In a whimsical twist, Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, has announced the demise of its beloved green owl mascot, known as Duo. This announcement follows recent corporate rebranding trends, notably reminiscent of Twitter’s blue bird being retired after Elon Musk’s acquisition.
The Pittsburgh-based company, which gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought to learn new languages in their free time, shared this news on social media. In a post on X, Duolingo expressed its sorrow stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as the Duolingo Owl, is dead.” The post humorously speculated that Duo may have “died waiting for you to do your lesson,” before adding a cheeky note inviting users to share their credit card info for subscriptions in his memory.
The announcement sparked a viral response, with users expressing their faux grief and humorously reflecting on the owl’s urging them to engage more with the app. One comment highlighted the owl’s dedication to encouraging users to learn French, while another inquired about possible foul play in his unexpected death.
In a playful nod, Duolingo asked followers to refrain from sharing negative comments about Duo, while also extending respect for singer Dua Lipa’s privacy, referencing the owl’s fictitious love for her.
As part of the rebrand, the company updated its profile picture to feature a cartoon representation of the owl with crossed-out eyes, alongside a cowboy hat logo that seems indicative of a new direction. The new app icon also depicts the comically deceased owl, although users can still find Duo vibrant within the app.
Duolingo plans to reveal more details about this “shocking (and possibly absurd) truth behind his untimely demise” in future posts, maintaining an air of intrigue around the mascot’s fate.
This engaging marketing strategy not only reaffirms Duolingo’s playful branding but also fosters community engagement while keeping users entertained. Such creative approaches often bring brands closer to their users, making the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable.
In summary, while Duo may have “passed,” his legacy as a motivator for language learners continues through the app, and the company promises to keep the spirit of fun alive.