How Does Cambly Make Money? Revenue Model Explained

The demand for English learning has been on the rise. According to reports, the global English language learning market is expected to reach $127.7 billion by 2035 from an estimated $49.1 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period of 2025-2035. Taking advantage of the opportunities offered by this lucrative industry, platforms like Cambly have transformed the way learners connect with native English tutors. With its flexible, on-demand model, Cambly has quickly become one of the most recognized online tutoring platforms worldwide. But how exactly does Cambly make money, and what makes its business model so successful?

In this blog, we’ll break down Cambly’s revenue model, trace its journey, and explore the key factors behind its profitability.

What is Cambly?

Cambly is a leading online English tutoring platform that connects learners with native English-speaking tutors through live video sessions. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, Cambly has grown into a global EdTech brand that provides students with on-demand access to personalized English lessons. The platform caters to learners of all ages and skill levels, whether they are beginners looking to improve conversational English, professionals aiming to enhance business communication, or students preparing for standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC.

Unlike traditional language schools, Cambly offers flexibility and convenience. Learners can choose when and how often they want to practice, with lessons available 24/7. They can select from short 15-minute sessions for quick practice or longer classes for in-depth learning. Tutors are available across multiple time zones, making it easy for students from countries like Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and South Korea to access lessons that fit their schedules.

Cambly also offers specialized services such as:

• Cambly Kids – A child-focused program designed to make English learning fun and interactive for young learners.
  
• Structured Courses – Topic-based lessons that help with grammar, pronunciation, and professional communication.
  
• Exam Preparation – Customized training to help learners succeed in international English proficiency tests.
  

The platform operates on a subscription-based model, where students purchase lesson plans based on duration and frequency. This approach has not only made Cambly a profitable online tutoring business but also positioned it as a preferred choice for millions of English learners worldwide who seek affordable, flexible, and effective language learning solutions.

Success Story of Cambly: A Timeline

The success story of Cambly is a classic example of how a simple idea, combined with the right timing and technology, can evolve into a global online tutoring platform. Founded in 2012 by Sameer Shariff and Kevin Law in San Francisco, Cambly was born out of a mission to make English learning more accessible, flexible, and affordable for non-native speakers worldwide.

Here’s a closer look at Cambly’s journey and how it became one of the most popular EdTech companies in the online language learning industry:

• 2012 – The Beginning
  Cambly was founded with the vision of bridging the gap between English learners and native English tutors. Unlike traditional institutes, it focused on real-time video interactions, allowing students to practice conversational English in a practical and engaging way.
  
• 2013 – Beta Launch and Early Traction
  The platform launched with a simple video chat interface, attracting early adopters from countries where English learning demand was high. Students from Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Japan quickly discovered Cambly as an alternative to costly language schools.
  
• 2014–2016 – Global Expansion Starts
  As internet access and smartphones became widespread, Cambly experienced rapid user growth. During this period, the company introduced structured learning programs alongside casual conversation practice, helping learners prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC exams.
  
• 2017 – Recognition and Scaling
  Cambly gained recognition as a disruptive player in the online tutoring market. The platform scaled operations, expanded its tutor base, and started offering more personalized courses for business professionals and academic learners.
  
• 2018–2019 – User Base Growth & New Features
  By now, Cambly had millions of users worldwide. It enhanced its mobile app, introduced analytics for progress tracking, and rolled out new features that made learning more engaging. Word-of-mouth marketing and competitive pricing fueled Cambly’s global reach.
  
• 2020 – Exponential Growth During the Pandemic
  The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for Cambly. As schools and language institutes shut down, learners shifted to online platforms. Cambly witnessed record-breaking growth in subscriptions and tutoring hours. Its Cambly Kids program gained massive popularity among parents looking for online learning solutions for children.
  
• 2021–2023 – Consolidation and Market Leadership
  Cambly continued to expand globally, tailoring its pricing and services to different regions. By offering localized subscription plans, it captured both premium and price-sensitive markets. The company also partnered with institutions and organizations for corporate language training.
  
• 2024 and Beyond – Future Outlook
  Today, Cambly stands as one of the fastest-growing online English tutoring platforms, competing with players like iTalki, Preply, and VIPKid. With its focus on affordable subscription-based learning, Cambly is expected to keep expanding into emerging markets and strengthening its position in the global EdTech industry.
  

The success of Cambly highlights the growing potential of online tutoring businesses. Its journey proves that by leveraging technology, offering flexible learning models, and addressing global demand, an EdTech startup can transform into a profitable and scalable tutoring platform.

Business Model of Cambly

The business model of Cambly is built on a simple yet highly effective concept: connecting English learners with native-speaking tutors through an easy-to-use, on-demand online platform. Cambly operates as a two-sided marketplace, serving both students who want to improve their English skills and tutors who want to earn income by teaching online.

Here’s a breakdown of how Cambly’s business model works:

1. On-Demand Tutoring Platform

Unlike traditional tutoring centers that require fixed schedules, Cambly provides a flexible, on-demand learning experience. Learners can log in anytime, choose an available tutor, and start a video lesson instantly. This convenience has made Cambly especially popular in markets where students seek 24/7 English learning support.

2. Freelance Tutor Network

Cambly works with a global community of freelance tutors, primarily native English speakers. These tutors are not hired as full-time employees but instead earn income on a per-minute basis for the lessons they deliver. This arrangement reduces Cambly’s operational costs while providing tutors with flexible earning opportunities.

3. Subscription-Based Learning Plans

The core of Cambly’s business model is its subscription plans. Learners subscribe to packages based on:

• Lesson duration : (15, 30, or 60 minutes per session)
  
• Frequency of classes : (2, 3, or 5 days per week)
  
• Billing cycle : (weekly, monthly, or yearly)
  

This recurring revenue model ensures a steady cash flow and high customer lifetime value, making Cambly’s business sustainable and scalable.

4. Specialized Programs

To diversify its offerings, Cambly also runs programs like:

• Cambly Kids : A dedicated program tailored to young learners with interactive and engaging lesson plans.
  
• Exam Preparation Courses : Targeted lessons for IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC test-takers.
  
• Business English : Customized training for professionals to improve workplace communication.
  

These specialized programs not only attract niche audiences but also help Cambly charge premium prices.

5. Global Reach with Localized Pricing

Cambly’s business model is designed for international scalability. The platform adjusts its pricing according to the region, making lessons affordable in price-sensitive markets such as Brazil, Turkey, and India, while maintaining premium pricing in regions like Japan, the Middle East, and Europe.

6. Digital-First Approach

Being a purely online tutoring business, Cambly saves heavily on physical infrastructure costs. Its investment is largely in technology, video conferencing tools, AI-driven scheduling, progress tracking, and platform scalability, allowing it to operate efficiently and profitably.

How Does Cambly Make Money? Revenue Model Explained

Understanding how Cambly makes money provides valuable insights into the profitability of online tutoring platforms. Cambly has successfully built a scalable revenue model by combining subscription plans, specialized programs, and corporate partnerships. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Cambly’s monetization strategy:

1. Subscription Packages – The Core Revenue Stream

The backbone of Cambly’s revenue model is its subscription-based learning plans. Learners pay for packages based on their preferred schedule and lesson duration. These subscriptions provide recurring revenue, which is essential for maintaining steady cash flow in the online tutoring business.

Key subscription options include:

• Lesson Duration: 15, 30, or 60 minutes per session
  
• Frequency: 2, 3, or 5 days per week
  
• Tutor Type: 1-on-1 private lessons or optional group sessions
  

This flexible subscription model makes Cambly accessible to a wide range of learners while encouraging long-term engagement, a critical factor for customer retention in online learning.

2. Pay-as-You-Go Options

In addition to subscriptions, Cambly offers pay-as-you-go lessons. This option allows learners to purchase one-off lessons or trial minutes without committing to a recurring plan. By catering to casual learners and first-time users, Cambly attracts a broader audience and encourages them to eventually upgrade to subscription packages.

3. Cambly Kids – Specialized Programs for Children

Cambly has successfully tapped into the children’s online tutoring market with its Cambly Kids program. This service features tutors trained specifically to engage young learners through interactive lessons. Cambly Kids subscriptions are priced differently from standard adult lessons, creating an additional revenue stream while addressing a high-demand niche.

4. Institutional & Corporate Training Partnerships

Another significant revenue source for Cambly is its partnerships with schools, universities, and corporate organizations. These bulk packages provide English training to large groups, often at premium pricing. Corporate clients benefit from scalable online solutions, while Cambly secures high-value contracts, contributing significantly to overall revenue.

5. Global Pricing Strategy

Cambly employs a region-based pricing model, adjusting subscription rates according to the learner’s country. This strategy allows Cambly to:

• Remain affordable in price-sensitive markets like India, Brazil, and Turkey
  
• Capture premium pricing in developed regions such as Japan, the Middle East, and Europe
  

By localizing pricing and offering competitive packages worldwide, Cambly maximizes revenue while expanding its global reach.

6. Other Revenue Streams

Although subscriptions and corporate partnerships dominate, Cambly also generates income through:

• Upselling premium features (e.g., advanced learning analytics, priority tutor access)
  
• Seasonal promotions and trial packages to attract new users

How to Build an Online Tutoring Platform Like Cambly

If you’re inspired by Cambly’s success and want to build your own online tutoring platform, you need to focus on essential features, user experience, and a scalable development approach. Let’s gain more insights into these aspects. 

Key Features by User Type

Features are essential not only for an enhanced user experience but also for effectively managing the business operations on an online tutoring platform. 

For Students:

• Profile creation & tutor search functionality
  
• Secure payment system for subscriptions or one-on-one lessons
  
• Live video conferencing for real-time tutoring sessions
  
• Progress tracking & feedback system to monitor learning outcomes
  
• Interactive whiteboard for lessons, notes, and collaboration
  

For Tutors:

• Profile creation & service listing showcasing skills and expertise
  
• Dynamic pricing control to set lesson rates per minute or session
  
• Calendar management for scheduling and availability
  
• Earnings dashboard to track income from lessons
  
• Marketing tools to improve visibility and attract students
  
• Automated scheduling & notifications for lesson reminders
  

For Admins:

• Comprehensive user management dashboard for students and tutors
  
• Payment processing & commission tracking to ensure profitability
  
• Customer support tools for issue resolution
  
• Data analytics & reporting for platform insights
  
• Automated marketing notifications to boost engagement
  

Development Approaches To Build An Online Tutoring Platform

There are primarily two development approaches to build an online tutoring platform: Development from scratch and using ready-made software.   

Develop from Scratch

In this development method, you need to build a team of experts who will implement your business idea from scratch. 

• Pros: Full customization, unique branding, high scalability, ability to implement specialized features.
  
• Cons: Higher cost, long development time (6–12 months), requires a skilled development team.
  

Use Ready-Made Software (Like Yo!Coach)

Readymade software is a pre-built software solution that offers all the essential features and capabilities to successfully launch and run your online tutoring platform. 

• Pros: Faster launch, cost-effective, pre-built essential features, easy customization
  
• Cons: Deep customizations may require additional development work

Why Choose Yo!Coach to Build Your Online Tutoring Platform?

Launching a successful online tutoring platform requires more than just an idea; it demands robust technology, seamless user experience, and scalable infrastructure. Yo!Coach , making it a top choice for entrepreneurs to create platforms like Cambly.

1. Accelerated Launch & Quick Deployment

Creating a tutoring platform from scratch can take months or even over a year. With Yo!Coach, you can go live in just a few weeks, significantly reducing development time and accelerating your entry into the online education market.

2. Fully Customizable & Growth-Friendly

Yo!Coach allows complete customization of branding, user interface, and features, giving your platform a unique identity. As your business expands, the platform can scale effortlessly, supporting more tutors, students, and lessons without compromising performance.

3. Comprehensive Built-In Features

Yo!Coach comes with all the essential tools needed for a feature-rich online tutoring platform, including:

• Tutor-student management system for streamlined operations
  
• Integrated video conferencing for real-time lessons
  
• Multi-language and multi-currency support for global reach
  
• Secure payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal
  
• Advanced scheduling, booking, and automated notifications
  

4. Cost-Effective Alternative to Custom Development

Developing a platform from scratch involves huge costs for software development, server infrastructure, and maintenance. Yo!Coach provides a high-quality, ready-to-use platform at a fraction of the cost, making it an affordable solution for startups and educational businesses.

5. Trusted by Successful Tutoring Platforms

Several thriving online tutoring platforms have been built using Yo!Coach, proving its reliability and effectiveness:

• WTutors – Global language-learning marketplace connecting thousands of students with experienced tutors. 
• Read With Us – A specialized reading skills tutoring platform that provides learners with interactive courses, live group sessions, and more. 
• Sophus Education – An academic tutoring and coaching portal that successfully connects academic tutors with learners. 
• Bloom Learning – A reliable online learning platform offering one-on-one live and group sessions for students seeking SEA, CSEC, and school exam coaching. 
• FluencyABC – A robust language learning platform that connects instructors with learners seeking assistance in learning a new language. 
• Beetot – Online tutoring platform connecting expert tutors with students, providing a convenient and flexible learning environment.  

Yo!Coach team has helped several aspiring entrepreneurs in transforming their business ideas into reality. Its rich capabilities not only help business owner launch their platforms but also help them in effectively managing their businesses. Explore Yo!Coach’s global clientele. 

Therefore Yo!Coach is the best choice that enables entrepreneurs to launch a professional, scalable, and revenue-ready tutoring platform that ensures smooth operations, excellent user experience, and strong market presence.

Conclusion

Cambly’s success shows that online tutoring platforms can be highly profitable and scalable in today’s digital learning era. Its subscription-based model, specialized programs, and global accessibility have made it a leading platform in the online English learning market.

For entrepreneurs looking to enter this space, building a platform from scratch is possible but time-consuming and expensive. A faster, cost-effective alternative is using ready-made software like Yo!Coach. By leveraging a ready-made solution, you can quickly enter the online tutoring market and replicate the success of platforms like Cambly while minimizing risk, development time, and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How does Cambly make money?

Ans. Cambly earns revenue through subscription plans, corporate training programs, and specialized offerings like Cambly Kids. Its recurring subscription model ensures steady revenue.

Q2. Is it profitable to build a platform like Cambly?

Ans. Yes. Online tutoring platforms are highly profitable when they offer flexible subscriptions, seamless user experience, and global reach. Using ready-made software like Yo!Coach makes profitability achievable faster.

Q3. What features are essential for an online tutoring platform?

Ans. Essential features include:

• Tutor-student profiles and matching system
  
• Secure payment gateways
  
• Live video conferencing
  
• Scheduling and booking system
  
• Progress tracking and feedback
  
• Multi-language and multi-currency support
  

Q4. Should I build my platform from scratch or use ready-made software?

Ans. Both the approaches have their own pros and cons. Hence, choose the one that best aligns with your business goals and objectives. 

• From Scratch: Offers full customization but requires high cost, technical expertise, and long development time.
  
• Ready-Made Software (Yo!Coach): Provides a fully functional platform quickly, with built-in features, scalability, and easy customization at a fraction of the cost.
  

Q5. Can a platform built with Yo!Coach scale globally?

Ans. Yes. Yo!Coach supports multi-language, multi-currency, and global scheduling, allowing your platform to serve learners worldwide while scaling efficiently.