iTalki

Set your own price and teach at your own pace on the world's largest language marketplace

$9–$50estimated earnings per hour

iTalki is the largest language learning marketplace in the world, with over 5 million active students and teachers across more than 150 languages. Unlike Preply, you have full control here: you set the price, decide when you are available, and only accept the bookings you want. You can sign up as a Community Tutor (no qualification required) or as a Professional Teacher (with a certificate or degree). Community tutors typically charge lower rates and attract students looking for conversation practice and informal learning.

How to get started step by step

1
Choose your profile type: Community Tutor or Professional Teacher. If you do not have an official teaching qualification, sign up as a Community Tutor: it is the most accessible entry point and what most tutors use. If you hold a TEFL, CELTA, or similar certificate, the Professional Teacher profile gives you more credibility and lets you charge higher rates.
2
Build your profile and record an intro video. On iTalki your profile is your storefront. A one or two minute intro video that shows your personality and how you explain things has a huge impact on how many students book you. Show your energy and make it clear what kind of lessons you offer.
3
Set a competitive rate to start. With zero reviews it is hard to compete against tutors with hundreds of them. Start with a lower rate to get your first bookings and reviews quickly. You can offer a trial lesson at a reduced price: it is the most effective way to convert visitors into recurring students.
4
Offer trial lessons at a reduced price. iTalki lets you set up a "Trial Lesson" at a special price. It is your best acquisition tool: many students specifically look for tutors who offer them before committing to regular classes. A good first lesson almost always leads to a recurring booking.
5
Get paid directly through the platform. Payments are processed through iTalki's credit system. You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer once you reach the minimum threshold. The platform takes a 15% commission.

Pros

✓Full control over price, schedule, and number of lessons
✓The largest language marketplace in the world with millions of active students
✓Accessible without qualifications as a Community Tutor
✓Trial lessons are a highly effective tool for converting one-time students into regulars
✓15% commission, lower than many similar platforms

Cons

✗High competition, especially in English and Spanish
✗Without initial reviews it is hard to stand out in search results
✗Earnings are irregular at first until you build a stable student base
✗The platform does not assign students to you — you have to attract them with your profile

Tip to maximize earnings

The reduced-price trial lesson is the most powerful lever you have on iTalki when starting out. Set it at a symbolic price ($5 or $8) and prepare it well: the goal is not to earn money from that lesson but to convert the student into a recurring one. A student who takes a weekly lesson with you for six months is worth far more than twenty one-off sessions.