How to Build an Online Tutoring Platform Like Preply

The global education landscape has undergone a massive shift, with digital tutoring platforms at the forefront of this transformation. In the United States, online tutoring has become a mainstream learning solution, offering personalized, flexible, and affordable education. According to Grand View Research, the US online private tutoring services market is projected to reach $8087.9 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Among these digital game-changers, Preply stands out as a leading platform that has shown how innovative business models and scalable technology can disrupt traditional education. If you are an entrepreneur planning to build a tutoring platform like Preply, this guide will walk you through Preply’s success story, revenue model, key features, and how you can build your own platform efficiently.

What is Preply?

Founded in 2012, Preply is a leading online tutoring marketplace that connects students from around the world with expert tutors. The platform provides an easy-to-navigate interface where students can search, compare, and book lessons based on their specific requirements. Originally started as a language-learning platform, it has grown into a global hub for personalized education. Today, with more than 170,000 active tutors, it not only covers language tutoring (English, Spanish, French, etc.) but also academic subjects, test preparation, professional skill development, and even hobbies such as music or art.

Emphasizing flexibility and convenience, Preply allows students to learn from anywhere, at any time, through live video lessons. Moreover, it enables tutors to create a dedicated profile showcasing their qualifications, teaching style, hourly rates, and reviews from past learners.  Thus, this model not only empowers learners but also creates income opportunities for thousands of tutors across the globe.

Today, Preply boasts more than 170,000 active tutors, catering to millions of learners worldwide. Its unique marketplace structure and commission-based model have positioned it as one of the fastest-growing players in the eLearning and tutoring industry. Essentially, Preply has transformed the way private tutoring is perceived, shifting it from a local, offline service to a scalable, global, and tech-driven solution.

Success Story of Preply 

Preply’s journey is an example of how a startup can scale globally with the right vision and technology. Founded in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2012, Preply began as a small language-learning platform connecting tutors with students. At that time, online tutoring was largely untapped, and most learners relied on traditional classroom methods or local tutors.

Preply distinguished itself with a personalized and scalable approach. Unlike conventional tutoring agencies, Preply leveraged technology to allow students to filter tutors based on availability, price, language proficiency, and student reviews. This focus on user experience and convenience helped the platform rapidly gain traction, initially in Europe and then worldwide.

By 2022, Preply had raised over $100 million in funding, enabling it to enhance its AI-driven tutor-student matching algorithm, expand its subject offerings beyond language learning, and enter new markets, including the United States. 

Today, Preply serves over 5 million active learners globally, with tutors offering lessons in more than 50 languages. The platform’s success demonstrates that combining technology with a flexible, learner-centered approach can disrupt traditional education markets and scale effectively across borders.

Business Model of Preply

Preply operates as a two-sided marketplace, connecting tutors and learners while facilitating transactions, quality assurance, and trust. This business model is particularly appealing in the US, where online tutoring has grown rapidly due to high demand for K-12 (kindergarten to 12th grade) education support, language learning, and test preparation.

Key elements of the Preply business model include:

• Tutor Profiles & Ratings: Tutors create detailed profiles showcasing their qualifications, experience, teaching style, and hourly rates. Students give ratings and reviews after lessons, which helps maintain quality standards.
• Flexible Scheduling & Booking: Students can browse multiple tutors, book trial lessons, and continue with full sessions, all within a seamless online environment.
• Commission-Based Revenue: Preply charges tutors a commission fee ranging from 18% to 33% per lesson, depending on their engagement and experience. This creates a steady revenue stream while incentivizing tutors to perform well.
• Trial Lessons & Upsells: Students often start with trial lessons, giving Preply an opportunity to generate additional revenue from first-time payments.
• Global Reach & Scalability: By supporting multiple currencies and languages, Preply caters to international learners and tutors, enhancing its market penetration and revenue potential.

In essence, Preply’s business model balances value for students, earnings for tutors, and profitability for the platform, making it a replicable framework for anyone looking to build a similar online tutoring platform.

How Does Preply Make Money? 

Preply’s revenue generation strategy is simple yet highly effective. Preply has a diversified monetization strategy to generate income. Let’s have a look at some of the revenue streams:

1. Commission from Tutors: Every lesson booked through the platform is subject to a commission fee, typically 18–33%, depending on factors like tutor experience and level of engagement. This ensures recurring revenue with minimal direct marketing costs.

Completed Hours	Commission Rate
0 – 20 hours	33%
0 – 20 hours	28%
0 – 20 hours	25%
0 – 20 hours	22%
0 – 20 hours	18%

2. Trial Lessons Revenue: Preply retains the full payment of trial lessons. For example, a tutor might set $20/hour for a trial lesson, and Preply keeps the entire amount as part of its revenue model.

3. Subscription & Premium Services: Preply offers subscription packages or premium options for learners seeking long-term or priority access to tutors.

4. Additional Services & Upselling: Preply can generate revenue from value-added services, such as certification courses, specialized learning paths, and corporate or institutional tutoring solutions.

With these combined strategies, Preply ensures sustainable income while supporting both tutor growth and student success.

Necessary Features of an Online Tutoring Platform Like Preply 

Building a successful online tutoring platform requires careful planning and the inclusion of key features that ensure seamless learning, robust functionality, and scalability. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. User Registration and Profile Management

• Secure and simple signup/login options via email, social media, or Google.
• Detailed tutor profiles including qualifications, experience, certifications, hourly rate, language proficiency, and teaching style.
• Student profiles showcase learning goals, subjects of interest, progress tracking, and lesson history.
• Profile verification (identity, credentials) to build trust and credibility.

2. Advanced Search and Filtering

• Ability for students to search tutors by subject, language, availability, price, and ratings.
• Filters for experience, specialization, and location/time zone to enhance user convenience.
• Smart recommendation engine suggesting tutors based on the learner’s preferences and past sessions.

3. Scheduling and Booking System

• Real-time calendar integration for booking lessons.
• Automatic timezone detection to avoid confusion for global users.
• Rescheduling and cancellation options for flexibility.
• Booking reminders via email, SMS, or push notifications.

4. Secure Payment Gateway

• Support for major US payment methods like Stripe, PayPal, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and more.
• Multi-currency support for international tutors and students.
• Transparent pricing and invoicing to maintain trust.
• Escrow system to hold payments until lessons are successfully delivered.

5. Video Conferencing and Interactive Learning Tools

• HD video conferencing is integrated into the platform.
• Interactive whiteboard, screen sharing, and file exchange.
• Recording lessons for future reference.
• Group session support for collaborative learning, if required.

6. Ratings, Reviews, and Feedback System

• Students can rate tutors after each session.
• Detailed reviews and testimonials to help new students make informed decisions.
• Enables the platform to maintain quality standards and accountability.

7. Student Dashboard

• View lesson history, track learning progress, and manage schedules.
• Access lesson recordings, downloadable resources, and assignments.
• Option to communicate directly with tutors through integrated messaging.

8. Tutor Dashboard

• Manage lessons, availability, and schedule.
• Track earnings, payments, and commissions.
• View performance analytics such as student ratings and feedback.
• Tools to upload teaching materials and track lesson effectiveness.

9. Admin Panel

• Centralized dashboard to manage tutors, students, payments, commissions, and disputes.
• Monitor platform activity, analytics, and performance reports.
• Configure pricing models, promotional offers, and subscription plans.
• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy laws (like GDPR/CCPA), and platform standards.

10. Notifications and Alerts

• Push notifications, SMS, and email alerts for upcoming lessons, cancellations, payment confirmations, and promotional offers.
• Keeps both students and tutors engaged and informed.

11. Multi-language and Multi-currency Support

• Essential for targeting global students and tutors, especially in the US, with diverse learners.
• Supports seamless conversion of currencies and translation of platform content.

12. Security and Compliance Features

• End-to-end encryption for video lessons and messages.
• Secure storage of personal data and payment information.
• Compliance with international and US-specific regulations.
• Regular security audits to prevent data breaches.

13. Analytics and Reporting

• Insights for tutors on student progress, retention, and engagement.
• Insights for admins on platform usage, popular subjects, revenue trends, and tutor performance.
• Helps in strategic decision-making and platform improvements.

14. Gamification and Engagement Tools (Optional but Valuable)

• Progress badges, achievement milestones, and reward points to motivate learners.
• Leaderboards for courses or challenges to increase engagement.

Steps to Build an Online Tutoring Platform Like Preply 

1. Market Research & Niche Selection

The first step to building a successful online tutoring platform is thorough market research and defining your target audience. Understand who you want to serve: K-12 students, college prep candidates, language learners, or professionals looking to upskill. Knowing your audience helps you tailor your platform’s services and features to their specific needs. 

Further, analyze the latest market trends and pain points your audience faces, so you can address them effectively. Study your competitors to discover gaps in their offerings, and use those insights to shape your unique value proposition, such as specializing in niche subjects, offering AI-driven tutor matching, providing flexible scheduling, or lowering commission fees. This focused approach gives you a competitive edge and clarity in your business planning.

2. Choose a Business Model/Monetization Strategy

The next step is deciding how your platform will operate and generate revenue. The following are some revenue generation channels that you can incorporate into your platform.

• Commission-based model: Platform takes a percentage (typically 18–33%) from each tutor’s lesson.
• Subscription-based model: Students pay monthly/annual fees for access to lessons or premium features.
• Hybrid model: Combination of commission and subscription for diversified revenue.
• Consider trial lessons, promotions, and upsells as additional revenue streams.

3. Feature Planning & Platform Design.

An effective online tutoring platform must include essential features such as intuitive dashboards for both tutors and learners. Further, Integrated video conferencing equipped with tools like virtual whiteboards, screen sharing, and session recording ensures interactive learning.

For admins, robust user management, analytics, marketing tools, and notification systems are crucial. Advanced features like gamification, AI-powered tutor recommendations, and learning analytics further boost engagement. A fully responsive design guarantees seamless usability across devices.

Explore all the essential features.

4. Choose Development Approach

Custom Development:

Custom development allows you to build your tutoring platform from the ground up. For this, you have to hire a dedicated team of developers. 

• Pros: Fully flexible, unique features, scalable.
• Cons: Expensive ($50K–$100K+), time-consuming (6–12 months).

Readymade Platforms (e.g., Yo!Coach):

On the other hand, readymade solutions come equipped with all the essential features and provide the benefits of custom development at a fraction of the cost. 

• Pros: Quick launch (2–4 weeks), cost-effective (starts at $999), pre-integrated features, scalable, and customizable.
• Cons: Limited customization compared to full custom builds, but flexible enough for most needs.

5. Launch and Market Your Online Tutoring Platform

Further, the next step is to launch your online tutoring platform and create a marketing strategy that focuses on building a quality tutor base. You can promote your platform through targeted digital campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, while also engaging in educational forums, blogs, and partnerships with schools and colleges.

• Onboard initial tutors to ensure a quality pool before attracting students.
• Run digital marketing campaigns targeting US learners via:
  
  
  • Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
  • Educational forums, blogs, and partnerships with schools or colleges.
    
• Offer trial lessons or introductory discounts to attract early adopters.
• Gather user feedback during soft launch to refine platform functionality.
  

8. Marketing & Student Acquisition

• Leverage content marketing: blogs, guides, and SEO to rank for keywords like “online tutoring platform USA” or “Preply alternatives.”
• Implement referral programs: reward tutors and students for inviting new users.
• Use email campaigns and push notifications for retention.
• Collaborate with schools, universities, and edtech influencers for wider reach.
  

9. Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Regularly update features based on feedback: scheduling improvements, new learning tools, analytics dashboards.
• Monitor server performance and uptime to ensure a smooth user experience.
• Track metrics like lesson completion, student retention, tutor engagement, and revenue growth.
• Implement periodic security audits to protect user data.
  

10. Scaling & Expansion

• Expand to new subjects or skill areas based on demand.
• Add AI-powered tutor recommendations to improve matching efficiency.
• Explore corporate and institutional partnerships for B2B revenue streams.
• Scale marketing campaigns to other US regions or international markets.

How Yo!Coach Can Help Build a Platform Like Preply 

Building a Preply-like online tutoring platform from scratch can be costly, time-consuming, and technically challenging. Hence, opting for a tutor management software proves to be an optimal choice. 

This is where Yo!Coach comes in. As a ready-to-use online tutoring software, Yo!Coach provides all the essential features—live video sessions, scheduling, secure payments, tutor/student dashboards, ratings, and analytics—allowing you to launch your platform quickly and cost-effectively. Its customizable and scalable architecture ensures that your platform can grow with your user base, while you focus on marketing, engagement, and business expansion.

1. Rapid Deployment

Launch your platform in just 2–4 weeks, compared to 6–12 months for custom development.

• Why it matters: Fast deployment helps you capitalize on market demand, acquire early users, and start generating revenue quickly.
• Benefit for US entrepreneurs: Quickly enter the competitive US online tutoring market and attract students before competitors.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

Yo!Coach offers plans starting at $999, significantly reducing upfront development costs compared to custom builds that can exceed $50,000–$100,000.

• Benefit: Start your business with minimal financial risk while maintaining access to premium features.
• Additional advantage: No hidden costs for core features like video integration, payment processing, or dashboards.

3. Pre-Integrated Essential Features

Yo!Coach comes with all the key functionalities required for a Preply-like platform:

• Video conferencing (Zoom, Lessonspace, CometChat)
• Scheduling and booking system
• Secure payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay)
• Student and tutor dashboards
• Ratings, reviews, and feedback system
• Admin panel for platform management
• Benefit: Eliminates the need for time-consuming coding or third-party integrations.

4. Customizable & Brandable

Fully customizable UI/UX to match your brand, including colors, logo, layout, and themes.

• Why it matters: Provides a unique identity for your platform, helping it stand out in a competitive US market.
• Extra advantage: Flexibility to add custom modules or advanced features as your business grows.

5. Multiple Monetization Options

Yo!Coach supports various revenue models to maximize profitability:

• Commission-based earnings from each lesson (18–33%)
• Subscription plans for students
• Paid trial lessons or premium packages
• Benefit: Allows entrepreneurs to tailor monetization strategies according to market needs and growth stage.

6. Multi-Language & Multi-Currency Support

Supports international tutors and US-based learners with currency conversions and multilingual interfaces.

• Why it matters: Essential for global scalability and attracting a diverse student base.
• Extra advantage: Enables easy expansion into international markets without additional technical work.

7. Security & Compliance

Comes with built-in security protocols, including payment encryption, data protection, and compliance with GDPR and CCPA.

• Why it matters: Builds trust with US users who are increasingly concerned about privacy and secure online payments.
• Additional benefit: Reduces legal risks associated with handling sensitive student and tutor data.

8. Scalable & Future-Ready

Yo!Coach is designed to scale seamlessly as your user base grows.

• Benefit: Handle increasing numbers of tutors and students without platform slowdowns or crashes.
• Additional advantage: Add new subjects, AI-driven tutor recommendations, or corporate partnerships as your platform expands.

Further, let’s have a look at some of the platforms built with Yo!Coach.

Platforms Like Preply Built With Yo!Coach

Yo!Coach has empowered numerous entrepreneurs and institutions to launch feature-rich online tutoring platforms akin to Preply. These platforms leverage Yo!Coach’s robust suite of tools, including live video sessions, interactive whiteboards, multilingual support, and secure payment gateways, enables to deliver of personalized and scalable learning experiences.

1. WTutors – Hong Kong

• Overview: WTutors is a Hong Kong-based online tutoring platform that offers affordable learning and skill improvement opportunities to learners worldwide.
• Key Features: Multilingual support, multi-currency transactions, live video conferencing, code editor, whiteboard, and workplace collaboration tools.
• Customization: Tailored design and feature enhancements to align with WTutors’ business objectives.
• Website: www.wtutors.com

2. Language Explorer – Italy

• Overview: Language Explorer is a global online language learning platform connecting learners and tutors across different geographies.
• Key Features: One-on-one and group sessions, lesson creation, trial bookings, lesson scheduling, and online whiteboard.
• Technology: Video conferencing powered by AtomChat, integrated within Yo!Coach.
• Website: www.languagexplorer.com

3. Sophos Education – UK

• Overview: Sophos Education is a UK-based online academic learning platform connecting students with experienced subject experts.
• Key Features: Credit-based session purchasing, express booking, teacher session approval, and automatic weekly payouts for tutors.
• Customization: Integration of features to address parental control concerns and enhance user experience.
• Website: sophoseducation.ai

4. Fluentile – USA

• Overview: Fluentile is a global online language learning platform offering personalized language courses to learners at all levels.
• Key Features: Personalized language learning courses, an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Website: www.fluentile.com
  Explore the global clientele of Yo!Coach

5. StudyUnite – UK

• Overview: StudyUnite is an innovative online tutoring platform connecting students with tutors across various subjects, including Anatomy & Physiology, English Literature, and Engineering.
• Key Features: Access to over 60 subjects, onboarding of 100+ tutors from 20 countries, and serving 500+ learners from 18 countries.
• Website: www.studyunite.online

These platforms exemplify the versatility and scalability of Yo!Coach in supporting diverse tutoring models, from academic subjects to specialized fields like language learning and wellness. By leveraging Yo!Coach’s comprehensive features, these platforms have successfully created engaging and efficient learning environments for their users.

Conclusion

Launching an online tutoring platform like Preply presents a huge opportunity, especially in the rapidly growing US e-learning market. However, building such a platform from scratch can be time-consuming, expensive, and technically challenging.

In this growing sector, success is all about adopting learners and tutors quickly, scaling efficiently, and continuously enhancing user experience. Thus, edupreneurs should focus on building a platform that combines essential features with flexibility and scalability, so they can adapt to evolving educational needs and user expectations.

Moreover, drawing insights from proven models, prioritizing seamless live sessions, intuitive scheduling, secure payments, and data-driven analytics will help you deliver a compelling user experience that fosters trust and engagement. By concentrating on your platform’s unique value and growth strategy, you can carve out your niche in the vibrant online tutoring ecosystem.

FAQ’s

Q 1. What is Preply, and how does its platform work?

Answer: Preply is an online tutoring marketplace connecting students with tutors worldwide. It allows students to search for tutors by subject, language, experience, and price, book lessons, and attend live video sessions through an integrated platform.

Q 2. What features are necessary to build a platform like Preply?

Answer: Essential features include:

• Student and tutor dashboards
• Lesson scheduling and booking system
• Secure payment gateways
• Ratings and reviews
• Live video conferencing
• Analytics and reporting

Optional advanced features such as AI-based tutor recommendations, gamification, and multi-language support can be included.

Q 3. How does an online tutoring platform make money?

Answer: Common revenue models include:

• Commission-based: Taking a percentage of each booked lesson.
• Subscription-based: Charging students or tutors a recurring fee.
• Hybrid model: Combining commissions with subscriptions.
  Additional revenue can come from premium lessons, trial lessons, or referral programs.

Q 4. Is it better to build a platform from scratch or use ready-made software?

Answer: Building from scratch offers full customization but is time-consuming and expensive ($50,000–$100,000+). Ready-made software like Yo!Coach allows you to launch an online tutoring platform quickly, cost-effectively, and access pre-built essential features, making it ideal for startups and small businesses.

Q 5. How long does it take to launch a platform like Preply?

Answer: Custom development can take 6–12 months, depending on complexity. Whereas, a ready-made solution like Yo!Coach reduces the development time with its pre-built modules and allows you to launch a platform like Preply in 2–4 weeks, enabling faster entry into the market.

Q 6. Can I scale my tutoring platform for more users?

Answer: Yes, with the right software, you can easily scale your tutoring platform. Scalability depends on the platform architecture and technology used. Tutor management software such as Yo!Coach are designed to handle growing numbers of tutors, students, and concurrent lessons without performance issues.

Q 7. What are common challenges when building a platform like Preply?

Answer: Key challenges include:

• Integrating secure payments and video sessions
• Managing tutor verification and ratings
• Ensuring platform security and compliance
• Attracting both students and qualified tutors to reach a critical mass
• Using pre-built software or leveraging experienced development teams can mitigate these challenges.

Q 8. How can I attract students and tutors to my platform?

Answer: Effective strategies include:

• Digital marketing (SEO, Google Ads, social media campaigns)
• Referral programs for tutors and students
• Offering trial lessons or discounts
• Partnering with schools, colleges, or corporate clients for credibility