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What's Going On With Duolingo Lately?
By Melanie VanDerveer on February 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM EST
While many social media enthusiasts are having a great time following along with the grim saga on Duolingo's TikTok page, many are wondering what's really going on.
The page is known for some unhinged and hilarious content, but after killing off Duo, the brand's mascot, the insanity has only intensified.
Duolingo's most recent confusing post on TikTok shares that Duo isn't the only one who's left the building.
Fans Pay Their Respects To Duolingo's Mascot After The Owl's Untimely Death
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It's been an interesting few days over at Duolingo's headquarters and TikTokers are here for it.
While the brand's TikTok page is known for a certain level of insanity, what they did earlier this week had viewers feeling a full range of emotions.
"It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead," the brand wrote in a message on both their Instagram and TikTok pages.
"Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully. Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know."
The post continued, "We're aware he had many enemies, but we kindly ask that you refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments. If you feel inclined to share, please also include your credit card number so we can automatically sign you up for Duolingo Max in his memory."
Now Everyone At Duolingo HQ Has Joined Duo On The Other Side
Just days after Duo's untimely death, it appears more sinister acts have happened at Duolingo's headquarters.
On Thursday morning, the brand shared a video showing a view of their grim headquarters captioned, "We believe in transparency and wanted to share this heartbreaking update. We are investigating and will keep all informed."
One person asked, "is everyone dead!?" and the page responded, "Unfortunately, yes."
Many brands entered the chat to add to the hilarity and confusion.
FedEx wrote, "delivering our respects," and JCPenney Portraits said, "WE NEED ANSWERS."
Other brands that dropped into the comments to share something for Duolingo included Utz Snacks, Foot Locker UK & Ireland, T-Mobile and many others.
Brands Are Also Getting In On The TikTok Insanity With Videos
Scrub Daddy's TikTok page is also known for some unhinged insanity similar to Duolingo's, so of course, they didn't miss a beat when it was announced that Duo has passed on.
They shared a video on Wednesday that features Duo and their mascot.
Captioned, "RIP Duo. You had just started paying child support. What am I gonna do now," the video quickly went viral.
SmartSweets wrote, "This is how I find out..duo had CHILDREN?!?" and Scrub Daddy replied, "Yes and now they’re partially orphaned." Visa hopped into the comments to ask, "are they looking for a stepmom? too soon??"
Build-A-Bear shared, "Let us know if you need an emotional support bear." And Denny's Diner said, "Hope Duo comes back like TikTok," to which Scrub Daddy replied, "Some Denny’s gift cards would help me in these trying times."
One viewer pointed out, "I’m genuinely so glad I live in the 'company social media gone wild' era." (It's probably safe to say that many others can fully relate to that sentiment.)
Tarte Cosmetics Joined In On The TikTok Fun
Tarte Cosmetics joined in on the TikTok trend of mourning Duo while creating an interesting brand buzz.
In their first video addressing Duo's death, they asked, "What Canadian rapper do I need to be looking for?" throwing the blame back in Drake's corner. (If you've been keeping up with this saga, many Duolingo followers blame Drake for Duo's death in a hilarious plot twist.)
Tons of brands dropped into Tarte's comments to keep the story rolling right along.
Bloom Nutrition said, "Conceal don’t feel," and the Calm app shared, "your emotions are valid."
Tarte Cosmetics Revealed A 'Situationship' With Duo
In a follow-up video, Tarte kept the plot going strong when they revealed their mascot was in a "situationship" with the beloved Duolingo owl.
Spoiler alert: Tarte's mascot also kicked the bucket, just like Duo and many other brand's mascots have this week.
"First Duo, second Vita Coco, then Dr. Squatch, and now you," one person shared in the comments. "He was also with other mascots. Sad for all the broken hearts," another said. One other viewer wrote, "the world is suffering."
One viewer was more interested in a product and when it will be back in stock asking, "I’m dying to try the Tarte Freckle Stamp. When will it be back in stock?" Tarte replied, "IM MOURNING (i’ll ask the team)."