What the listings say about how students find you
These lines are copied from company listings in the Online Teachers Company List (checked 7 November 2026). Open each company page for the full text and the official link. Pay and commission figures that appear on those pages are not repeated here.
- Preply: “Preply is an online tutoring marketplace. Tutors create a profile, set their own hourly rate, and teach students who book lessons.” The same listing says Preply’s teach page states it is free to create a tutor profile. The live Preply company page also notes that profile review is described as taking up to 3 business days.
- italki: “Italki is a create a profile based company where you set your own price and lessons.” Saved teacher feedback on the listing praises flexibility in scheduling, autonomy in pricing and global reach with a diverse student base.
- Cambly: “You can teach adults or kids, and just set your availability then turn up and teach.” The listing also says teachers set their own availability in advance using Cambly’s calendar, and that Cambly hires teachers from any country (including South Africa and the Philippines).
- Verbling: Verbling’s teach-page quote in the listing says teachers set their own hourly rates and can teach from anywhere with a computer and internet access; lessons use Verbling’s own video classroom; previous experience teaching the target language is required.
- AmazingTalker: the listing describes an opportunity to set your own rates for teaching, with English as the predominant language among other language classes.
Related reading: marketplace vs fixed-rate companies and company vs private students.
A practical checklist for your first marketplace students
- Pick one niche students can recognise. Name who you help (for example conversation for adults, kids’ English, or exam speaking) in your headline and first lines — the same idea as our niching guide.
- Finish the profile before you go live. Marketplace listings above centre on a public profile students browse. Use a clear photo, a short intro video where the platform asks for one, and subjects that match search terms learners use. See the profile checklist.
- Open a realistic calendar. Cambly’s listing emphasises setting availability in advance; Preply and italki listings describe students booking lessons on your terms. Block times you can actually keep for the first two weeks.
- Expect a review or approval step. Preply’s company page notes profile review can take up to 3 business days; Verbling’s listing says candidates without a certificate or verifiable teaching experience are not accepted. Apply only when your documents match what that listing asks for — see the application documents checklist.
- Treat early lessons as proof, not a launch campaign. Reply quickly, teach the booked slot, and ask for a review if the platform allows it. Do not promise income, student volume or “guaranteed bookings”.
- Keep a second option while you learn the platform. Many teachers combine marketplace profiles with company work. Browse who’s hiring now and the best lists while your marketplace profile builds.
Marketplace vs “turn up and teach” availability
Not every platform works the same way:
- Profile + student booking: Preply and italki listings describe creating a profile and teaching students who book you. Verbling’s listing describes private video lessons with learners who connect through the platform.
- Availability calendar: Cambly’s listing focuses on setting availability and teaching when students connect — adults or kids.
Choose the model that fits how you want to work, then match your profile and calendar to that model. For side-by-side company facts, use the compare pages (for example italki vs Preply or Cambly vs Preply).
What this post does not claim
Listings sometimes mention pay bands, commissions or tutor-set prices. Those figures are not repeated here, and they are not a promise of what you will earn. OTC never invents pay rates. Always re-check the company’s own teach or help page before you apply, and never treat a practice or trial lesson as a guarantee of ongoing students.