Duolingo doubles its language catalog using GenAI, slashing development time while expanding access for one billion learners.
Duolingo doubles its language catalog using GenAI, slashing development time while expanding access for one billion learners. Duolingo has launched 148 new language courses created using GenAI, marking its biggest expansion ever. The company now offers its top seven non-English languages in all 28 supported interface languages. This move opens access to structured learning for over one billion potential users. Previously, building courses took years. With GenAI, Duolingo did it in under one.
The courses are designed for beginners and include GenAI-powered features like DuoRadio and interactive Stories. These tools help users build listening and reading skills. GenAI not only creates the lessons but also checks them against preset quality standards. Human experts still review the content, but only where it’s most impactful. This reduces the need for manual editing while keeping content high quality.
CEO Luis von Ahn says it once took Duolingo 12 years to build its first 100 courses. Now, GenAI can match that output in a single year. This rapid scale-up has a clear cost: in early 2024, Duolingo laid off around 10% of its contractors. Many of their tasks—especially translations—are now handled by GenAI. The company plans to fully replace roles that AI can replicate.
Duolingo’s shift to an “AI-First” model mirrors its earlier bet on mobile in 2012. GenAI now drives everything from course creation to internal operations. Von Ahn believes this will be as transformative as the mobile leap, and he’s building for a future where AI defines the core of learning.