Preply Bets on AI to Supercharge Language Learning

Online language learning marketplace Preply is leveraging OpenAI's technology to enhance its human-led tutoring model. The platform now uses AI to generate personalized lesson summaries, provide specific feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and create tailored practice exercises.

This move aims to deepen the connection between learners and tutors by automating repetitive administrative tasks for educators. According to OpenAI News, Preply saw an opportunity to strengthen, not replace, the human element of language education.

Building AI Around Human Teaching

Preply evaluated multiple AI models before partnering with OpenAI, citing its speed, reliability, and production readiness for global scale. The company introduced ChatGPT Enterprise internally, achieving 95% weekly active usage among its employees across various global offices.

The core of this integration is 'Lesson Insights,' an AI-powered feature that analyzes lesson transcripts. Within minutes of a session ending, learners and tutors receive a structured report. This report includes a summary of key topics, grammar corrections, vocabulary highlights, pronunciation feedback, and suggested next steps.

These insights directly feed into Preply’s exercise engine, generating personalized homework. This transforms each human lesson into structured practice that builds over time, offering learners a clearer path to fluency.

“I think the biggest opportunity in language learning is in personalization,” stated Dmytro Voloshyn, Co-founder & CTO, Preply. “AI can do it much better” than humans for certain elements specific to individual learners.

Transforming Operations Internally

Beyond customer-facing features, Preply utilizes OpenAI APIs across its organization. This includes customer service workflows, internal system connections, and automating operational processes. Custom GPTs, like its Brand Voice GPT, ensure content consistency.

Codex, OpenAI's code generation model, is also integrated into Preply's engineering workflow. Around 94% of Preply engineers use AI coding assistants for tasks like code generation, reviews, and debugging, accelerating development.

This allows engineering teams to focus on building new learning experiences and scaling products more rapidly.

Measurable Impact and Future Vision

Preply reports significant engagement with its AI features. Approximately 75% of English-language learners actively use Lesson Insights, with over 70% of tutors utilizing the feature. Crucially, around 75% of active learners continue to engage with Lesson Insights more than a year after adoption, indicating sustained value.

Tutors like Michelle Garcia Ramos report that AI features have cut preparation time by more than half, allowing them to focus more on direct student support and providing better-focused lessons.

Preply plans to further develop Lesson Insights, aiming for a deeper understanding of each learner's goals, progress, and preferences over time. The company envisions a learning experience that continuously adapts to the individual, offering precise guidance and curriculum recommendations.

The future, according to Preply, is human-led and AI-enabled, augmenting human capabilities with AI copilots for repetitive tasks.