How Duolingo has reduced its churn rate using gamification?

Mridula Ranjan
Bootcamp
Published in
2 min readDec 28, 2022

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Duolingo: A language learning app

Gamification is the application of game design features in non-game environments to engage people and boost their incentive to complete specific tasks. A well-known language learning app called Duolingo has incorporated gamification into its platform to lower its churn rate, or the proportion of users who leave using it after a set amount of time.

Duolingo has leveraged gamification to lower churn, by implementing a points system where users receive points for completing exercises and lessons. These points are used as a guesstimate of progress and can be used to assess how the user is performing in comparison to other users on the site. Users are more likely to stay interested in and driven to use the platform as a result.

In order to instill a sense of competition among users, Duolingo also uses leaderboards. Users may be encouraged to utilize the platform more by seeing how they rank in comparison to other users and how they might improve.

Duolingo’s leaderboard

As an additional incentive for users to log in and finish a set number of language lessons each day, Duolingo has put in place a system of daily challenges and streaks. The sense of habit and dedication that is cultivated as a result can help to lower churn.

Duolingo’s daily streak as a progress

Additionally, Duolingo employs badges to reward users for meeting specific milestones, such as finishing a set number of courses or achieving a certain level of proficiency. These achievements act as visual markers of accomplishment and may encourage users to keep using the platform.

Users being awarded with badge for their weekly wins

Overall, the usage of gamification elements like points, badges, and leaderboards can assist Duolingo in reducing churn by giving users a sense of progress and success that can be motivating and encourage them to keep using the platform.

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Senior Product Analyst @Kofluence | Self taught Designer | Food & Travel Addict | Fashion Enthusiast