Language app Preply launches The Better Duo campaign in response to Duolingo’s ‘AI-first’ model
Preply, a language learning platform, has launched a new campaign, titled The Better Duo, aiming to highlight the importance of human connection after rival Duolingo committed to an ‘AI-first’ model.
Shared on Preply’s social media channels, The Better Duo campaign celebrates the relationship between language tutors and their students.
Preply is highlighting the story of student Daniel and his tutor Jose Luis. Daniel, a US-based mental health professional, started learning Spanish in order to be able to communicate better with patients.
With the support of his long-time tutor, Jose Luis, Daniel is now certified to conduct psychiatric evaluations and provide counseling in Spanish, helping bridge vital language gaps in healthcare.
Another tutor-student pair celebrated is Chris and Luis. Chris, who lives in New Hampshire, is learning Spanish in order to build a bridge into his wife’s culture and to help them raise a bilingual family. As Luis puts it, “People want to learn languages to communicate with human beings, not robots.”
Sofia Tavares, Chief Brand Officer at Preply, explains: “Language learning is more than memorising words and maintaining a streak. It’s about understanding culture, inspiring confidence, and building relationships. A human tutor offers empathy, trust, and personalisation, things no algorithm can truly replicate. That’s why we remain committed to putting people at the heart of learning.”
“Language is inherently human - so why remove humans?” Tavares adds. “While we continue to develop AI tools to enhance the learning experience, we see technology as a support, not a substitute. People want to achieve real progress, and this is what we focus on delivering. Our priority is expanding access to expert tutors and making meaningful, personalised language learning available to more people around the world.”
The news follows just months after rival language learning app Duolingo pivoted toward an ‘AI-first,’ model. In May 2025, Duolingo’s CEO announced the company would stop working with contractors on any tasks that could now be completed by AI.
Preply says it is taking “a different stance” and argues that there should be choice between humans and AI, instead calling for a more balanced approach.
Last week, Preply urged education leaders and policymakers not to bring AI into the classroom at the cost of real communication. Instead, the app says writing, speaking, critical thinking, and cultural fluency must remain human-taught and an active practice.
