Duolingo CEO Addresses AI Backlash Promises No Job Cuts and Ongoing Hiring

Duolingo CEO Addresses AI Strategy Concerns: ‘We Won’t Replace Jobs with AI’

Duolingo’s AI-first strategy recently sparked a wave of concern among employees and users, centered on fears that artificial intelligence would lead to job cuts. CEO Luis von Ahn has stepped forward to clarify the company’s intentions and ease those worries.

Key Points at a Glance

• AI-First Approach Faces Backlash: Duolingo’s plan to prioritize AI raised alarms about job security.
• CEO’s Reassurance: AI is meant to assist employees, not replace them.
• Ongoing Hiring: The company will maintain hiring levels, emphasizing workforce stability.
• AI as a Support Tool: AI will speed up processes and improve work quality rather than cut jobs.
• Employee Support: Workshops and advisory councils will help staff adapt to AI integration.

Background: Duolingo’s AI Push

Earlier in 2025, Duolingo announced its shift to an AI-first model, aiming to automate repetitive tasks and scale content creation using artificial intelligence. The initial messaging suggested that contract roles might be reduced in favor of AI-driven automation. The company indicated that headcount growth would depend on whether teams could automate their workload effectively.

This approach was intended to enhance efficiency and support growth. However, it quickly met resistance from users and employees who feared job losses and the loss of the human element in language learning.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The announcement triggered strong reactions. Many users questioned the company’s commitment to its workforce. Comments on social media highlighted fears that AI could erode the personal and cultural nuances essential to language education.

Some users voiced their frustration by cancelling subscriptions or expressing skepticism about the company’s direction. The fear was that AI might replace linguists and educators, undermining Duolingo’s unique value proposition.

CEO Luis von Ahn’s Response

To address concerns, von Ahn posted a clear message on LinkedIn. He emphasized that AI is not intended to replace employees. Instead, it is a tool to accelerate tasks while maintaining or improving quality.

He stated, “We are continuing to hire at the same speed as before” and acknowledged the uncertainty around AI’s future impact. Von Ahn also committed to supporting employees through this change by providing workshops, advisory councils, and dedicated time for experimentation with AI tools.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Role at Duolingo

Duolingo plans to use AI to scale content creation and improve various operational processes, including performance reviews. Despite leveraging AI, the company intends to keep expanding its team rather than cutting jobs.

Recent efforts include launching 148 new courses powered by generative AI, targeting non-English speakers to broaden the platform’s reach. The focus remains on enhancing user experience and diversifying language offerings without sacrificing the human touch.

Executives and strategists monitoring AI integration can view Duolingo’s approach as a case study in balancing automation with workforce stability. The company’s commitment to employee support during technological shifts offers practical insights into managing change responsibly.

For those interested in integrating AI thoughtfully within their organizations, exploring comprehensive AI training and responsible implementation strategies is essential. Resources like Complete AI Training provide valuable courses tailored to leadership needs.