VIPKID vs GOGOKID vs MAGIC EARS: Updated 2021 Comparison (& my thoughts)

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Interested in applying to VIPKid, Gogokid or Magic Ears? Jump to: www.onlineteacherdude.com/teach-esl-online and click the links for the companies on that page. Thanks!

[@Paola-jf2qf]

Why aren't they hiring in California?🤔😥

[@MichaelVenn]

Solid breakdown! You and so many others have me curious about what ME is like. Who knows, maybe I’ll even apply to them next!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thanks so much! I don't teach for ME anymore, but I am hired on with Zebra....they are interesting and you would probably like them - very game based and interactive....although, I think GGK trumps them a bit in the platform.

[@adventura11]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 GGK platform in my opinion lacks and is very unstable. I interviewed with them a month ago almost and I had a lot of difficulty opening the platform. I didn't pass due to those reasons very unstable. Not sure if I want to go back to reapply they said I can in 30 days which should be coming up. Anyone expierience QKids I am trying with them again now in the application process.

[@scottshanahan3827]

@@adventura11 I had the same experience with ggk

[@melt.6261]

Thank you so much for this awesome video! It was extremely helpful! 😊

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thanks Mel!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Want to get the guide to finding the best company for YOU? Grab it here: www.onlineteacherdude.com/freebie1

[@JennaLee94]

I watched this from the beginning to end! Thanks for the very clear and detailed information. I agree with everything you said. Happy Holidays! I wish I was somewhere warmer like you :)

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Hi Jenna! Thank you for watching it from the beg - end! I appreciate that and hope it was helpful. Funny how the "grass is always greener".- I would LOVE some winter....but I haven't had it in 10 years so that might be why I am craving the season change.

[@ginganinja4085]

The magic ears base pay graphic shown in this video is now outdated. 1000 classes with another company is not enough for a higher tier base pay. They are now looking at applicant’s experience on a case by case basis. (Unofficially, I’ve head it’s more like 3000+ classes with another company would be required for a higher base pay). Since Aug 2020, Magic ears is also accepting applicants from other English speaking countries (beyond US and Canada). The base pay is especially different- and is also adjusted on a case by case basis depending on the country. I personally know two teachers from SA who passed the hiring process and are current teachers. Overall I love magic ears. I am 99% booked and I love the flexible cancellation policy. - written by an existing ME teacher

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thank you Ginga Ninja! This was the graphic confirmed to me by their team but I just heard today that it is now 5,000 classes for the $10. Sometimes what is advertised is not always reality! Magic ears might be accepting "some" South Africans but that's about it.... I have had many turned away from native speaking countries like the UK. Unfortunately, it just isn't happening "in practice". They are hiring SA's but I have heard the pay is very low.

[@TeacherKellyTag]

Thanks. This helps me answer questions when people ask

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thank you Kelly!!

[@dwkeiko]

This is great info! Thanks for sharing Tim!!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thank you Dominique - hope you are doing well!

[@kristi981]

Just thought I'd add that Magic Ears has recently changed their base pay requirements. In order to receive $8.50/class you must have taught over 3000 classes online. For $9.50/class you must have taught over 5000 classes AND have at least a bachelors in English Language Teaching, Early Childhood Development, or Special Education. But I LOVE their platform!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thank you for this!! I double checked with them and they confirmed this image was accurate for right now but I guess it isn't.

[@prettyfancy]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 yeah, I was JUST hired less than a week ago and they told me 3000 classes ☹️

[@janetfurness1618]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 I have also just been hired by Magicears with just under 3000 classes with VIPkid and offered $7.50 base pay. Kick in the teeth as I earn $8 base pay with VIPkid and was hoping for an increase or at least the same. If they still insist this picture is right Id love to know before I actually sign my contract... or don't. I have to decide.

[@fortheloveofteaching9514]

This is great! I work for VIPkid, GGK, and Outschool. By far, my favorite platform is VIPkid. VIPkid is my primary resource. I teach often for GGK on weekends, VIPkid all week, and randomly for Outschool. I love ALL of them, however.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thanks for commenting - I love VIPKid too!

[@laurarisdallminnesotateach4914]

Great video, Tim. You are so informative. Thanks!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thank you Laura - love your videos as well.

[@adventura11]

Important to note Magic Ears has changed the pay structure. Now it is similar to VIPKid, based on how many lifetime classes you taught at other companies plus holding a Bachelor's Degree. But ME still gives base pay raises.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Yes, that should be reflected in the pay screenshot in the video - thanks!

[@michaellacarter8840]

Thanks for the info. Signed 2nd contract wirh vipkid, failed demo with Gogo ans looking at ME. So thanks for the tips!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

You are doing great! Don't worry about the failed demo with GGK...it's all too common. Redo it in 30 days (send them an email) , most people pass on the 2nd go.

[@KiyanaThomas]

Love this breakdown. I’m thinking of going independent but I know it can be challenging. The thing I like with these companies is that they bring the clients to you vs. going out on my own finding the clients (i.e marketing). I’m curious what black teachers are saying about these platforms. I’m finding the bookings inconsistent (even with Outschool) and am not having the same results my white counterparts have shared. That’s why I think going independent would be the best option for me.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Hi Kiyana! Thanks for leaving a comment. Yes, it can be challenging and does take some work in the beginning but totally doable. I can't speak for folks of color specific experience but I know that many of them enjoy booked schedules and lots of success. Bookings are inconsistent on Outschool for lots of teachers, nothing about your skin color - it's just the nature of the type of platform and that kids are more so back to school. Are you teaching on going classes with OS?

[@KiyanaThomas]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 thanks for your reply. I just started one ongoing science class and have an ongoing preschool class with no bookings. Would you suggest I open more ongoing classes? Do you market outside of Outschool?

[@KiyanaThomas]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 thanks for your reply. I just started one ongoing science class and have an ongoing preschool class with no bookings. Would you suggest I open more ongoing classes? Do you market outside of Outschool?

[@MandyCrane]

Thank you for sharing.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thanks for listening!

[@jennifers.7037]

This video is extremely helpful! I have been with Qkids for just over a month, and I love it, however I am not getting a many bookings as I'd like. Magic Ears sounds like a great fit for me, based on what you said about their forgiving cancellation policy. Thank you!!!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Yes, if you are with Q, you will like Magic Ears...link is in description to apply. Im sure you will do great.

[@angelicapeele2044]

Nice update Tim!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Thank you Angelica!

[@scottshanahan3827]

Just started with vipkid. My base is just 7 per class which isn't really worth it, but almost all of my classes have been booked with 24 hours which bumps it up to 9.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

That's what everyone gets these days unfortunately. Short notice helps and the incentives will bring you up a $1 / class roughly or a bit more.

[@scottshanahan3827]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 next week, of all goes as planned, I'll bump from 0.80 per class to 1.2 (if I'm reading it right). For short notice classes that bumps me to 10.20 per class which is a good rate.

[@dominiquerandolph7515]

Hello ! I’m from California , what company’s do hire peoples from here ?..

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Good question - perhaps look at some non-chinese companies like Nil English or Cambly.

[@-AtomsPhere-]

The bachelors degree is a hard and fast requirement?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

For these companies - yes! But you can apply to Cambly without a degree - onlineteacherdude.com/cambly-apply

[@MaaikeGirardin]

How come teachers from those states do not get hired? just curious

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Its a law in those states regarding "gig" work and independent contractors whereby these companies are required to give benefits etc.. You can google it, I forget the bills name.

[@GoldenbellTraining]

Didn't know that you were in Malaysia. I'm in Thailand. Wife wants me to teach online instead of the classroom so I can focus on my KZbin channel and online business

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Awesome! Thanks for commenting. If you fit the requirements, VIPKid is an easy one to get started with. My links are in the video description and I'll send you my resources once you apply. Just shoot me an email if you do. Im looking at heading to Thailand soon actually if Malaysia kicks out the "expired tourist visa holders" soon.

[@wowokwow533]

Why are some states excluded from teaching?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Due to IC (ind. contractor) laws in those states....big companies cannot agree to pay health benefits to their online teachers..

[@makemoneyrevealed1618]

Tim which platform would you recommend for non-us citizens and someone who also doesn't want high energy platform like Magic Ears?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Hi! Hmm....How about Cambly? Teach adults and make around $10.80/hour. Where are you from? Whales is great for British teachers....Maybe also Palfish.

[@makemoneyrevealed1618]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 Hi Tim. Thanks, I'm not from Britain though. I'll have a look at Cambly

[@germain5718]

Hey Tim, I plan on moving and teaching from Mexico, but I am from California and you mentioned they wouldn’t hire Californians... do you know if there’s anything I can do about that?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Just don't tell them you are from California. Try to keep all your CA details out of the application if you can. 😂Do you do your taxes in CA?

[@germain5718]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 I currently do. Did you have to show proof that you are eligible to work in North America with a US Passport or Driver License? Because both of mine say California.

[@ukuleleangela6153]

@@germain5718 Did you figure it out? I live in California too.

[@germain5718]

@@ukuleleangela6153 not yet, cause even though I’d be living in Mexico as a dual citizen, I have to show proof that I’m American, and every document shows that I’m from California...

[@LapetiteMe]

@@germain5718 Hi, I was also wondering if you were able to move to mexico and work there? This is what I’m planning on doing but currently live in California , thank you so muc (:

[@noneyabusiness3156]

Great video! Do you happen to know why these companies stopped taking applicants from California?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Hi and yes, I do. It has to do with IC laws in those states (Independent Contractor). It is related to the Assembly Bill 5 - requiring gig workers to receive certain compensations like health insurance, etc.. from their employer.

[@johnnyquest9519]

As of 5.8.2021, it is seven dollars base rate

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Which company .... I talked about 3 in this video. I think you are referring to VIPKid, in which case, yes, that is mostly correct...some are getting $7.50 though.

[@johnnyquest9519]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 VIPKids I have a masters, a TESOL and teach private music lessons.

[@lynnespringer1513]

You have new digs? Where is the kitchen?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

No same place :)

[@nanaslife1519]

What documents are needed?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

For these companies, you need transcripts, proof of citizenship, etc...I believe that official transcripts are needed.

[@MandyCrane]

Is there one company that you prefer over the others?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Hands down, I prefer VIPKid - but I have built up a nice "pack" of regulars who book me short notice. I don't prepare anymore. I have it too easy with them now. 2nd place would be Gogokid and, more recently...Zebra English!

[@waynebicknell4452]

Have all the requirements to get started... Except the teaching experience... How do I get that.... Are there some companies I can start with that have few teaching experience requirements? And... Have visited Malaysia a couple times... Love it there

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Hi Wayne, when they say teaching experience, they don't mean traditional teaching, anything with kids counts. In fact, they don't ask you to list it. Just put more than 1 on the application form.

[@tiffymluv]

why are they not hiring from California?? :0

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Due to IC laws in CA and now in NY and WA also. You can search it up on google. Has to do with requirements to pay benefits to ICs.

[@tiffymluv]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 Hi, I looked into it briefly, but does this include all online teaching platforms?

[@George7763]

You save me so much time applying to these companies, but why do these companies not hire people from California? Do you know which companies that do hire people from California? Also do you tutor for a 30 minute or 1 hour session for helping people like me who are looking to teach online? If so, could you tell me your prices.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

There are IC laws in CA, NY and WA that prevent companies from hiring teachers as independent contractors. You can google it but its related to some recent laws passed about requirements for IC's. I do offer coaching on a 1:1 basis, yes. Send me an email: [e-mail]

[@dogwhiskers8]

Are there any opportunities for a person without a Bachelor's degree?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Yes, it just takes a bit of work to find. I would recommend Outschool if you are a native speaker from US/Canada. / UK / Australia or Ireland.

[@dogwhiskers8]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 Thank you so much Tim. Appreciate you getting back to me.

[@krishnavarshney949]

Can fluent english speakers from india, apply to these?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

No, they can't unfortunately.

[@letydlso510]

What if Im from California but I live in another country? Is it a possibility to get hired?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

As long as your ID , tax info, drivers license doesn't mention California.

[@letydlso510]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 Is there other companies that hire people from California?

[@lidas.5425]

Can you negotiate your base rate with either of these companies? If yes, at which point can you do that?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

No, not really. VIPKid is a set base rate all new teachers now get $7 or $7.50, Gogokid is a bit more up to your demo and experience Magic Ears is a set rate based on your education and online teaching experience. I have videos about these pay scales.

[@lidas.5425]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 Thanks for the answer. If one works very few hours during the contract for one company are they more/less likely to extend my contract? Or it doesn't matter? I mean you can't really work for several companies and work a lot of hours with each which then impacts your ability to accumulate hours and move through the tiers and ranks to get the bonuses/incentives/pay raises. I suppose you shouldn't have same time lots opent for different companies as you risk double-booking and then have to cancel, right? I know some have lenient cancelation policies, but does that mean as long as you are cancelling well in advance - more than 24hrs say - there are no penalties? I am sorry I have many questions, but I am brand new to all this and am trying to figure out how this works.

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

@@lidas.5425 You bring up a great point, having a 2nd company can just provide some security or it can fill in the gaps where you aren't getting booked. You are correct, companies want you all in and so they reward you with incentives for working peak hours, etc... I always suggest going where you make the most money. Since they have no min. hours, you don't need to open slots at all with a company, and yes they will renew your contract.

[@lidas.5425]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 So GREAT to read this !-----> ..."you don't need to open slots at all with a company, and yes they will renew your contract."

[@nanaslife1519]

Do they need official or unofficial transcripts?

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

I believe its official.

[@shayeharris4036]

Hear of Whales much? Thoughts? I work with DaDa and now hired with Whales!!!

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Awesome - I have heard great things!

[@shayeharris4036]

@@onlineteacherdude1284 wonderful!!!! Hiring process was a bit tenuous! But I had a great recruiter! 😀 love your channel!

[@deepikasharma1055]

Hi how we follow you on insta

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

Just click follow! My IG is @onlineteacherdude

[@deepikasharma1055]

Hi ,Please help me finding a job in online tutoring. I am from India

[@onlineteacherdude1284]

@@deepikasharma1055 That question is too complicated to answer on a youtube comment. My website has some options but not sure about being from India to be honest. Maybe Cambly?