Copyright © BusinessAMBE 2023

Summary. Duolingo, founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker, has become the largest language learning platform in the world. It had more than 500 million registered users by the end of 2020. By breaking lessons into small chunks, it has managed to captivate millions of users. Something completely different from the often daunting task of learning to speak, write and possibly even think a new language.

Duolingo's growth illustrates an important shift in how people learn new languages, away from traditional classrooms to digital, game-based approaches. This approach has not only increased the accessibility of language learning, but also set a new standard for educational technology by making learning both fun and addictive.

In the news. Duolingo was launched in 2011 with $3.3 million in funding from investors including Tim Ferriss and Ashton Kutcher. The app launched publicly in June 2012 and has since exploded in popularity.

  • With 83 million monthly active users and more than 24 million daily users, Duolingo has proven to be an effective method of engaging users in the learning process through gamification. The chart below from Chartr clearly shows the stratospheric growth of the app.

Zoom in. By incorporating game-like elements such as XP points, "gems," and "hearts," Duolingo has created an addictive learning experience.

  • Duolingo's unique and sometimes bizarre marketing on TikTok, with nearly 10 million followers, sets the company apart from other brands. It also contributes to its popularity.

Zoom out. Duolingo's success underscores the growing role of technology in education, particularly the shift to mobile and game-based learning platforms.

  • Despite its success, Duolingo receives criticism for simplifying the language learning process and focusing on app engagement over practicality in real-world situations.
  • Duolingo's approach to language learning through technology and gamification has not only transformed the way people learn new languages, but also opened up new possibilities for educational technology.

© The Content Exchange, source News