Teach English Online With Preply

If you've ever dreamed of earning a living while living abroad, setting your own schedule, and helping others master English from all corners of the globe — Preply might be your launchpad.

This global tutoring platform has become a go-to for aspiring online teachers thanks to its accessibility and freedom. You don’t need a teaching degree, years of experience, or even a TEFL certificate to get started. What matters most is how you present yourself, connect with learners, and build your teaching profile.

With Preply, you're not tied to a rigid curriculum or locked into fixed hours. You decide when to teach, who to teach, and how much to charge. Whether you're a digital nomad, a stay-at-home parent, or simply someone looking for a more meaningful and flexible way to work, Preply makes it possible to start teaching on your terms — no classroom required.

What is Preply?

Preply is one of the world’s largest online tutoring marketplaces. Launched in Ukraine in 2012, it quickly expanded across borders and now connects hundreds of thousands of learners with tutors in more than 180 countries. Its current headquarters are in the U.S., but its user base is truly global — from professionals in Japan brushing up on business English to teens in Brazil preparing for university entrance exams.

With over 800,000 active students and 100+ teachable subjects, Preply isn’t just for English — but English remains the most in-demand category by far. What sets Preply apart is its marketplace model: instead of assigning students to you (like Cambly or other structured platforms), you create a profile and students come to you. This means your success largely depends on how you market yourself, how well you teach, and how effectively you retain students.

You’ll meet a wide range of learners — adults aiming to improve fluency, university students preparing for IELTS or TOEFL, and even children whose parents are investing in their English early. Whether you're after consistent hours or occasional lessons between travels, the variety of students on Preply keeps things dynamic and rewarding.

Who Can Teach on Preply?

One of Preply’s biggest draws is how accessible it is. You don’t need a teaching degree, classroom experience, or even a TEFL certificate to get started. While credentials can help you attract more students and charge higher rates, Preply is open to anyone who can teach clearly and confidently.

Both native and non-native English speakers are welcome, which makes it a great option for fluent, qualified teachers from around the world — not just the traditional “native speaker” countries. Preply values your ability to connect, explain ideas clearly, and deliver a personalized learning experience more than any formal qualification.

This makes the platform a great fit for:

• New TEFL teachers building experience
• Digital nomads and travelers looking for flexible income
• Expats settling into a new country
• Freelancers testing out online teaching as a side hustle

If you’re a good communicator and genuinely want to help students improve, Preply can be your launchpad — whether you’re looking for a full-time gig or just teaching on the go.

Requirements and Tech Setup

Preply doesn’t demand certificates, but it does expect professionalism. That starts with your teaching setup. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• A laptop or desktop computer
• A webcam and microphone (built-in or external)
• A stable internet connection
• A quiet, well-lit environment free from distractions

Beyond the hardware, soft skills matter. Tutors who thrive on Preply are organized, culturally aware, and good at managing their own time. Since you’re running your own mini teaching business, you’ll need to keep your calendar updated, respond to student messages promptly, and deliver lessons that meet your students’ goals.

Preply’s team reviews your tutor profile before approval, and your introduction video is one of the most important parts. It should be short (1–2 minutes), friendly, and clearly spoken. Think of it as your personal pitch — show a bit of personality, highlight your strengths, and let students know what kind of experience they’ll get with you.

How the Platform Works

Preply gives you the tools to run your own tutoring business, with a profile that acts as your storefront. You’ll create a profile that includes:

• A professional headshot
• A short introduction video (1–2 minutes)
• A bio describing your teaching style and background
• Subjects and levels you teach

Once your profile is live, students can find and book you directly. You manage your own calendar and availability, adjusting it anytime to fit your schedule. Preply automatically handles time zone conversions, so you won’t need to worry about scheduling errors across regions. If a student needs to cancel or reschedule, there are clear policies in place that protect your time.

Lessons are conducted in Preply Classroom, a built-in video chat system with whiteboard tools, file sharing, and a note section to track student progress. It’s user-friendly and works right from your browser — no extra software needed.

Unlike some platforms, Preply doesn’t provide a fixed curriculum. That gives you the freedom to tailor lessons to each student’s needs — whether it’s conversation practice, exam prep, or business English. You can bring your own materials or use Preply’s suggestions as a base. If you’re organized and adaptable, this flexibility becomes a major advantage.

Setting Your Rates and Earning Potential

Preply lets you choose your own hourly rate, which means you can start low to attract students, then raise your rate as you gain experience and positive reviews. Most English tutors charge between $15–$25 per hour, though some experienced teachers go much higher — especially those offering test prep or specialized niches like Business English.

Your earnings depend on a few key factors:

• Your teaching experience and qualifications (e.g. TEFL certification)
• How well your profile performs (clear video, strong reviews)
• Your availability and consistency
• Niche or specialization (e.g. IELTS prep can command higher rates)

💸 Preply Commission Model:

• 100% commission on trial lessons — you don’t earn anything from the first lesson with a new student.
• After the trial, Preply takes a 33% cut, which decreases the more hours you teach.
• At the highest teaching tiers, commission drops to 18%.

This model rewards consistency, and it’s worth thinking long-term. If you build strong relationships with regular students, you’ll keep more of what you earn over time.

🔍 Realistic Income Examples:

• Teaching 10 hours a week at $20/hr (after commission): ~$140–160/week
• Teaching 25 hours/week after reaching 18% commission: $400–500+/week
• High-volume tutors (30–40 hrs/week + premium pricing): $2,000/month or more

If you’re just starting out, try pricing slightly lower to build momentum, then raise your rate as you gain traction. Combining availability during peak hours and a strong intro video can fast-track your success on the platform.

Application Process: Step by Step

Getting started on Preply is refreshingly straightforward, even if you’re brand new to online teaching. You can have your tutor profile live and ready to book students in less than a week if you follow the steps carefully.

✅ Step-by-step:

1. Create an Account
   Head to Preply’s tutor signup page and register using your email.

2. Complete Your Profile
   Fill out your teaching subjects, experience, languages spoken, and a short description of your approach. Aim to show enthusiasm, clarity, and professionalism.

3. Upload a Photo and Intro Video
   Use a high-quality headshot with good lighting and a neutral background. Your video (30 sec – 2 mins) should be friendly, confident, and clearly outline what students can expect from your lessons.

4. Set Your Availability
   Choose time slots when you're free to teach — keep it broad at first to attract more students.

5. Submit for Review
   Once everything’s in place, submit your profile. Preply’s team will review it within about 5 business days.

⚠️ Common reasons for rejection:

• Blurry or casual profile photos
• Intro videos with poor audio, lighting, or unclear messaging
• Bios that are too short or contain spelling/grammar mistakes
• Mentioning off-platform contact info or prices

Stick to Preply’s tips and examples during the signup flow, and you’ll avoid most delays.

What It’s Like Teaching on Preply

Teaching on Preply gives you freedom over your style, pace, and materials. There’s no required curriculum — how you teach is up to you. Some tutors run student-led sessions focused on conversation; others plan full lessons around grammar, vocabulary, or test prep.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Styles

• Casual conversation for fluency and confidence
• Structured grammar sessions using your own or Preply’s materials
• IELTS/TOEFL prep, job interview practice, or academic writing
• Hybrid approaches, adjusting to the student’s evolving needs

Many students come with clear goals (e.g., improve spoken English before moving abroad), while others just want casual speaking practice with a friendly, reliable tutor.

🤝 Building Rapport and Retention

Your long-term income on Preply comes from repeat students, not just one-offs. That means:

• Sending a short message after the trial lesson
• Taking notes on each student’s goals and progress
• Following up with reminders, encouragement, and personalized materials

Great tutors don’t just teach — they connect. A student who feels heard and supported is far more likely to stick around and recommend you.

📈 Success Tips:

• Use Preply’s classroom tools to show organization and structure
• Offer lesson summaries or next-step suggestions
• Be flexible, but reliable — students appreciate consistency
• Treat each trial lesson as a pitch for an ongoing learning relationship

Flexibility, Freedom, and Scheduling Tips

One of the biggest reasons teachers choose Preply is the freedom it offers. You decide when, where, and how much you teach — no minimum hours, contracts, or fixed shifts. That flexibility makes it ideal for those traveling long-term, working freelance, or fitting teaching around university or another job.

🌍 Work From Anywhere, Anytime

As long as you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space, you can teach from your apartment, a co-working space, or a beach town café. Preply tutors often build their schedules around time zones that match their target students (e.g., peak hours for European or Asian learners).

⏰ Managing Time Zones and Bookings

Preply automatically adjusts your calendar to your local time and students’ time zones. But to avoid double bookings or confusion:

• Regularly update your availability
• Set buffer time between lessons
• Use the mobile app to manage changes on the go

🧳 Teaching While Traveling or Studying

Preply is perfect for digital nomads or students who want income without sacrificing flexibility. You can open more slots during slow weeks and pause or reduce your hours when you're busy or on the move.

📅 How to Fill Your Calendar:

• Respond quickly to messages and booking requests
• Be online during peak hours (typically evenings/weekends in your student’s time zone)
• Message students after trial lessons with a follow-up plan
• Offer discounts or package deals for committed learners

Consistent communication and a warm, professional presence go a long way toward turning first-time students into regulars.

Preply Support and Tutor Resources

While Preply gives you full control over how you teach, you’re not left to figure it all out alone. The platform offers several resources to help you grow and stay supported.

🎓 Professional Development and Training

Preply regularly hosts:

• Live webinars on teaching strategies, pricing, and student retention
• Pre-recorded workshops available in your dashboard
• Tips and examples throughout the profile setup process

Even if you’ve never taught before, you’ll find guidance to help you succeed from day one.

🤝 Tutor Community

Join Preply’s internal tutor community to:

• Ask questions and swap strategies
• Learn from experienced teachers
• Stay updated on platform changes and best practices

It’s especially valuable if you’re working solo and want to feel part of a larger teaching network.

🛠️ Support and Help Desk

Need help with a booking issue, tech glitch, or student concern? Preply’s support team is reachable by:

• Live chat (during business hours)
• Email (for anything non-urgent)

You’ll also find an internal knowledge base and help center with quick answers to common questions.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your tutoring to the next level, Preply provides a strong support system to back your journey.

Pros and Cons of Teaching on Preply

Preply offers massive potential, but it isn’t perfect for everyone. Here’s a balanced look at what makes the platform great — and what you need to watch out for.

✅ Pros

• Teach from anywhere, anytime: As long as you have a laptop and internet, you’re good to go.
• No degree or TEFL required: Great for first-time teachers or those without formal credentials.
• Set your own rates: You control your pricing and can raise rates as your reputation grows.
• Access to a global student pool: Students from 180+ countries are actively looking for tutors.
• Freedom to build your brand: The more consistent and professional you are, the more long-term students you’ll attract.

⚠️ Cons

• 100% commission on trial lessons: You won’t earn anything from a student’s first class — your goal is to convert them into repeat clients.
• No provided curriculum: You’ll need to prepare your own lessons unless your student provides materials.
• Crowded marketplace: With thousands of tutors, it takes effort and persistence to stand out.
• No guaranteed hours or income: Your earnings depend entirely on your ability to attract and retain students.

Who Preply is Best For

Preply isn’t just for certified teachers — it’s designed for anyone with strong communication skills and the ability to connect with learners. Here's who it's best suited for:

🎯 Best For:

• Freelancers or digital nomads who want flexible, remote income
• University students looking to earn money around their studies
• Expats or travelers who want to work while living abroad
• Stay-at-home parents with strong English and time to spare
• Non-native English speakers with fluent English and a knack for teaching

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a new career path, Preply gives you the space to grow on your own terms.

🛑 Less Ideal For:

• Teachers who want a fixed curriculum or guaranteed hours
• Those relying on immediate full-time income
• Anyone uncomfortable with self-promotion or lesson planning

If you’re self-motivated, adaptable, and ready to build something from scratch, Preply can be a powerful platform to kickstart or supplement your teaching journey.

How Preply Compares to Other Platforms

Preply isn’t the only platform where you can teach English online — but it does strike a unique balance between flexibility, earning potential, and independence. Here's how it stacks up:

• Cambly – Best for casual conversations and no-prep work. It’s easier to get started, but the pay is lower and competition is still high.
• iTalki – Similar freelance setup with a global student base, but generally more competitive and with less onboarding support than Preply.
• Preply vs Cambly vs iTalki – Want the full breakdown? This guide compares rates, requirements, and student types to help you choose the right fit.

Final Thoughts and How to Apply

Preply offers one of the most accessible and rewarding paths to teaching English online — especially for teachers who value freedom, want to grow long-term, and are ready to invest a little effort upfront.

It’s not a get-rich-quick platform, but with consistency and a strong profile, you can build meaningful connections, earn from anywhere, and shape your own teaching career.

Pro tips to get started fast:

• Create a friendly, confident intro video that shows your personality
• Be responsive, especially early on, to build momentum
• Use trial lessons to impress — they don’t pay, but they convert

👉 Start teaching with Preply:
Apply to teach on Preply

🌐 Visit the official site:
Preply.com

📘 Want to explore more platforms?
See our full guide to teaching English online