Duolingo’s mission to make high-quality education accessible to all has driven the app’s growth worldwide, including its significant rise in India. According to Sean Colombo, Duolingo’s global VP of engineering, the app’s appeal lies in its simple approach: being “fun, free, and effective.” Launched in 2013, Duolingo experienced a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought ways to learn new languages from home.
Duolingo’s Journey and User Growth
In an in-depth conversation with indianexpress.com, Colombo reflected on Duolingo’s journey, user growth, and success in both global and Indian markets. Originally launched in 2012 by Luis von Ahn, known for creating CAPTCHA, and Swiss computer scientist Severin Hacker, Duolingo quickly grew into one of the world’s leading language-learning platforms. The app’s unique focus on languages stems from its real-world impact on individuals’ career prospects. Unlike traditional education paths that require credentials, language skills can enhance job opportunities across multiple industries, offering an immediate advantage.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic accelerated Duolingo’s growth as more users turned to digital learning. The app gained mainstream visibility, solidifying its presence in pop culture and significantly expanding its user base. Today, Duolingo boasts over 100 million monthly active users worldwide, including over a million daily users in India, which has become the app’s fifth-largest market.
India’s Growing Market for Language Learning
India represents a key growth market for Duolingo. Colombo emphasized that the app’s popularity has been organic, with strong user growth across the country. To cater to India’s linguistic diversity, Duolingo has introduced courses in Hindi, Bengali, and Telugu, with Tamil and Punjabi expected soon.
Accessibility Initiatives
Colombo noted that to improve accessibility, Duolingo has prioritized Android compatibility and kept the app size small, making it more accessible in rural areas. The company has ramped up its hiring in Bengaluru to strengthen its local engineering and product teams.
Duolingo first entered the Indian market in 2016, initially offering English courses for Hindi speakers. Since then, it has expanded to offer additional languages such as Bengali in 2022 and Telugu in 2023. Today, the most popular languages for Indian users include English, Hindi, Japanese, French, German/Spanish, and Korean. Notably, 78% of Indian learners are under 30 years old, with motivations ranging from academic and professional development to brain training and reconnecting with family members abroad.
User-Centric Design and Data-Driven Improvement
Colombo attributes Duolingo’s success to its simple, user-friendly design and extensive data-driven improvements. By leveraging data from millions of users, the app is constantly fine-tuned to enhance engagement and reduce complexity. “We make learning engaging yet accessible, which is essential to keep users motivated,” Colombo stated.
Expanding Beyond Languages
Beyond language learning, Duolingo has expanded into math and music education following its public listing. For instance, Duolingo’s music course uses cutting-edge features such as pitch detection, allowing users to practice real instruments while the app tracks their progress.
AI: The Future of Language Learning
Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in Duolingo’s platform, transforming how language skills are taught. Colombo explained that AI-powered models can predict a user’s likelihood of success on exercises, making lessons challenging yet approachable. He believes that the future of language learning will increasingly rely on AI-driven tools, including generative AI and live conversation-based exercises.
Enhancing User Experience with AI
AI integration allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to individual users’ needs. This adaptability enhances engagement by providing targeted practice based on user performance.
Conclusion
According to Colombo, Duolingo’s unique appeal comes down to its core values—being “fun, free, and effective.” These elements are supported by expert linguists and a gamified experience that has created a platform balancing educational rigor with user engagement.
As Duolingo continues to expand its offerings and adapt to user needs in diverse markets like India, it remains committed to fulfilling its mission of making quality education universally accessible. The integration of AI tools further positions Duolingo as a leader in language learning innovation while empowering users to achieve their educational goals effectively.
