Online teaching market places.

I have spoken widely on Apps for finding students, along with using social media to help gain a following and find students. But APPs and social media are just 1 method, in this post I talk about market places, some have been mentioned before, some are new!

What Are Tutor Marketplaces?

In the evolving world of online work, tutor marketplaces have become gamechangers for independent teachers and digital nomads alike. These platforms act as virtual hubs where freelance educators can connect with students eager to learn languages or other subjects.

Instead of relying on a traditional online teaching company that dictates your schedule and pay, tutor marketplaces give you complete control over pricing, availability, and teaching methods. You simply create a profile, set your rates, and let students book lessons—allowing you to earn money while maintaining the flexibility to travel and work remotely.

Why Should Digital Nomads Use Tutor Marketplaces?

More access to Global Students – Find learners worldwide without needing to market yourself independently.

Work When You Want. Set your schedule based on your travels or personal preferences.

Earn More, Keep More. Unlike traditional ESL companies that take up to 40% commission, marketplaces often have lower fees, allowing you to set competitive rates and maximize earnings.

Now that you understand the benefits of tutor marketplaces, let’s explore the some language focused platforms that will help you succeed as a remote educator.

Top Language Focused Online Teaching Platforms

These platforms specialize in language learning, making them great places to attract students seeking ESL and other language courses.

Amazing Talker

Requirements: Fluent in English + 1+ years of teaching or tutoring experience

Commission: 8% – 38%

Pros: Strong tutor community, commission rate decreases with earnings, specialized niches (Business English, IELTS, kids)

Cons: High initial commission, competition can be tough unless pricing is low

Class gap

Requirements: Fluent in English

Commission: 16% – 32%

Pros: Commission rate decreases over time, built in virtual classroom, recurring subscriptions boost student retention

Cons: High commission for first lessons when students come from platform referrals

CafeTalk

Requirements: Age 20+, fluent in English, teaching certificate required

Commission: 15% – 40%

Pros: Marketing tools like coupons and blog posts, popular among students in Asia

Cons: High initial commission, payments processed in Japanese yen

italki

Requirements: Native or near native English proficiency; TEFL certificate or teaching experience required for professional tutors

Commission: 15%

Pros: Large student base, community networking opportunities, 1:1 and group classes

Cons: Limited openings for new ESL teachers, competitive marketplace

Preply

Requirements: Fluent in English

Commission: 18% – 33%

Pros: Subscription model encourages student retention, multiple payout options (PayPal, Wise, Payoneer), high student demand

Cons: Trial lessons are unpaid, commission decreases gradually over time

Skimatalk

Requirements: Native English speaker

Commission: 20%

Pros: Minimum pricing avoids race to the bottom, high student quality due to strict tutor acceptance

Cons: First three lessons are unpaid, strict policies on cancellations and reviews

Verbal Planet

Requirements: Fluent in English

Commission: 20% booking fee added to price

Pros: Can request payouts at any time, European student focus

Cons: Strongly encourages free trials, payout delays up to 30 days

Verbling

Requirements: Near native English proficiency, teaching certificate, prior tutoring experience required

Commission: 15% plus an 8% customer support fee

Pros: Built in teaching tools, flashcard system for student review, internal marketing tools, weekly payouts

Cons: Strict onboarding requirements, hiring freezes at times

Tips for Digital Nomad Teachers

Diversify Platforms – Sign up for multiple sites to increase student bookings.

Use a VPN – Some platforms restrict applications based on location—apply from anywhere using a VPN.

Automate Payments – Services like PayPal, Wise, or Payoneer streamline international transfers.

Market Yourself – Leverage social media, blogs, and platform-based marketing tools to attract students.

Final Thoughts

These are what I consider the best market places to upload yourself, but urge you to do your own research and maybe even add to this list! Teaching languages online allows digital nomads to earn from anywhere, whether part-time or full-time. With flexible scheduling, competitive pricing opportunities, and access to students worldwide, it’s a great way to maintain financial independence while exploring new places.

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