Duolingo CEO issues stark forecast for 2026
By Thomas Richmond
Published on May 6, 2026.
Duolingo's stock fell 6% after disappointing guidance for 2026, adding to a 77% drop over the past year. The company's Q1 2026 total bookings were up 14% year over year and total revenue reached $292.0 million, increasing 27%. However, management expects a near-term slowdown in monetization and increased pressure on revenue conversion. Management also highlighted a shift towards product investment, particularly AI, but this comes with a cost impact on the company's overall revenue growth. Despite this, Duolingo remains optimistic about emerging as a stronger business after a short period of uncertainty. Despite these challenges, AI is driving positive results for the business by deepening its product offering and accelerating product depth. The remaining challenge for Duololing is driving better retention, stronger paid conversion, and lower margins before the company becomes a competitor rather than a disruptor.
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