Italki for beginners: how to get started step by step

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 10 Nov 2026 · 13m ago

What italki is and how teaching works

italki is an online marketplace for language learning. Students browse teacher profiles, watch introduction videos, compare prices and book lessons at times that suit them. Lessons usually take place by video call, either through italki's own classroom or an approved video tool. Teachers decide which languages they teach, what lesson types they offer, how long lessons last and how much they charge. italki handles payments, bookings and reviews, and keeps a commission. For people who speak a language well and enjoy helping others communicate, it offers flexible income from home. Success depends on a strong application, a clear profile, sensible pricing, reliable teaching and patience in the first weeks when no reviews exist yet.

Step 1: choose your teacher type

italki typically offers two main teacher types. Professional teachers generally have teaching qualifications, certificates or substantial teaching experience and can offer structured lessons, exam preparation and courses. Community tutors usually focus on conversation practice, informal learning and cultural exchange, and do not need formal teaching credentials. Your choice affects how you present yourself, which lesson types you offer and what students expect. Check current requirements on italki, because definitions and rules can change.

Step 2: check requirements before applying

Applications usually require identity information, details of the languages you teach and your level in each, a profile description, a photo and an introduction video. Professional teacher applications may require documents proving qualifications or experience. Some languages have many teachers, and italki may limit new applications or reject more applicants for those languages. Prepare everything carefully so your first application is as strong as possible.

Step 3: record a strong introduction video

The video is often the main factor in both application approval and student bookings. Keep it short, usually one to two minutes, filmed horizontally with good lighting, clear audio and a tidy, quiet background. Smile, look at the camera and speak naturally. Introduce yourself, explain who you help, what a lesson with you looks like and why learners enjoy working with you. Speak mostly in the language you teach at a level learners can follow. Avoid loud music, long text screens and reading a script word for word.

Step 4: write a profile that speaks to learners

Your profile should explain who you teach, such as beginners, business learners or exam candidates, how your lessons work, what materials you use and what learners can expect after several lessons. Mention qualifications, experience and the languages you speak, but keep the focus on the learner's goals. Use short paragraphs that are easy to read on a phone. Avoid copying other teachers' profiles, which looks generic and may break rules.

Step 5: choose lesson types

Create a small number of clear lesson types, such as conversation practice, beginner foundations, business language, exam preparation or grammar support. Each lesson type has its own description, price and duration options. Clear lesson types help learners choose and help you prepare. Start with two or three types that match your strengths and add more as you learn what students want.

Step 6: set your starting price

Research teachers of your language with similar experience and reviews. Many new teachers start slightly below established teachers to win first bookings and reviews, then raise prices gradually. Avoid pricing so low that lessons become unsustainable. Remember that italki keeps a commission, so calculate what you will actually receive. Different lesson lengths, such as 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes, can suit different learners.

Step 7: offer packages and trial lessons

Trial lessons let new students try your teaching at a lower price, and they are often how students decide whether to book regular lessons. Packages let students buy several lessons at once, sometimes with a discount, which encourages commitment. Decide whether to offer trials and packages based on your goals and check current platform rules and commission on trials.

Step 8: understand commission and withdrawals

italki keeps a percentage of lesson payments, commonly cited as 15 percent, and pays teachers the rest as account balance. Teachers withdraw earnings through supported payment methods, which can carry fees and minimum amounts. Currency conversion may also reduce what you receive. Check current commission, withdrawal methods and fees in the teacher help pages before setting prices.

Step 9: set up your calendar

Students search for teachers available when they are free, often evenings and weekends in their own time zones. Open availability at times your target learners prefer, and keep your calendar accurate. The time zone calculator on this site helps you work out when evenings in other countries fall in your day. Set buffer times between lessons for notes and preparation, and decide your rules on minimum booking notice.

Step 10: reply quickly

Students often message several teachers before booking. Fast, friendly replies improve your chance of winning bookings and may affect how your profile appears in search. Use the app to respond promptly, answer questions directly and suggest a trial time. A short message showing you understood their goal works better than a long sales pitch.

Step 11: run strong first lessons

In the first lesson, ask about the learner's goals, level, past experience and preferred learning style. Many teachers use the familiar A1 to C2 level descriptions to explain where learners are and what comes next. Include a short activity that gives an early win, such as learning useful phrases or correcting a common error. Before the lesson ends, summarise what you noticed, propose a plan and suggest a regular schedule.

Step 12: be reliable

Start lessons on time, test your internet, microphone and camera beforehand and avoid cancellations except in genuine emergencies. italki has rules on cancellations and missed lessons, and frequent problems can affect your profile and reviews. Prepare materials in advance and keep notes on each student's progress.

Step 13: earn honest reviews

Reviews build trust for future students. Good teaching, clear progress and friendly communication naturally lead to positive reviews. You can politely remind satisfied students that reviews help, but never offer incentives for positive reviews or ask for reviews outside the platform.

Step 14: focus on retention

Regular students provide steady income. Set short-term goals, review progress every few weeks, vary activities and adjust plans as needs change. Share lesson notes or homework so students practise between lessons. Students who see progress stay longer and recommend you.

Worked example: estimating earnings

Suppose you charge 18 for a 60-minute lesson and teach 50 lessons a month. Gross earnings are 900. If italki keeps 15 percent, that is 135, leaving 765. If withdrawal fees and currency conversion cost about 2 percent of that amount, about 15.30, you receive about 749.70, or roughly 15 per lesson. Raising your price to 21 with the same lessons increases gross earnings to 1,050 and net after commission to 892.50, about 16.7 percent more. Figures are illustrative; check current commission. The percentage calculator and salary calculator on this site help you model your numbers.

Getting started checklist

| Step | Done |

|---|---|

| Teacher type chosen | |

| Video recorded | |

| Profile written | |

| Lesson types created | |

| Prices and trials set | |

| Calendar opened | |

| Withdrawal method checked | |

Common beginner mistakes

Common mistakes include long or scripted videos, generic profiles, very limited availability, slow replies, pricing too low for too long, unplanned trial lessons, cancellations and ignoring student goals. Each of these is easy to fix with planning.

Lesson materials

Build reusable materials organised by level and goal, such as conversation topics, vocabulary lists, exercises and progress trackers. Use materials you have the right to share, and create your own where possible. Organised materials save preparation time and improve consistency.

Taxes and record keeping

Teaching income is usually taxable. Keep records of lessons, payments, commission and withdrawal fees, and track expenses such as equipment. Consult a professional if unsure.

How to avoid scams

Be cautious of students who ask to pay outside the platform, request personal financial details, send suspicious links or offer payment for unusual services. Fake support messages may try to steal login details. Keep communication and payments on the platform.

Reader questions

Questions about online teaching? Send them through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not affiliated with italki. Requirements, commission and features change; check the official teacher help pages. No income is guaranteed.

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