Duolingo Plans to Replace Contractors with AI Technology
Duolingo has officially announced a major transition: it will gradually replace contract workers with artificial intelligence. In an all-hands email shared on LinkedIn, CEO Luis von Ahn emphasized that the company is becoming “AI-first.” According to him, this decision is not simply a productivity push; instead, it’s a complete transformation in how Duolingo operates. Rather than tweaking existing systems, von Ahn argues that real change demands a full rethink of workflows, and he believes now is the right time.
Reflecting on past successes, von Ahn mentioned the company’s early decision to prioritize mobile platforms in 2012. That bold bet led Duolingo to win iPhone App of the Year in 2013, significantly fueling its organic growth. Similarly, the company is now betting that AI will redefine its future. Von Ahn stresses that delaying adaptation would be a mistake, as the technological shift is already underway. Consequently, Duolingo plans to move swiftly, even if it occasionally accepts minor dips in quality to maintain urgency.
Strategic Shifts and Employee Reassurance
Several changes are rolling out immediately. Duolingo will stop using contractors for tasks that AI can manage. Additionally, AI proficiency will now factor into hiring decisions and performance evaluations. Teams will only receive new hires if they can demonstrate that automation cannot fulfill their needs. However, von Ahn reassured employees that Duolingo still values its workforce. The goal, he explained, is not to replace employees with AI but to free them from repetitive work. Employees will be supported through new training, mentorship, and tools to integrate AI effectively into their roles.
Importantly, Duolingo views AI not just as an operational aid but also as a tool that brings it closer to its mission: teaching at scale. AI already helped the company speed up its content creation dramatically, a process that would have taken decades manually. With this accelerated approach, Duolingo can offer more to learners around the world without compromising creativity.
A Broader Trend Across the Tech Industry
Duolingo’s AI-first strategy reflects a growing trend among tech companies. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke, for instance, has also urged teams to prioritize AI solutions before requesting additional staff or resources. In an industry racing to leverage automation, companies like Duolingo hope that early, decisive action will keep them competitive. Von Ahn admits that such change may seem daunting, but he remains confident. He believes that embracing AI will better equip Duolingo to serve its mission and ensure that its employees stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
