About Duckling

How We Work

We are an ecosystem

Duckling is a new kind of media organization. We are a global network of young documentary storytellers who learn, create, and grow together. We don’t believe in the old media silos. Instead, we build cross-disciplinary, self-driven groups where curiosity, empathy, and shared purpose guide the work. We have no bosses—our leaders are facilitators and hosts of the community.

We create conversations

Our journalism works both ways. Duckling is an open platform where everyone can contribute. Our storytellers are not distant experts delivering finished articles. They are facilitators who spark dialogue, invite participation, and help communities see themselves. We call our format social documentaries: stories that emerge between people, not just about them.

We tell visual stories

We use visual storytelling to reach the heart and convey emotion. Then we add text to provide depth, context, and nuance—something for the mind to reflect on.

We are rooted in journalism

We create constructive, knowledge-based content grounded in critical thinking. We bring new and overlooked voices into the public sphere and create meaning in a noisy information environment. We show real life: our doubts, dreams, and moments of change.

We are curious and compassionate

We ask questions and challenge our own perspectives. We listen with empathy, respect, and kindness. That’s how we lift people up and show what’s possible for the future.

We build humane technologies

At Duckling, technology exists to uplift people. We design tools that empower young storytellers, protect their attention, and create connections. No data theft. No algorithms.

What We Offer

A media platform for young people

Our team of stortellers publishes narrative journalism in new ways and curates the best stories from our members and partners. Stories are free for young people and paid for by parents, grandparents, and other supporters, who gain access to newsletters and an annual event. Become a member here.

An app for the future of journalism

We’ve developed an app where young people can publish journalism that is social and interactive—without the noise and addiction of social media. Download the app here.

Duckling Academy

We share learning and experience from skilled storytellers through masterclasses, community events, and online courses. Duckling Academy is available to paying members. Learn more here.

The school newspaper of the future

We collaborate with schools that use our app to create a digital school newspaper as a healthy and safe alternative to social media. Learn more here.

Journalist-for-a-day in schools

Together with our partner, Constructive Institute, we run workshops in schools where students try being journalists for a day and produce stories with support from experienced journalists. Learn more here.

We develop new forms of collaboration and new business models for journalism. Duckling is a social enterprise—democratically led and organized in self-driven teams.

Our Journey So Far

2025

Launch of paid memberships
Building a core editorial team
Duckling Academy: masterclasses and learning
New app built on open source and the federated web

2024

Reached over 30 high schools with the Constructive Institute
More than 6,000 young people download the app
Received media support from the Ministry of Culture
New app co-created with Danish high school students
Launch of the first digital school newspaper

2023

The journey begins
Duckling registered as a social enterprise
Financial support from the Innovation Fund
A private business angel invests in our vision
Launch of our first prototype
We hire a new Head of Technology

2022

We identify a problem and dream of a solution
A Reuters Institute report shows young people are abandoning news
Researchers warn about the harmful effects of social media
A vision takes shape: the future of journalism
The first prototype is created
High school students test the solution with success