Coconote, the AI-powered note-taking app used by over 1.5 million students, has announced that its premium version is now free for all educators nationwide as the back-to-school season begins. This move eliminates cost barriers for teachers and professors while positioning the Miami-based startup—built by former Loom engineers—as a major player in the educational technology space.
What you should know: The announcement comes at a pivotal moment as Coconote reaches its biggest milestone of serving more than 1.5 million students this year.
- Built by veteran engineers who previously worked at Loom, a video messaging company acquired by Atlassian for $975 million, the app maintains a 4.8 rating from over 11,000 reviews in the Apple App Store.
- The platform is available across iOS, Android, Mac, and web platforms, making it accessible to educators regardless of their preferred technology.
- Educators can access the free premium features by downloading the app and verifying their status as active K-12 teachers, with the offer valid through September 15, 2025.
Why this matters: The free access particularly benefits students with learning differences, with ADHD students at top universities calling the app a “lifesaver” for academic success.
- Unlike traditional note-taking methods that can overwhelm students with processing challenges, Coconote’s AI transforms lectures, videos, and documents into structured study materials.
- The platform was designed from the ground up to enhance learning while respecting schools’ honor codes, addressing concerns about academic integrity that other AI platforms have faced.
How it works: Coconote functions as an all-in-one study engine that transforms educational content into multiple learning formats.
- The platform works with YouTube videos, PDFs, Google Docs, and PowerPoints to create structured notes, quizzes, flashcards, practice exams, and study games.
- Interactive study tools include podcasts, games, and mindmaps designed with accessibility-first principles.
- The app features Google-backed development through the company’s selection for Google’s Gemini Kit program, a developer initiative supporting AI-powered applications.
What students are saying: Reviews from thousands of users highlight the app’s real-world impact on academic performance.
- “Amazing for nursing — it really helps me focus on what’s being said instead of stressing about missing something important,” said a nursing student at Vanderbilt University.
- “As someone with ADHD and auditory processing issues, this app has been a lifesaver. I can go back and hear exactly what I missed the first time,” noted a nursing student at Duke University.
- “Must-have for ADHD and for anyone in a fast-paced school — it makes me feel more at ease in class because I know I can revisit everything later,” shared a finance student at the University of Michigan.
The bigger picture: Coconote’s rapid adoption reflects growing demand for AI tools that enhance rather than replace traditional learning methods.
- The platform has gained cultural attention beyond academia, with celebrities including Joe Rogan and Patrick Dempsey following the app on Instagram.
- Cofounder Zack Hargett emphasized the company’s educational mission: “Students don’t need another distraction—they need tools that make studying easier, faster, and actually help them perform.”
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