On August 18, 2025, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn reaffirmed in an interview with Business Insider and The New York Times that the shift to an "AI-first" strategy does not involve laying off full-time employees. The company does not plan layoffs — instead, employee roles will evolve: AI will free them from repetitive tasks, enabling focus on more creative and strategic work. Upskilling is a key component of this transformation. By rejecting mass layoffs, Duolingo shows AI as a tool for enhancing productivity, not replacing staff.
Duolingo Integrates AI Without Mass Layoffs, Focuses on Upskilling
