similar AI-focused strategies for their workforces.
