Duolingo AI-First Strategy Replaces Contractors

Duolingo embraces AI-first strategy, replacing contractors to boost content creation and streamline processes, prioritizing AI training and employee support echoing Shopify's AI integration.

Duolingo Goes 'AI-First': Replacing Contractors with AI

• Duolingo will "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle." This announcement came via an all-hands email from cofounder and CEO Luis von Ahn.
• The company is shifting to an "AI-first" strategy.
• Von Ahn: "AI isn’t just a productivity boost. It helps us get closer to our mission."
• The goal is to create "a massive amount of content," which isn't scalable manually. AI will help speed up content creation.
• AI will also be used in hiring and performance reviews.
• Headcount will only be approved if a team can't automate more of their work.
• Duolingo says this isn't about replacing employees but rather "removing bottlenecks" so they can focus on creative work and problem-solving.
• Employees will receive more AI training, mentorship, and tooling.

Key Quotes from Luis von Ahn's Memo:

• "Duolingo is going to be AI-first."
• "AI isn’t just a productivity boost."
• "Making minor tweaks to systems designed for humans won’t get us there."
• "Duolingo will remain a company that cares deeply about its employees."
• "We’re going to support you with more training, mentorship, and tooling for AI in your function."

Related Trend

• This move echoes a similar memo from Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke, who stated that teams must demonstrate why AI can't handle a task before requesting new hires or resources