Duolingo prioritises user growth over monetisation, forecasts softer bookings

Duolingo forecast first-quarter and 2026 bookings below expectations on Thursday as the language-learning app shifts strategy toward faster user growth, a move it said will weigh on bookings growth ‌and profitability this year.

Shares ⁠fell ⁠nearly 20% in extended trading.

As part of the push, Duolingo said it will expand access to its artificial intelligence-powered “Video Call with Lily” feature by adding it to its Super Duolingo subscription, rather than limiting it to the premium Max tier.