Preply FAQ: what new users ask most

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 12m ago

How Preply works

Preply connects students with tutors for one-to-one lessons held through its video classroom. Students search tutors by subject, price, availability, country and reviews, then book a trial lesson. If they like the tutor, they buy packages or subscriptions for regular lessons. Tutors set their rates and availability and receive payment after lessons, minus the platform's commission. Language tutoring, especially English, is the largest category, but many other subjects are available.

Who can teach on Preply

Preply accepts tutors for many languages and subjects. Requirements vary, and the platform reviews applications. Native or fluent language skills, subject knowledge, clear communication and a reliable internet connection are important. Qualifications are not always required, but they can help.

Creating a strong profile

Your profile is your shop window. Use a clear, friendly photo, write a short headline describing who you help and how, and explain your experience, teaching style and lesson approach. Mention the types of students you suit best, such as beginners, business learners or exam candidates. Avoid long generic descriptions.

Recording an introduction video

Students often choose tutors after watching their video. Keep it short, well lit and clear, speak naturally, explain how your lessons work and smile. If you teach a language, speak slowly enough for learners to follow.

Setting your rates

New tutors usually start with competitive rates to win first students and reviews, then raise prices as demand grows. Research rates of tutors with similar subjects and experience. Remember that commission reduces your take-home pay.

Worked example: take-home pay

Omar charges 20 dollars per lesson hour. If the platform's commission on his regular lessons is 25 percent, he keeps 15 dollars per hour. Teaching 18 hours per week gives him 270 dollars weekly. If he raises his rate to 24 dollars with the same commission, he keeps 18 dollars per hour, a 20 percent increase, or 324 dollars for 18 hours. The percentage calculator on this site helps check these figures, and percentages here are illustrative only.

Trial lessons

Trial lessons are the first sessions with new students, and they are critical for building a client base. Prepare a short structure: introductions, a quick level check, a discussion of goals, a sample activity and a clear plan for future lessons. Students who see a clear path to their goals are much more likely to continue. Treat every trial as an opportunity to show professionalism, warmth and preparation, even if the student seems unsure.

Commission basics

Preply charges commission on lessons, and the rules for trial lessons can differ from later lessons. Under past rules, commission rates decreased as tutors taught more hours, but terms change, so read the current tutor help pages carefully. Understanding commission helps you set rates that cover your goals.

Payouts

Tutors receive earnings after lessons are confirmed, and can withdraw funds through supported payout methods, which vary by country and may include fees. Check available methods, minimum amounts and processing times in your account before relying on the income.

Scheduling and time zones

Students book lessons in their own time zones, so keep your calendar accurate and check time zone settings carefully. A time zone calculator helps when working with students in different countries. Offering availability at popular times, such as evenings and weekends in your students' regions, increases bookings.

Cancellations and no-shows

Preply has policies on cancellations, rescheduling and missed lessons. Learn them so you understand when you are paid and how to handle late changes. Communicate politely and keep records of messages.

Getting reviews

Reviews build trust with new students. After several lessons, students may leave feedback. Deliver consistent quality, show progress and ask satisfied students politely if they would consider leaving a review. Never offer discounts in exchange for positive reviews.

Planning lessons

Plan lessons around each student's goals, such as conversation practice, grammar, exam preparation or business vocabulary. Keep notes on progress, mistakes and topics covered, and share homework where helpful. Structured lessons help students see value and continue booking.

Replying to messages quickly

Students often message several tutors at once. Fast, friendly replies with a clear next step, such as booking a trial, improve your chances of winning students.

Taxes and records

Preply tutors are generally independent contractors rather than employees, so they are responsible for reporting income and paying taxes in their country. In the US, this may include self-employment tax and estimated payments. Track lessons, earnings, fees and expenses, and check official tax guidance or speak to an adviser.

Common mistakes new tutors make

Mistakes include incomplete profiles, low-quality videos, unrealistic starting rates, very limited availability, unstructured trial lessons, slow replies and ignoring platform rules. Another mistake is relying on a single platform for all income without savings.

Equipment and setup

Use a reliable internet connection, a good webcam, a clear microphone or headset and a quiet, well lit space. Test the Preply classroom before lessons and have backup plans, such as a phone hotspot, for connection problems. A tidy background and professional presentation make a strong first impression.

Raising your rates

Once your calendar fills and you have good reviews, consider raising rates gradually for new students. Many tutors keep existing students on older rates for a period to keep goodwill. The salary calculator on this site helps compare tutoring income with other work.

Avoiding off-platform risks

Platforms usually have rules about taking students off the platform. Read the terms carefully, since breaking them can lead to account suspension. Also be cautious of messages asking for personal financial information.

Choosing your subject focus

Preply hosts many tutors for popular languages, so a clear specialism helps you stand out. Instead of offering general English for everyone, you might focus on business English for professionals, interview preparation, exam preparation, conversation for travellers or English for children. Tutors of less common languages or specialist subjects may face less competition but smaller demand. Choose a focus that matches your experience, then reflect it in your headline, description, video and lesson plans so the right students recognise you quickly.

Teaching children

Some tutors teach children, which requires extra patience, shorter activities and engaging materials. Parents often book and manage lessons, so communicate clearly with them about progress, schedules and expectations. Follow platform rules on safety and appropriate conduct at all times.

Using teaching materials

You can create your own materials or use reputable free resources, such as open educational materials, graded readers and practice exercises. Share files through the platform where possible. Respect copyright and avoid distributing paid textbooks or worksheets without permission.

Building long-term students

Regular students provide steady income. Set clear goals together, review progress every few weeks and adjust lessons as needs change. Celebrate milestones, such as completing a level or passing an exam. Students who feel progress usually stay longer and recommend you to others.

Managing your energy

Tutoring many hours in a row can be tiring. Schedule breaks, avoid back-to-back days without rest and protect your voice by drinking water and pacing speaking time.

Handling difficult lessons

Sometimes students arrive tired, unprepared or frustrated with slow progress. Stay calm, adjust the activity and focus on small achievable goals for that session. If a student is rude or breaks platform rules, end the lesson politely and report the issue through official support channels. Keeping brief notes after challenging sessions helps you plan better next time and protects you if disputes arise.

Improving your profile over time

Review your profile every few months. Update your headline, refresh the video, mention new specialisms and add certificates or experience. Check which search terms students might use and include them naturally. Small improvements can noticeably increase profile views and trial bookings, especially after you collect reviews.

Protecting your account

Use a strong unique password and two-factor authentication where offered, and never share login codes. Be careful with messages that claim to come from support but ask for payment details or direct you to unfamiliar sites.

Reader questions

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

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. Commission, payout and policy details change; check official Preply pages. No income is guaranteed.

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