A job listing has shed light upon a forthcoming Duolingo music app. Photo Credit: ilgmyzin
After posting double-digit revenue, user, and subscriber growth for Q4 2022, language-learning platform Duolingo is reportedly developing a music app.
Pittsburgh-headquartered Duolingo’s plans to incorporate music into its offering just recently came to light in a report from TechCrunch. At the time of this writing, however, higher-ups didn’t appear to have publicly elaborated upon the music expansion, which would follow the company’s October of 2022 launch of Duolingo Math as well as the purchase of animation studio Gunner.
But the mentioned outlet noted that Duolingo is currently looking to hire a “learning scientist for music,” and the corresponding job posting outlines the planned music buildout. “Duolingo is venturing into teaching music!” the text makes clear. “Our strengths lie in building educational apps that are grounded in learning science and keep learners motivated — come join us to help build a new Duolingo music app that promotes learning and is fun to use!
“We are looking for an expert in music education who combines both theoretical knowledge of relevant learning science research and hands-on teaching experience,” proceeds Duolingo’s description of the role. “You will join a small cross-functional team and together you will lay the foundation for the new music product, innovating through experimentation and fast product iterations.”
While the exact details of the Duolingo music app remain to be seen, the 11-year-old business also disclosed that the noted “learning scientist” must have a PhD “in music education, music theory, educational psychology, learning sciences, cognitive science, or a related field.”
Regarding the initially highlighted revenue and user jumps – and, in turn, the potential reach of the Duolingo music app – the company said that it had 60.7 million monthly active users as of December 31st, reflecting a 43% year-over-year increase. Similarly, Duolingo reported fourth-quarter revenue of $103.8 million (up 42% year over year) and indicated that it boasted 4.2 million subscribers at yearend (up 67% year over year).
More broadly, word of the planned Duolingo music app arrives as a growing number of AI-powered startups are enabling users – including individuals who possess little to no creative expertise or music knowledge – to “make” tracks in minutes.
It’s against this backdrop that over 40 creative organizations have joined the “Human Artistry Campaign,” which is promoting a collection of principles for advancing artificial intelligence within the creative space. Additionally, the Copyright Office earlier this month published new guidance on registrations involving AI.