Latest news with #Duo
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Cap Puckhaber Business Case Study: How Duolingo Mastered TikTok and Gamification to Drive App Growth
Originally posted on Cap Puckhaber: Black Diamond Marketing Solutions, Reno, Nevada When I first saw Duolingo's TikTok presence, I wasn't sure what to make of it. A goofy green owl showing up in all kinds of weird videos, threatening people to practice their languages? It looked less like polished marketing and more like pure chaos. But that chaos? Somehow, Duolingo mastered TikTok, and it works. Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge something important. Duolingo recently made headlines for layoffs tied to their adoption of AI technology. This move reflects bigger trends across tech and marketing, where automation is reshaping how companies operate. These shifts aren't easy and affect real people, something every small business owner can understand. That said, Duolingo's story shows how creative, personality-driven marketing combined with gamification in marketing can fuel growth in a world where AI and automation are becoming more common. The human connection and authentic engagement they foster on TikTok offer valuable lessons that remain relevant, especially now. If anything, these strategies might be even more important today, helping small businesses build genuine relationships when technology touches more of what we do. Duolingo's success on TikTok is a brilliant edtech case study on how brands can grow by leaning into personality-driven, short-form content combined with smart gamification. This blend is exactly what's driving their incredible user retention and growth. If you run a small business wondering how to boost engagement and build loyalty, you're about to get a clear picture. I'll show you how Duolingo's approach works, why it's effective, and how you can put these ideas into action. Duolingo's TikTok isn't slick or corporate. It's unpredictable and playful. Duo, their mascot, has developed a persona that feels like your mischievous friend rather than a brand mascot. That voice cuts through the noise because it's real and relatable. Here's the deal: audiences don't want polished sales pitches anymore. They want to feel a genuine connection. Duolingo understands this perfectly. For instance, they post videos where Duo jokingly threatens users with funny consequences if they skip their daily lesson. It's silly, yes, but it hooks viewers emotionally. You start to feel like you owe it to Duo to keep your streak going. That's what makes a brand memorable, a personality that stands out and feels human. When I helped a local coffee shop build its social media presence, we dropped the formal tone and started posting behind-the-scenes bloopers and casual chats with customers. Engagement jumped by over 30% in weeks. People liked seeing the real, imperfect side of the business. TikTok's algorithm rewards videos that viewers watch again and again. Duolingo nails this with quick, punchy clips that pack a surprising amount of energy in under 30 seconds. Their content often taps into trending sounds or memes but adds a quirky twist that fits the brand. This creates an irresistible loop where viewers hit replay and share with friends. For small businesses, this means you don't need big budgets or fancy setups. Authenticity is the currency here. Duolingo's videos often look homemade. No fancy lighting, no expensive props. Just a lot of personality. When I advised a SaaS startup on TikTok, we focused on simple, funny clips highlighting product quirks. The result? Their follower count doubled in just 30 days, and website traffic jumped as well. If you're just getting started, tools like the TikTok Creative Center offer insights on trending sounds and popular hashtags, making it easier to jump on relevant trends without guesswork. Gamification might sound like a buzzword, but Duolingo shows it in action. Their app uses streaks, rewards, and leaderboards to keep users hooked. On TikTok, they extend this by making those habits social and fun. For example, they post videos celebrating streaks or teasing users who missed a day, turning habit-building into a playful challenge. This social gamification taps into what behavioral psychology calls reinforcement. It rewards users for coming back. I applied a similar approach when working with a fitness coach. We created email challenges with badges for streaks and milestones. That small nudge boosted retention by more than 20%. If you want to learn more, the Harvard Business Review has an excellent explanation of how gamification in marketing shapes behavior. Duolingo's TikTok is more than marketing. It's a culture. Especially with Gen Z, Duo has become a kind of pop culture figure. The brand cleverly blends timely memes, viral trends, and playful voice to build a community. They're not just selling an app. They're creating an identity. When users post their own videos about Duolingo or share memes featuring Duo, they're participating in something bigger than a language lesson. Small businesses can learn a lot from this. Creating a culture means moving beyond product features and into shared values, humor, and personality. For example, a local outdoor gear shop might spotlight customers' wildest adventure stories or create challenges encouraging people to try new hikes. This builds a community around shared passions, not just products. The good news is, you don't need a viral mascot or a huge marketing team to make this work. Here are practical steps you can take today: Find your authentic voice. Talk like a real person, not a corporation. Use humor, slang, or regional phrases if they fit your brand. When I helped a client pivot their website copy, we shifted to a conversational style that felt more personal. Their bounce rate dropped 15%. Make short, engaging videos. Aim for 15 to 30 seconds. Use humor, surprises, or challenges. Keep production simple. Your phone camera and natural lighting will do just fine. Don't forget to experiment with trending sounds using the TikTok Creative Center. Add gamified elements. It could be as simple as loyalty punch cards, social media challenges, or rewarding customer milestones publicly. I saw one coffee shop give out 'Regular of the Month' badges on Instagram Stories, which boosted repeat visits. Engage your audience consistently. Respond to comments, ask questions, and share user-generated content. Duolingo often replies with funny videos, keeping their community lively and involved. Scheduling tools like Later and Buffer make it easier to stay consistent without burning out. You might wonder how this Duolingo TikTok strategy and gamification in marketing play into SEO and Google rankings. Content that creates real engagement sends strong signals to search engines. When people interact with your brand, share your content, and spend time on your site, Google notices. Plus, the more your brand appears in varied contexts — TikTok videos, blog posts, social shares — the stronger your overall digital footprint becomes. When I worked with a local service business, combining engaging social content with SEO-optimized blog posts boosted their rankings for competitive keywords in just a few months. Linking your TikTok or social content to blog posts (and vice versa) creates a seamless ecosystem where visitors can discover your brand in multiple ways. Duolingo's TikTok success shows that you don't have to follow the same old marketing playbook. By leaning into personality, embracing gamification, and creating fast, authentic content, you can build engagement that lasts. Remember, small businesses have a huge advantage: authenticity. You don't need slick studios or viral stunts. Just a clear voice and a willingness to try new things. Start by posting short, fun videos that reflect your brand's personality. Celebrate your customers and build playful habits that keep them coming back. Use the tools and resources available to stay consistent and informed. If a quirky green owl can become a cultural icon on TikTok, what's stopping you? Cap Puckhaber is a marketing strategist, finance writer, and outdoor enthusiast based in Reno, Nevada. He writes across http:/ and Follow him for honest, real-world advice backed by 20+ years of experience. If you want to connect with Cap Puckhaber and see more of his insights on marketing, check out his LinkedIn profile where he shares regular updates and professional tips. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Maverick
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
The power of collaborations: Thriving through unlikely alliances
Imagine this: a digital playground where players explore endangered heritage sites — not through travel, but through the wildly popular blocky, pixelated universe of the 3D adventure sandbox game Minecraft. This imaginative experience was made possible when Minecraft joined forces with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), enabling players to virtually wander through historic sites while learning about cultural preservation. A partnership between a gaming platform and a global educational organisation may seem unlikely, yet it became a powerful tool for raising awareness. Now, consider a different pairing — one that marries language learning with fashion. The language app Duolingo teamed up with the footwear company Crocs to release a quirky, playful line of footwear adorned with themed charms featuring Duolingo's green owl mascot, Duo. What might have seemed like a whimsical marketing stunt was actually a clever way to merge education with everyday wear, reminding users that learning a new language can be as fun and casual as slipping on a pair of Crocs. On home ground Closer to home, another unexpected alliance emerged between fast-food giant Nando's and beauty brand Maybelline. At first glance, what could a fiery chicken chain and a cosmetics powerhouse possibly have in common? Yet, their collaboration became a talking point — a way to combine the sass and spice of Nando's with the bold, expressive flair of Maybelline. But why do such collaborations occur? Why are companies increasingly seeking out partners that seem to have little in common with their core business? It starts with the consumer According to Varsha Vala, Principal Officer at Medihelp Medical Aid, the reason is twofold: To thrive in uncertain times and to maximise impact. 'When industries that appear to have little in common team up, they can craft something far greater than the sum of their parts. However, for Medihelp, every potential partnership begins with one guiding principle: our members come first. The foremost question we ask is, 'Does this truly serve the best interests of consumers?'' she affirms. Shifting market dynamics Historically, partnerships were forged between companies within the same industry. Yet, the dynamics of the market have shifted. Says Vala, 'Unpredictable economic conditions, emerging consumer expectations, and the acceleration of digital transformation have compelled businesses to rethink their strategic alliances. The result is a rise in partnerships between companies that, at first glance, have little in common — such as healthcare providers teaming up with tech companies or retail chains joining forces with financial institutions. For example, at Medihelp we have partnered with a digital assistant app to make it easier for moms to manage life with a baby or young children. 'We know that for caregivers, time isn't just precious — it's love in action. Through this collaboration, we're giving them back moments that matter: to hold a hand, share a smile, and simply be there,' says Vala. Another compelling example is the recent partnership between Medihelp and Old Mutual Corporate, a strategic alliance that blends health care coverage with financial security to create a more comprehensive support system for consumers. Why collaborations work At Medihelp, the oldest medical scheme in South Africa, we believe collaborations work because: You can create unique offerings, which surprise and delight consumers. In a world where purpose and social consciousness are becoming more important, you can deepen emotional resonance with consumers if your values align. You can reinvent your brand and that of your collaborator or partner. You can reach a much wider audience to maximise your impact. Beyond survival — a path to growth In an era of economic uncertainty, the most resilient businesses are those that dare to look beyond conventional boundaries. 'Unlikely collaborations are not just strategic moves to survive economic challenges; they are transformative alliances that foster innovation, expand market reach, and drive sustainable growth and value for the consumer,' Vala concludes. DM Medihelp is South Africa's oldest medical aid, celebrating 120 years in business in 2025. It offers affordable healthcare cover to South Africans. With 11 plans to choose from, we have a medical aid plan for everybody, but specifically those bodies who value fitness, fun, health, kindness, bravery, creativity, family, wisdom, and ambition.
Web Release
01-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Cisco Duo Reimagines Identity Security to Combat AI Era Threats
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the leader in security and networking, today unveiled Duo Identity and Access Management (IAM), a new security solution that transforms how organizations combat persistent identity-based attacks that are accelerating in the AI era. Identity is a prime target for bad actors, accounting for 60% of Cisco Talos Incident Response cases in 2024, because current solutions have critical weaknesses that attackers exploit. Duo IAM offers an innovative and security-first approach, with added protection built on its globally trusted multifactor authentication (MFA). Duo IAM is the latest advancement in Cisco's long-standing commitment to user-friendly Zero Trust security. 'The security industry is facing an 'identity crisis' as persistent identity-based attacks are among the most dangerous and costly challenges for security teams. Attackers don't need to hack in, when they can simply log in,' said Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. 'While identity is the foundation of strong security, traditional IAM solutions have failed to prioritize security despite increasingly sophisticated threats. With this massive innovation, Duo is moving beyond MFA and restoring trust in identity security with a fundamentally different approach that attackers hate and users love.' Security-First Identity and Access Management According to Cisco's 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, nearly a third of companies worldwide rank identity as their top cybersecurity challenge, but traditional IAM solutions often treat security as optional rather than foundational. Purpose-built to protect against modern identity threats, Duo IAM enables organizations to securely manage their entire identity infrastructure. Duo includes a new User Directory to simplify storing user identities – including usernames, emails, and roles – and managing their access to resources. Paired with its existing capabilities including MFA and Single Sign On (SSO) to provide users with simple, easy and secure access to hundreds of applications from one login page, Duo now offers customers a comprehensive IAM solution. Open and flexible, Duo IAM also integrates effortlessly with existing third-party identity systems. The new Identity Routing Engine allows Duo to integrate with many identity providers either as an identity broker or as a secondary identity provider. Incorporating security by default, Duo IAM frustrates attackers, while improving user experience and management costs. The Cisco AI Assistant is embedded in Duo to help organizations easily deploy and manage the new solution out-of-the-box. End-to-End Phishing-Resistance AI has accelerated the scale and complexity of account takeover through automated agentic social engineering. In response to rising threats, globally trusted Duo MFA now delivers the strongest form of authentication, without sacrificing convenience or purchasing expensive hardware keys. Recent innovations strengthening end-to-end phishing resistance include: Complete Passwordless : New option ensures a secure authentication experience without users ever having to use or remember a password. : New option ensures a secure authentication experience without users ever having to use or remember a password. Proximity Verification : This capability uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to ensure a user's mobile and access devices are near each other when authenticating. : This capability uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to ensure a user's mobile and access devices are near each other when authenticating. Session Theft Protection: New enhancements to Duo Passport remove the reliance on browser cookies from authentication, protecting against session theft and hijacking. Unified Identity Intelligence Identity infrastructure is complex and often disconnected, creating blind spots where attacks and vulnerabilities go unnoticed. To help organizations continuously monitor and respond to changes in identity risk, Duo IAM integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence, connecting identity and access data across the Cisco Security Cloud platform. With AI-driven behavioral analytics and Cisco's unmatched reach into the network, organizations gain comprehensive visibility, threat detection, and the ability to take graduated responses like quarantining an identity, killing active sessions or isolating the network. 'Cisco Duo has been a trusted security partner when it comes to MFA, and in today's environment we're eager to use these new capabilities to fight growing identity-based attacks,' said Todd Perrault, Senior Vice President of Client Advisory, Optiv. 'Duo's expanding suite of identity and access management solutions will deliver even stronger results for our customers with a security-first approach to identity while providing reduced friction for end users.' 'Identity breaches are no longer the exception—they're the rule. Seeing a trusted security brand like Duo broaden from access management to include identity management and provide a security-first approach in the market is both timely and refreshing,' said Todd Thiemann, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. 'Duo's commitment to maximizing security while minimizing user and admin friction is exactly what the industry needs. In particular, their approach to end-to-end phishing resistance marks a major leap forward, not just in security, but also in ease of deployment, to combat the latest identity threats.' For more information about Duo and its new IAM solution, visit
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco Duo unveils next-gen identity protection amid rising AI threats
Cisco Duo unveiled an innovative, security-first Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution. Duo IAM protects against modern AI-driven identity threats, while maintaining user productivity. Building on its globally trusted multifactor authentication (MFA), Duo IAM sets a new standard for end-to-end phishing resistance without expensive hardware keys. Dubai, UAE – Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the leader in security and networking, today unveiled Duo Identity and Access Management (IAM), a new security solution that transforms how organizations combat persistent identity-based attacks that are accelerating in the AI era. Identity is a prime target for bad actors, accounting for 60% of Cisco Talos Incident Response cases in 2024, because current solutions have critical weaknesses that attackers exploit. Duo IAM offers an innovative and security-first approach, with added protection built on its globally trusted multifactor authentication (MFA). Duo IAM is the latest advancement in Cisco's long-standing commitment to user-friendly Zero Trust security. 'The security industry is facing an 'identity crisis' as persistent identity-based attacks are among the most dangerous and costly challenges for security teams. Attackers don't need to hack in, when they can simply log in,' said Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. 'While identity is the foundation of strong security, traditional IAM solutions have failed to prioritize security despite increasingly sophisticated threats. With this massive innovation, Duo is moving beyond MFA and restoring trust in identity security with a fundamentally different approach that attackers hate and users love.' Security-First Identity and Access Management According to Cisco's 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, nearly a third of companies worldwide rank identity as their top cybersecurity challenge, but traditional IAM solutions often treat security as optional rather than foundational. Purpose-built to protect against modern identity threats, Duo IAM enables organizations to securely manage their entire identity infrastructure. Duo includes a new User Directory to simplify storing user identities – including usernames, emails, and roles – and managing their access to resources. Paired with its existing capabilities including MFA and Single Sign On (SSO) to provide users with simple, easy and secure access to hundreds of applications from one login page, Duo now offers customers a comprehensive IAM solution. Open and flexible, Duo IAM also integrates effortlessly with existing third-party identity systems. The new Identity Routing Engine allows Duo to integrate with many identity providers either as an identity broker or as a secondary identity provider. Incorporating security by default, Duo IAM frustrates attackers, while improving user experience and management costs. The Cisco AI Assistant is embedded in Duo to help organizations easily deploy and manage the new solution out-of-the-box. End-to-End Phishing-Resistance AI has accelerated the scale and complexity of account takeover through automated agentic social engineering. In response to rising threats, globally trusted Duo MFA now delivers the strongest form of authentication, without sacrificing convenience or purchasing expensive hardware keys. Recent innovations strengthening end-to-end phishing resistance include: Complete Passwordless: New option ensures a secure authentication experience without users ever having to use or remember a password. Proximity Verification: This capability uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to ensure a user's mobile and access devices are near each other when authenticating. Session Theft Protection: New enhancements to Duo Passport remove the reliance on browser cookies from authentication, protecting against session theft and hijacking. Unified Identity Intelligence Identity infrastructure is complex and often disconnected, creating blind spots where attacks and vulnerabilities go unnoticed. To help organizations continuously monitor and respond to changes in identity risk, Duo IAM integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence, connecting identity and access data across the Cisco Security Cloud platform. With AI-driven behavioral analytics and Cisco's unmatched reach into the network, organizations gain comprehensive visibility, threat detection, and the ability to take graduated responses like quarantining an identity, killing active sessions or isolating the network. 'Cisco Duo has been a trusted security partner when it comes to MFA, and in today's environment we're eager to use these new capabilities to fight growing identity-based attacks,' said Todd Perrault, Senior Vice President of Client Advisory, Optiv. 'Duo's expanding suite of identity and access management solutions will deliver even stronger results for our customers with a security-first approach to identity while providing reduced friction for end users.' 'Identity breaches are no longer the exception—they're the rule. Seeing a trusted security brand like Duo broaden from access management to include identity management and provide a security-first approach in the market is both timely and refreshing,' said Todd Thiemann, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. 'Duo's commitment to maximizing security while minimizing user and admin friction is exactly what the industry needs. In particular, their approach to end-to-end phishing resistance marks a major leap forward, not just in security, but also in ease of deployment, to combat the latest identity threats.' For more information about Duo and its new IAM solution, visit About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Moment Monitor Lizard Cuddles Up to Favorite Uncle Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An unusual bond between a massive monitor lizard and his uncle has gone viral on social media, and internet users can't cope with the heartwarming footage. The viral TikTok video, shared on Friday under the username @lookatmylizard, shows a 3-year-old Asian water monitor lizard climbing on his uncle's shoulders and settling in for a cuddle, which isn't really a common occurrence with this species. "He loves his uncle," reads the caption, as the lizard, Duo Maxwell, continues to show affection to his uncle before going about his way exploring the house. The poster, 36-year-old passionate reptile enthusiast Walter Hansen, told Newsweek about his unusual pet and their life together. "I've been fascinated by reptiles since I was a child, specifically monitor lizards. As soon as I had the time, space, and resources (these water monitors require care that is lifestyle changing and not by any means inexpensive) I found a local breeder with multi-generation captive bred Asian water monitors and the rest is history," he said. Screenshots of the viral video show Duo Maxwell cuddling up to his uncle. Screenshots of the viral video show Duo Maxwell cuddling up to his uncle. @lookatmylizard Duo doesn't just roam around the poster's house aimlessly all day, he's got his own special room equipped with everything he needs to be comfortable. Maintaining him requires high temperatures, over 85F, and high humidity, and a diet consisting of whole adult quail, a variety of fish, chicken, and duck eggs. He also needs enough space to stroll around and explore. While typically housed in his room-sized enclosure with a 300-gallon water feature, Duo enjoys supervised free-roaming every day. Despite his fascination with new smells and with strangers, Duo is not naturally a cuddly pet. Instead, his owner describes him more like a curious toddler, constantly exploring, digging, and investigating his surroundings. "I've handled him daily since he was very small. He knows my scent, voice, and what I look like. He's tolerant and comfortable with me, but he's definitely not the cuddly type," he said. Pictures shared by the poster show Duo cuddling up to him and making cute faces on the floor. Pictures shared by the poster show Duo cuddling up to him and making cute faces on the floor. getty images "He's much more inclined to crawl on a stranger or family member when they come over as they're new and interesting and he wants to check em' out. He's become very accustomed to my smell and sound and what I look like so I'm kinda old news but he tolerates me very well," the poster continued. The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 11.6 million views and 1.1 million likes on the platform. Many users wondered whether the animal is venomous. "Their saliva has some anticoagulants and other stuff, but I wouldn't consider him venomous in a way that would hurt humans. A bite would be a medically significant event due to his sharp teeth and strong jaw, but he's never bitten anyone! He knows what's food and what isn't," the poster said. "They're definitely not a pet for most households, but I'm thankful I have the privilege to care for him daily." The LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium's website confirms that while Asian water monitor lizards do secrete venom, it is not lethally dangerous or fatal to humans, however, a bite may cause injury, which if not treated promptly could trigger infection from bacteria. Moreover, the website adds that these animals are usually quite docile in nature and are generally not known to attack humans. When they do turn against humans, it's usually to defend themselves from threat or harm. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
