Teach English Online With Verbling

Verbling is a sleek, no-nonsense platform built for independent teachers who want to take control of their online teaching journey. Originally launched by Stanford students as a language exchange tool, it’s evolved into a global marketplace connecting passionate tutors with students from every corner of the world.

Unlike many cookie-cutter ESL companies, Verbling puts the power in the hands of the teacher. You set your own rates. You choose when you work. You design the lessons that suit your teaching style—and your lifestyle. Whether you’re living abroad, working remotely, or building a long-term online teaching business, Verbling gives you the flexibility to teach on your terms.

It’s also one of the more selective platforms out there, which means you’re not competing with total beginners. If you’ve got experience and a clear teaching style, you’ll be in good company. And with built-in video tools and a clean interface, you won’t be wasting time wrestling with tech when you could be engaging with students instead.

Whether you're teaching English, Spanish, Japanese, or something more niche, Verbling gives you the freedom to do it your way—wherever you are in the world.

What Makes Verbling Different?

Verbling stands out because it treats teachers like professionals, not content-delivery bots. There’s no prescribed method, no strict curriculum, and no pressure to follow a one-size-fits-all script. You decide how and what to teach—and that’s rare in the online education world.

The tech stack is also refreshingly teacher-friendly. Verbling’s custom video platform keeps lessons contained within a clean, simple interface. You’re not juggling external links or unreliable tools mid-lesson. It’s designed to keep the focus where it should be: on the student.

And since Verbling carefully vets applicants, the overall quality of instructors remains high. That means less noise, better student matches, and a platform that attracts serious learners—whether they’re professionals brushing up on business English or travelers prepping for their next adventure.

Who Should Teach on Verbling?

Verbling is best suited to teachers who already have a foundation in language instruction. If you’ve taught before—whether in classrooms, language centers, or online—you’ll have a much easier time getting approved and attracting students.

It’s also a strong fit for freelancers who want to avoid micromanagement. If the idea of building your own curriculum, setting your own hours, and working with self-motivated students sounds appealing, Verbling gives you the tools and platform to do just that.

Fluency matters more than where you’re from. Native speakers are welcome, of course, but Verbling also accepts non-native teachers as long as they demonstrate C2-level fluency. What matters most is your ability to teach clearly and effectively—regardless of accent.

If you’re looking for a hands-off, plug-and-play job, this might not be it. But if you want control, flexibility, and a higher standard of professionalism, Verbling is a great match.

Requirements to Join Verbling

Verbling doesn’t cater to complete beginners—it’s a platform for teachers who already know how to teach. If you’ve got the experience, this can work in your favor. Verbling looks for instructors who are confident, professional, and ready to handle their own classroom without hand-holding.

At a minimum, you’ll need to show documented experience teaching your target language—whether that’s English or something else. You don’t have to be a native speaker, but you do need to demonstrate C2-level fluency. A TEFL, TESOL, or other relevant certification isn’t strictly required, but it helps your application stand out.

You’ll also need to be tech-ready. That means a laptop or desktop computer (no phones or tablets), a webcam, a solid microphone, a strong internet connection, and Google Chrome. Verbling uses its own in-browser video platform, so everything runs through Chrome—no Zoom links, no downloads.

This is a space for professionals who can manage their own time, design their own lessons, and deliver quality sessions to motivated students from around the world.

Verbling's Application Process

Getting started on Verbling is straightforward, with no live interview or teaching demo required. Everything is submitted online and reviewed asynchronously.

1. Create your teacher profile – Sign up and enter your basic info, including the language you want to teach.
2. Upload credentials – You’ll need a teaching resume and, ideally, a TEFL or equivalent certificate.
3. Verify your setup – Submit a valid government ID, take a quick internet speed test, and confirm your availability.
4. Record an intro video – Upload a 2–3 minute video to YouTube introducing yourself, explaining your teaching style, and giving a short teaching sample (greeting or mini-lesson).
5. Submit and wait – Verbling usually reviews applications within two weeks and notifies you via email.

There’s no live call, mock class, or interview—your video and documents do all the talking. Make sure they reflect your teaching skills, personality, and professionalism.

Setting Up Your Profile to Attract Students

Your Verbling profile is your storefront. The stronger it is, the more likely students will choose you—and stick around.

• Write a clear, confident bio that outlines your teaching experience, your approach, and who you’re best suited for (business learners, test prep, casual conversation, etc.).
• Record a high-quality intro video with good lighting, clear sound, and a friendly but professional tone. Speak slowly and clearly—this is many students’ first impression.
• Set a smart hourly rate. Most teachers charge $14–$30/hour. Start slightly below average if you're new to the platform, and raise your rate as you earn reviews.
• List your specialties and add relevant teaching materials or lesson types (e.g., “Business English” or “Exam Prep”). The more you can offer, the more likely you’ll attract serious learners.
• Encourage reviews and repeat bookings. A few positive reviews can dramatically increase your visibility and credibility within the platform.

With a polished profile and thoughtful setup, Verbling can become more than just a side hustle—it can be a consistent source of income and a gateway to teaching full-time from anywhere.

Teaching on the Platform

Once you’re approved, teaching on Verbling is refreshingly straightforward. Lessons are conducted via Verbling’s own video platform—no third-party tools, no tech headaches. Everything is browser-based and happens right inside your dashboard.

Each class runs for 60 minutes, and students book you directly through your availability calendar. That means no scrambling for slots or relying on an algorithm—you’re in control of your time.

As a teacher, you’re fully responsible for lesson prep, but you also get full creative freedom. You can upload your own materials, organize courses, and leave feedback or assignments—all within Verbling’s teaching interface. There’s built-in messaging, file sharing, note-taking, and even shared whiteboard features to make your lessons interactive and organized.

This platform is designed for teachers who enjoy running their own classroom and want the tools to keep everything in one place.

Students and Community

Verbling’s student base is as international as it gets. You’ll be working with adults and teens from every continent—expats, university students, professionals, travelers, and test-prep clients. Many are highly motivated learners who value the personal touch of working with a private tutor.

On top of the general student pool, Verbling also has corporate clients through its Verbling Enterprise program. Companies like Volkswagen and Inditex use the platform to train employees in English and other languages, which adds an extra stream of professional learners.

The platform supports over 70 languages, so you’ll find yourself in a truly multilingual environment. Even if you're not teaching English, there's room for other languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, or even niche languages with growing demand.

Students can “follow” you like a social profile, allowing you to build a base of loyal repeat learners—ideal for teachers who want to create long-term student relationships rather than constantly chasing new bookings.

Pay Rates, Commission, and Payouts

Verbling is one of the few platforms that lets teachers set their own rates. Most tutors charge between $14 and $30 per hour, though you can go higher or lower depending on your experience, niche, and demand.

The platform takes a 15% commission on all completed lessons. So if you charge $20, you’ll take home $17. It’s a fair trade-off for the built-in tools, exposure to a global student base, and hassle-free payment system.

Earnings are “unlocked” each week—usually on Sunday or Monday depending on your time zone—and you can cash out anytime using:

• PayPal
• Payoneer
• Wise
• Verbling Credit (to spend on other lessons)

There’s no minimum payout amount and no waiting for a specific payday. You teach, you earn—it’s that simple.

Scheduling and Flexibility

One of Verbling’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to fit around your life. There are no minimum hours, no required shifts, and absolutely no penalties for blocking off time. Whether you're teaching full-time, traveling the world, or just picking up a few hours a week, Verbling adapts to your schedule.

You control your calendar completely. Open up slots when you're available, and block off time when you're not—simple as that. Rescheduling and cancellations can be handled directly through the platform, making communication smooth and professional.

This flexibility is ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. Verbling automatically adjusts bookings to your local time zone, so you don’t need to worry about converting times or missing appointments because of jet lag or travel changes.

Pros and Cons

Verbling is a favorite among experienced teachers and freelancers, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a balanced look at what works—and what might not.

✅ Pros

• You’re in charge: Set your own hourly rates, manage your own schedule, and create your own curriculum.
• Global reach: Teach students from all over the world, including professionals, test-takers, and casual learners.
• All-in-one platform: Verbling’s built-in video and messaging tools mean no Zoom links or outside apps needed.
• Support that’s actually helpful: Teachers often praise the Verbling team for being responsive and professional.

❌ Cons

• High competition: With so many qualified teachers, standing out—especially at higher rates—can take time.
• DIY lesson planning: There’s no built-in curriculum, which means extra prep time if you're not already stocked with materials.
• Commission cut: Verbling takes 15% of your earnings, which adds up if you're charging lower rates.
• Tech hiccups: If Verbling’s video system goes down mid-class, there’s no official backup allowed (like Zoom or Skype).

Reviews and Teacher Feedback

Verbling holds a solid reputation among online educators, particularly those who value independence and want to build a long-term teaching presence.

🗣️ What Teachers Are Saying

• Glassdoor rating: 3.8/5
  Teachers appreciate the autonomy but mention the commission and tech limitations as drawbacks.

• Indeed rating: 4.6/5
  Verbling earns high marks for support, professionalism, and the quality of its student base.

✍️ Common Feedback

👍 Pros:

• Platform is intuitive and easy to use
• Communication tools are excellent
• Students are motivated, polite, and often long-term
• Support team is responsive and fair

👎 Cons:

• You need to bring your own lesson content
• Lower-priced tutors can saturate the search results
• No pay during lesson cancellations unless properly handled

In short, Verbling is a strong choice if you’re ready to build something on your own terms—but it’s not a plug-and-play job. Teachers who come prepared and present themselves professionally tend to do best.

Tips for Success on Verbling

Verbling rewards teachers who show initiative, professionalism, and clarity in how they present themselves. If you want to stand out and attract long-term students, these tips can help:

• Niche down: Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Focus on a specific student type—like business professionals, exam prep students, or travelers—so your profile feels tailored and expert.
• Make your intro video shine: Speak clearly, smile, and be yourself. Show what kind of experience students can expect, and keep it under 3 minutes.
• Customize your lessons: Students appreciate thoughtful, personalized teaching. Use your own materials, adapt your approach, and offer follow-up notes or homework when appropriate.
• Be consistent with your schedule: Regular availability helps build momentum. It signals reliability and encourages repeat bookings.
• Ask for reviews early: Social proof builds trust. A few positive reviews can make a big difference when students are deciding whom to book.

Is Verbling Right for You?

Verbling isn’t the kind of platform where you just log in and start earning. It’s best for teachers who already have some experience and want control over what they teach, how they teach, and when they work.

Verbling is a great fit if:

• You’re confident managing your own lesson plans and materials
• You want to build a teaching business on your own terms
• You have a clear teaching style or niche
• You value flexibility and student quality over speed of onboarding

Verbling may not be ideal if:

• You’re brand new to teaching and want step-by-step support
• You prefer working with a preset curriculum
• You want high earnings immediately without building a profile

Alternatives to Consider

If Verbling sounds good but not quite right, here are some similar platforms worth exploring:

• Preply – Easier for beginners to join and set up, with a large international student base.
• italki – A longstanding, community-driven marketplace for all languages and levels.
• Cambly – Super flexible, no prep needed, and great for casual conversation practice.
• AmazingTalker – Especially strong in Asia; allows teachers to set structured packages.

Final Thoughts

Verbling continues to stand out as one of the most teacher-centric platforms in the online tutoring world. With full control over your pricing, schedule, and lesson style, it offers the kind of professional autonomy that many educators crave.

If you're experienced, self-motivated, and ready to grow your own online teaching brand, Verbling can be more than a job—it can be a platform for building your career.

If you're ready to start teaching on Verbling, you can begin your application here:
👉 Apply to teach on Verbling

📘 Want to compare more options before applying?
Check out our full guide:
👉 Teach English Online – Top Companies