The Journey
Back in Time
Discover how Duolingo became the world's favorite way to learn languages
Timeline
2011
Duolingo Launches
Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker launch Duolingo at Carnegie Mellon University
2012
Mobile App Launch
Released iOS and Android apps, bringing language learning to millions
2014
100 Million Users
Reached major milestone with 100 million registered learners
2016
Duolingo English Test
Launched affordable English proficiency test accepted by universities worldwide
2019
500 Million Users
Became the world's most popular language learning platform
2022
Super Duolingo
Introduced premium subscription with enhanced features and ad-free experience
2023
AI Revolution
Integrated AI-powered features for personalized learning paths
Features Evolution
How Duolingo transformed language learning forever
Gamification Revolution
From simple lessons to streaks, XP, and leagues
AI Personalization
Adaptive lessons tailored to individual learning patterns
Social Learning
Friends, leagues, and global community challenges
Mobile Innovation
Offline lessons, push notifications, and speech recognition
2011-2015
- • Basic lessons & exercises
- • Simple progress tracking
- • Web platform launch
2016-2020
- • AI-powered lessons
- • Social features & leagues
- • Mobile-first experience
2021+
- • Advanced AI tutoring
- • Immersive experiences
- • Global community platform
Mascot Journey
2011: The Beginning
Duo started as a simple green owl, guiding learners with basic animations and encouraging words.
2015: The Meme Era
Duo became internet famous with memes about "the owl who will find you if you miss a lesson"
2020: Super Duo
With Super Duolingo, Duo got a cape and became the superhero of language learning
2023: The AI Era
Today's Duo uses AI to create personalized learning experiences while keeping the same lovable personality
2011-2015
Classic Duo
2016-2020
Animated Duo
2021-2022
Super Duo
2023-Present
AI Duo
The Duo Legacy
From a simple owl to a cultural icon, Duo has evolved alongside millions of learners, becoming more than just a mascot - a symbol of global language learning.
Stats & Milestones
Celebrating 10+ years of language learning revolution
2020
500M users milestone
2021
First billion lessons completed
2022
Unicorn company status
Memories
First 100M Users
Celebrating when Duolingo reached its first 100 million users worldwide in 2014
First 1000-Day Streak
Celebrating when the first learner reached a 1000-day streak milestone
First Duolingo Story
The launch of interactive stories that brought language learning to life
First Duolingo English Test
The launch of the first affordable English proficiency test accepted by universities worldwide
First Super Duolingo Subscriber
The launch of premium features for the ultimate learning experience
First Duolingo Event
The first global Duolingo meetup bringing together users from around the world
First Duolingo Challenge
The first global challenge that brought together users from around the world
First Duolingo Community Story
The first story shared by the community about a learner's journey
First Duolingo Community Milestone
The first milestone reached by the community
Join the Conversation
Share your own Duolingo memories and connect with millions of learners worldwide