Preply: An Innovative Platform Empowering Teachers and Connecting Learners Worldwide

Since 2012, Preply has been on a mission to make language learning more effective and accessible for everyone. The platform was founded by Ukrainian entrepreneurs Kirill Bigai, Dmytro Voloshyn, and Serge Lukyanov, who envisioned a global learning community.

Over the years, Preply has undergone significant transformations, including multiple investment rounds, strategic reinventions, and a pivotal milestone in 2019 when the company opened its largest office to date in Barcelona, establishing a new global hub.

Now, Preply celebrates 12 years of growth and innovation. The platform has evolved into a leading force in online tutoring, with a strong presence worldwide. With substantial funding raised over the years, Preply has continually expanded its reach and refined its technology, earning the trust of learners and tutors across the globe.

Bridge had the opportunity to talk with Claire Schmitt, Senior Growth Manager at Preply. She spoke about Preply’s mission, principles, and fresh rebrand, which marks a bold new chapter in its journey.

1. Can you give an overview of Preply today?

Preply has solidified its position as a leading platform for online learning and teaching, thanks to its global reach, wide range of subjects, thriving tutor community, and innovative AI-powered tools. With a strong international presence, Preply has become a trusted and recognized name in personalized education worldwide.

2. What is the meaning of Preply?

It comes from “prepare to speak confidently.“

3. What’s the company’s mission? 

We believe learning with a great tutor is life-changing. That’s why we match online tutors from across the globe with learners and empower them to create personalized live language classes with AI-powered tools and content. This is how we deliver progress, create engagement and keep learners motivated.

4. How many English teachers currently offer classes on Preply?

There are currently over 25,000 tutors teaching English on Preply. We’re always looking to add more high quality tutors, as we’re constantly attracting new learners to Preply and we need to keep up with the demand.

Join Preply as an English tutor to reach students across the globe and grow your online teaching portfolio while working independently.

5. Preply works with AI and machine-based learning a lot. What are some of its advantages?

As stated in our mission, we believe that learning with a great tutor for live lessons is life-changing. As such, we don’t think AI can ever replace tutors, but we do believe it can help them provide better learning experiences.

Preply leverages AI and machine-based learning to enhance the learning experience for both students and tutors, making online education more effective, personalized, and engaging. Some of the products we offer include: 

Lesson insights: Offers tutors and learners a summary of the lesson, feedback for the student, speaking time, and the main vocabulary discussed. This helps tutors and learners keep track of their progress, get ready for their next lesson, and review content.
TalkNow: TalkNow is an educational feature within Preply that allows students to practice speaking and provides tutors with an efficient way to create speaking exercises. With 2-minute interactive conversations, students can practice speaking anytime, anywhere. Tutors can benefit by saving time, improving progress, and providing feedback.
Teaching assistant: Save time creating personalized lessons. You can create a range of exercises for your learners, generate relevant speaking topics tailored to your student’s interests, and reduce your prep time for lessons.

6. What are some key benefits of teaching with Preply, particularly in terms of schedule flexibility and setting rates? Can you provide examples of how teachers typically manage these aspects?

With learners across different time zones, tutors have the flexibility to fill their calendars with lessons that align with their preferred hours. Our calendar and scheduling system takes out all this hassle. Tutors need to keep their availability up to date and students can book their lessons directly. 

Preply allows tutors to set their own hourly rates based on their experience, qualifications, and teaching style. As tutors gain positive reviews and build a strong reputation on the platform, they can increase their rates and attract more learners willing to invest in high-quality tutoring. Tutors are paid for each completed lesson, and Preply ensures a clear, reliable payment system for their work. They can withdraw at any time. 

Curious about how to set the right rates as a freelance English tutor? Learn the strategies for pricing your services and valuing your expertise.

7. How does Preply’s platform support teachers?

Preply supports teachers through a range of tools and resources to help them succeed:

Global Student Base: Access millions of motivated learners from over 180 countries through Preply’s large and diverse community.
Professional Development: Benefit from free training resources, including the Preply Tutor Academy with hundreds of courses, webinars, and the advanced teaching certificate to enhance your skills and earning potential.
Teaching Tools: Leverage Preply’s AI-based Teaching Assistant to create exercises quickly and reduce prep time, along with the Preply Classroom, which includes interactive features like Notes and a Whiteboard to simplify teaching.
Business Management Support: Manage your schedule, students, and payments seamlessly with Preply’s tools. Payments are secure and released after every class.
Community and Support: Join an active Tutor Community to network, share expertise, and access 24/7 customer support for any issues.

8. What equipment do Preply teachers need?

A stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. 

Learn how to teach English online from home or anywhere including tips, strategies, and everything you need to get started.

9. Potential Preply tutors need to create a profile to join the platform. Can you share some tips for creating a standout profile and successfully completing the sign-up process?

1. Profile Description

Make it student-centered.
Mention qualifications and experience.
Highlight the types of students you work with.
Describe what your lessons will be like.
Include details about your personality.

2. Headline

Write a personalized, attention-grabbing headline.
Include your specialty and what makes you stand out.

3. Intro Video

• Structure your video:

Introduce yourself (15–20 seconds).
Highlight your skills (30–50 seconds).
End with a friendly conclusion (15–25 seconds).

4. Profile Photo

High resolution, centered, and upright.
No filters, neutral lighting, and background.
Face and eyes visible (unless for religious reasons).
Smile and look directly at the camera.

5. Qualifications: Upload teaching certificates, education, and experience to attract students looking for certified tutors.

Preply also offers an Online Language Teaching Certificate that is suitable for tutors of all levels and focuses specifically on online, one-on-one teaching. Tutors with this certificate, as well as select other English teaching certificates, get a ‘Professional Tutor’ badge added to their profile, which helps them stand out from day one.

6. Availability: Add more time slots to increase visibility in student searches.

7. Pricing: Set a competitive rate and increase it gradually as you gain reviews and improve lesson quality.

Learn how to really make your intro video stand out! Get expert tips to showcase your personality and attract more students.

10. What types of students typically book lessons on Preply, and what are their learning goals?

Students who book lessons on Preply come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of learning goals. Most of them can be categorized into professional learners, academic students and test takers, hobby learners, relocators and expats, and also kids. 

11. You recently hosted the 2024 Preply Online Teaching Conference. What are some of the main takeaways from this virtual event?

Based on what teachers have shared, this year’s conference really hit the mark. They relished the chance to hear talks not just from within Preply, but also those that welcomed outside expertise, boosting their understanding of what’s current and cutting edge in the field of language teaching. 

The addition of resource-packed stands from our exhibitor partners gave them hands-on access to materials and tools that could be game-changers for their classes. Overall, teachers felt that the conference served up a rich mix of insights, inspiration, and connections, all of which they’re excited to weave into their day-to-day teaching and long-term career plans.

The conference fostered connections among tutors from around the globe, providing collaborative spaces like the regular Tutor Cafés, where they could share teaching experiences and best practices. We also connected attendees with Preply team members and external experts, creating a platform for tutors to ask their most pressing questions about Preply and language teaching.

Check out the highlights and key takeaways from the 2024 Preply Online Teacher Conference.

12. What’s next for Preply?

Preply is poised for an exciting future as it continues to shape the global landscape of online education. The company is looking to continue its impressive growth to further solidify its leadership in the industry. At the same time, Preply is doubling down on innovation by leveraging AI-powered tools to help tutors deliver even more personalized and efficient learning experiences.

Above all, Preply remains dedicated to its core mission: transforming lives. By empowering learners to reach their full potential and helping tutors make a living, Preply continues to make education accessible, impactful, and tailored to individual needs. 

Sign up as an English tutor on Preply to connect with students worldwide and build a robust online teaching portfolio as an independent online English teacher.