As part of the Duolingo Max platform, Kyle helped launch a signature feature enabling users to do interactive A.I. generated video calls with the brand’s character Lily. Unlike other language tools that allow students to have generic conversations within a set framework or curriculum, Duolingo’s Video Call responds dynamically in the distinct voice and sense of humor of an established character from the Duolingo universe.

Thanks to his work on Duolingo’s narrative content, Kyle was brought in as a creative consultant to train the underpinning LLM that powers Video Call and ensure it stays true to the version of Lily that is beloved within the app and on social.

The programming team initially fed the model a combination of short-form content Kyle wrote under Duolingo’s Stories program and decision-tree dialogue from his Chess.com collaboration to establish a base personality.

Once there was a working prototype, Kyle helped eliminate conversational issues and fine tune A.I. Lily to make sure she would not come off too mean or be short with people. To do so, Kyle created full-length episodic television-style scripts to showcase Lily in more complex linguistic situations and display a wider range of emotions and interaction styles. The resulting material provided more context and gave greater depth to the model, enabling the Video Call feature to establish a stronger connection to Duolingo’s already dedicated fanbase.