Duolingo has reached a milestone with more than 10 million users maintaining a 365-day consecutive login streak. The language learning app, which counts 50 million daily active users in total, now has roughly 20% of its audience engaging every single day. This figure underscores the platform’s ability to retain a dedicated user base over long periods, a challenge many mobile apps face.
The milestone was discussed during a fireside chat with Simon Hade, co-founder of Space Ape Games, at Pocket Gamer Connects London in January 2026. Hade emphasized that achieving high daily retention is a core measure of success for mobile apps, explaining that consistent engagement is more important than immediate spending.
Learning Meets Gaming Strategies
Duolingo’s growth and retention strategies borrow from the gaming industry, reflecting a trend of educational apps integrating gameplay mechanics to maintain user interest. Features designed to reward consistency and motivate daily use have been central to sustaining long streaks. According to Hade, the focus is on enhancing the experience for users who are already committed, rather than purely driving revenue.
Revenue Growth and Market Trends
Financially, Duolingo continues to see steady growth. In January 2026, the app generated $88.9 million in gross user spending, surpassing its previous monthly record of $87.6 million in January 2025. Over the past decade, the platform has accumulated nearly $2.9 billion in estimated spending across the App Store and Google Play, with the United States contributing 42% of total revenue. The United Kingdom and Germany account for 7% and 6%, respectively.
The app launched in 2012 but only introduced its paid subscription model in 2017. Since then, annual revenue has grown from $581,000 in 2016 to $798.1 million in 2025. The January 2026 revenue record highlights the platform’s ability to generate monthly income exceeding the total revenue of any pre-pandemic year, including 2019, which previously reached $76.1 million over 12 months.
Seasonal Trends in User Spending
Duolingo’s revenue patterns typically show spikes in December and January, likely influenced by seasonal subscriptions and increased engagement during holiday periods. While February 2026 has seen a slight slowdown in revenue compared to January, such fluctuations are common in subscription-based apps. Overall, the platform has maintained steady growth in both user engagement and spending throughout the decade.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Duolingo users have a 365-day streak?
More than 10 million users have maintained a consecutive 365-day login streak on Duolingo.
What percentage of daily active users log in every day?
With 50 million daily active users, around 20% log in daily, maintaining long-term engagement.
How much revenue did Duolingo make in January 2026?
Duolingo generated $88.9 million in gross user spending in January 2026, setting a new monthly record.
Which countries contribute most to Duolingo’s revenue?
The United States is the largest market at 42%, followed by the United Kingdom at 7% and Germany at 6%.
When did Duolingo introduce its paid subscription model?
The subscription model was introduced in 2017, five years after the app’s initial launch in 2012.
Why does Duolingo use gaming strategies?
The app incorporates gaming mechanics to boost user engagement and retention, encouraging consistent daily use and long streaks.
