Duolingo's owl mascot is now dead. But it's what comes next that interests me

Duolingo mascot with crossed out black eyes
(Image credit: Duolingo)

Language learning app Duolingo is known for having fun with its mascot, Duo. Once you've downloaded the app, if you stop using it, then Duo's features sometimes slowly melt in a look of disappointment, with the idea being that this will guilt you into using the app again. And now, the company has taken things a step further. Duo is apparently now dead.

"It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead," said a post on Instagram. "Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully. Tbh, he probably died waiting for you do your lesson, but what do we know." One of the best learning apps still works, but Duo's face now contains crossed out eyes.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Rosie Hilder

Rosie Hilder is Creative Bloq's Deputy Editor. After beginning her career in journalism in Argentina – where she worked as Deputy Editor of Time Out Buenos Aires – she moved back to the UK and joined Future Plc in 2016. Since then, she's worked as Operations Editor on magazines including Computer Arts, 3D World and Paint & Draw and Mac|Life. In 2018, she joined Creative Bloq, where she now assists with the daily management of the site, including growing the site's reach, getting involved in events, such as judging the Brand Impact Awards, and helping make sure our content serves the reader as best it can. 

Read more
Apple billboard showing a Genmoji of a hot dog with a briefcase
Is Apple really losing its advertising touch?
Kellogg's Cornelius cockerel Corn Flakes mascot in 3D
Kellogg's reimagines the perfect brand mascot as a giant 3D kaiju in a surprising new ad
Kellogg's ad
Brilliant or baffling? Designers are torn over the new Kellogg's billboards
Logos for Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Copilot 365
The new Microsoft Office logo could be the most confusing rebrand of the year (yes, already)
Tezza app rebrand
Could a sleek rebrand make Tezza the trendiest photo app for social media?
Coca-Coola logo
This mischievous website is the perfect clapback to Coca-Cola’s controversial AI ad
Latest in Branding
NASA/Apple/Nike logos with chrome effect
From Apple to Nike, I’m mesmerised by these hypnotising chrome logos
McDonald's billboard
From McDonald's to Kellogg's: Why are so many brands ditching their logo?
Image of a graffiti font on a building
Creative agency gets revenge on vandals... with a font
HBO logo and possible new Max logo
Sorry HBO, this isn't the MAX rebrand we wanted
Green Party of Canada
Green Party's controversial new logo design hits the spot
As Ever and Porreres Coat of Arms logo comparison
Meghan Markle faces logo design dispute with unexpected opponent
Latest in News
NASA/Apple/Nike logos with chrome effect
From Apple to Nike, I’m mesmerised by these hypnotising chrome logos
McDonald's billboard
From McDonald's to Kellogg's: Why are so many brands ditching their logo?
Sonic the Hedgehog
Someone remade Sonic the Hedgehog's Green Hill Zone for Game Boy, and I want to play it right now
Anycubic sale
Anycubic has another mega sale on 3D printers – and these are the 7 deals I would happily buy
Prologue: Go Wayback!; computer generated scenes from a video game showing mountains, forests and woodlands
PUBG creator's next game might be too brutal – and that's exactly the point
Baseball player optical illusion
This baseball player optical illusion shifts right before your eyes