We set out to get 16-22 year olds to bring learning language in their daily lives with Duolingo. This age group loves chatting, socializing and connecting with friends over the internet. We decided to position Duolingo as a social network; one that is uniquely personalized and can be used throughout the day. So we created Duolingo Pen Pals. To ensure the pen pals feel equal in their interactions and that the conversations don’t feel like tutoring sessions, we match penpals based on the language they’re learning, and their native language (a native English speaker learning French is paired with a native French speaker learning English). Duolingo Pen Pals is casual and welcoming. Users create friendships with someone across the world while practicing language in realtime.
