The Product Podcast
Duolingo VP of Product on Hypergrowth through Freemium, Experimentation & Gamification | Cem Kansu | E257
Feb 26, 2025
Cem Kansu, the Vice President of Product at Duolingo, shares insights from his nine-year journey driving the company's growth. He discusses the balance of gamification and educational accessibility in Duolingo’s freemium model, highlighting how innovative features like voice AI enhance personalized learning. Cem also explores the evolution of the platform into new subjects like math and music, the impact of A/B testing on monetization strategies, and the significance of making language education both effective and enjoyable.
48:45
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Quick takeaways
- Duolingo's successful freemium model combines monetization strategies with a commitment to providing accessible education, even amidst rapid growth.
- The integration of gamification and AI in Duolingo enhances user engagement and personalization, making learning enjoyable and tailored to individual needs.
Deep dives
Duolingo's Growth and Evolution
Duolingo has rapidly transformed from a free translation app to a leading language learning platform valued at over $15 billion. The company has diversified its offerings, now teaching not just languages but also math and music, while attracting over 113 million monthly active users. Its pivot to monetization came with the introduction of ads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, evolving from an initial resistance to a freemium model that maintains accessibility for all users. The strategic addition of monetized features has not compromised its mission of providing quality education to users worldwide, allowing the platform to flourish.
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