Duolingo is undergoing a restructuring of its workforce as it transitions to becoming an “AI-first” company, as detailed in an internal memo from CEO and co-founder Luis von Ahn. The memo, which has been shared publicly, outlines plans to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and scale content development. As part of this shift, Duolingo will gradually phase out the use of contractors for tasks that can be automated by AI. Additionally, both job candidates and current employees will be assessed based on their proficiency in utilizing AI tools.
Von Ahn emphasized that any increase in headcount will depend on whether teams can no longer automate their processes effectively. The primary motivation behind this shift lies in the need for increased content production speed. Von Ahn noted that manual content creation could take decades, highlighting that the integration of AI has enabled Duolingo to move away from lengthy manual procedures toward more efficient, automated ones. New AI features have also been developed, including an AI-powered video call function aimed at providing tutoring comparable to that of human instructors.
This internal overhaul is not confined to content production; most business functions at Duolingo are expected to reassess their operations and seek opportunities to incorporate AI into daily tasks. Teams will be encouraged to adopt “constructive constraints” to prioritize automation before requesting additional resources. This approach reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, with other companies like Shopify pushing similar directives. Duolingo’s leadership insists that the focus on AI will not come at the expense of employee well-being.
The company is committed to supporting staff through training and mentorship as they adapt to new workflows. Von Ahn reiterated that AI is intended to enhance productivity and allow employees to concentrate on more complex, creative tasks. The move to adopt AI reflects Duolingo’s belief that timely adaptation is crucial. Von Ahn cited the company’s early commitment to mobile-first design in 2012 as a successful precedent.
While the transition to an AI-first model will take time, he is confident that acting quickly, even with the potential for setbacks, is preferable to waiting for complete technological maturity. Through this central focus on AI, Duolingo aims to offer more scalable learning experiences while managing internal resources more efficiently, with further updates on its implementation expected in the near future.