Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist is an individual who carefully listens to an audio or video recording and transcribes everything that is spoken with precision, while ensuring that the final document is devoid of any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes.
In order to meet the requirements of certain transcription companies, it is crucial to possess a high level of precision, even when it comes to capturing speech mannerisms like “uh” and “um.” The tasks involved in transcription can range from transcribing podcasts, interviews, business meetings, to classroom lectures.
Benefits of being an online transcriptionist
Online transcription jobs offer the main advantages of flexible hours and the freedom to work at one’s own pace. Unless a company requires specific working hours, transcriptionists have the liberty to establish their own schedule.
Before starting an assignment, you must ensure to have a conversation with your prospective employer regarding the expected hours or volume of work as some businesses might request transcribers to achieve a specific daily word count and meet particular deadlines.
Ways to find legitimate online transcription opportunities
There are numerous legitimate transcription services that hire remote transcriptionists to fulfill their requirements. Several companies utilize online platforms such as Indeed to recruit and allocate projects to freelance transcribers.
The following should be provided by a company when hiring for online transcription jobs.
Free application process
Legitimate online transcription companies generate income by serving clients and should refrain from requesting any payment to begin working. However, in the case of applying for a company handling sensitive information, a nominal fee for a background check may be required.
Clear instructions for getting started
In order for work-from-home transcriptionists to be hired by companies, it is necessary for these companies to offer detailed information on their website regarding the application process for a freelance position. Certain transcription businesses only provide an email contact or a form for individuals who are interested in working for them. If you lack experience, it might not be worthwhile to inquire about these opportunities.
Payment plan
Transcription companies need to provide clear information regarding the time and manner of payment for contractors. Typically, payment is made after a certain duration, depending on the projects that have been finished by the contractors.
How to succeed as an online transcriptionist
If you keep these things in mind, you can make a great first impression in this field and enhance your chances of excelling at this job and increasing your earning potential.
When you are a beginner, it is more important to prioritize accuracy over speed while rephrasing the text below. Make sure to follow a step-by-step thinking process and maintain the same meaning without introducing new information or omitting any existing information. It is crucial to ensure that your transcription is error-free, encompassing every spoken word present in the audio file.
Ensure that you meet your deadlines by giving yourself ample time, as it could take longer than anticipated to complete an assignment when beginning as an online transcriber.
Begin by advertising online. Once you have gained some skill, develop an online website to enhance your presence as a transcriber. You can share links to your website on social media platforms.
Online transcription companies
Please be aware that the companies mentioned in this article are not affiliated with Indeed, and they provide remote transcription opportunities to both beginners and experienced transcribers. The payment structures offered by these companies vary, either based on the number of words transcribed or the duration of audio/video in minutes and hours. For the latest information, kindly click on the provided links.
1. TranscribeMe!
The rate for each audio hour is between $15 and $22.
The type of payment is PayPal.
The text can be rephrased as follows: In order to meet the requirements, one must successfully pass an English exam and complete a training course. Additionally, the browser used should be Google Chrome.
Once you complete the transcriber training program provided by TranscribeMe!, beginners can start without any experience or special equipment. Transcriptionists can select audio files from WorkHub and complete them at their convenience.
2. Speechpad
The rate for this task is $0.25 to $2.50 for every hour of audio.
PayPal is the type of payment.
In order to meet the requirements, one must successfully pass both a typing and grammar test without adding or removing any information.
After passing their tests, you will have the opportunity to earn ratings that will be used to assess the audio transcripts accessible to you. You will also be able to select your own projects and may be eligible for higher-paying opportunities.
3. CastingWords
The rate is $0.085-$1.00 or possibly higher per audio minute.
Payment method: PayPal.
To be eligible, one must fulfill certain requirements, such as successfully passing a test, being employed in a specific state, and utilizing Amazon Mechanical Turk (MT).
If you are familiar with the MT platform, you can work on various audio projects as a transcriptionist for CastingWords. After being approved, you can select available audio files and finish them at your own convenience. This service exclusively employs freelance contractors residing in specific states.
4. Upwork
When starting your search for online transcription jobs, the best place to begin is Upwork, the world’s work marketplace. Upwork offers opportunities in various fields, including legal and medical transcription.
Because Upwork has clients across the globe, you are likely to find a job that suits your skill set due to the large number of categories and high volume of work clients need done. Additionally, this platform is one of the best places to find transcription work in languages beyond English.
Job requirements on Upwork differ as they are mainly determined by individual clients. Nevertheless, as a freelance transcriptionist, you can distinguish yourself on Upwork by having the following skills:
- Strong grasp of grammar. You should be able to identify grammatical errors or other mistakes in both spoken word and written text, and you should be able to correct them when needed.
- Language fluency. As a transcriptionist, you should be fluent in the language you’re putting to paper to deliver quality work.
- Computer skills. You should be able to use transcription and word processing software, as well as other basic computer programs.
- Excellent typing. Apart from having a fast typing speed, you’ll have to be accurate in your work.
- Patience. In some cases, you may have to listen to low-quality audio and video files while under tight deadlines. As a transcriptionist, you need to have a high degree of patience to complete such projects successfully.
Having a degree or professional certification can help improve your Upwork profile, although it is not mandatory. Upwork suggests the programs and certification courses listed below to individuals who aim to develop their transcription career.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or business administration
- General Transcription Certification offered by the Transcription Certification Institute
- Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
- Registered Healthcare Documentation Transcriptionist (RHDS) offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
On Upwork, transcriptionists typically make between $17 and $22 per hour, and their weekly payments are protected by Upwork Payment Protection.
5. Rev
Rev, which was established in 2010, offers video subtitling, captioning, and audio transcription solutions. It provides a combination of human and AI-powered transcription services. Transcriptionists who work on Rev have the benefit of a flexible schedule, receive weekly payments, and have access to numerous job opportunities.
Most of the jobs on Rev require transcriptionists to listen to video and audio files, type what’s being said, sync typed audio and video, and label speakers. Job requirements:
- Strong grammar. You need excellent grammatical skills and proficiency in the English language.
- Pass a transcription test. You are required to submit a caption or transcription sample. The work is reviewed to ensure that it meets customer standards.
- Own the proper equipment. You should have access to a computer, reliable internet connection, and word processing software.
On Rev, transcriptionists can make anywhere from $0.30 to $1.10 for every audio or video minute they transcribe. Captioners, on the other hand, can earn between $0.54 and $1.10 for every audio or video minute they caption.
6. GMR transcription
GMR Transcription, located in the United States, offers a range of transcription services for various sectors including legal, business, and academic fields. Working with GMR Transcription does not require substantial transcription experience, but the company presently hires only transcriptionists based in the US. Job requirements:
- Computer skills. You should have strong computer skills since you’ll work with Microsoft Word and other specialized transcription software in this role.
- Listening skills. As a transcriptionist, you need good listening skills so you can understand what’s being said in different videos and audio files.
- Time management skills. Since working as a transcriptionist on GMR Transcription is a remote and independent role, you need to be dependable, able to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure to succeed.
- Quality focus. Transcriptionists on GMR Transcription are required to adhere to high quality standards.
Transcriptionists on GMR Transcription can earn between $1,000 and $3,000 per month depending on the type of projects they’ve worked on in the past and their skills.
7. GoTranscript
Founded in 2005 in Edinburgh, Scotland, GoTranscript was established with the aim of offering video and audio transcription services. The company has gained a reputation for transcribing approximately 144 million minutes and catering to over 20,000 clients. Rather than relying on AI, GoTranscript exclusively relies on human transcriptionists, ensuring ample job prospects for freelancers.
In addition to transcription services, GoTranscript provides captions, text translation, and foreign subtitles. Their customer base includes various sectors such as legal, medical, and academic. The necessary qualifications for the job are:
- Computer skills. You need computer skills to interact with GoTranscript’s transcription software. You should also be familiar with popular word processing programs such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
- Pass an English language test. You need to take and pass a test to show your proficiency in English or another language that you will use for transcription.
Freelance transcriptionists working on GoTranscript have the potential to earn up to $0.60 per minute of audio or video.
8. Daily transcription
Daily Transcription provides translation and transcription services that are 100% generated by humans. The company has collaborated with major corporations such as Google, Netflix, Disney, ExxonMobil, and Red Bull.
Daily Transcription offers various transcription services such as corporate transcription, legal transcription, post-production transcription, and audio transcription. This transcription company is capable of handling different file formats which include OGG, AVI, DSS, MP4, MP3, WMV, VOB, and WAV.
Daily Transcription prides itself on offering transcriptionists higher pay rates compared to its competitors. Additionally, the company is dedicated to enhancing the careers of their freelancers by providing training and coaching. To qualify for a job, applicants must meet certain requirements.
- Be detail-oriented. You must be detail-oriented and able to deliver high-quality work.
- Excellent time management skills. Transcriptionists on Daily Transcription work on multiple projects and should, therefore, be able to meet all deadlines.
- Computer skills. Strong computer skills are required since you’ll interact with transcribing and word processing software.
- Pass a typing test. You’ll need to pass a skills assessment and typing test by typing at least 50 words per minute (wpm).
- Location. To apply to be a transcriptionist, you must be a citizen or reside within the United States or Canada. Applicants from outside the U.S are only considered for translation and subtitling or captioner positions.
- Minimum age. You must be 18 years or older to work with Daily Transcription.
Transcribers who have experience and work with Daily Transcription have the opportunity to earn substantial income, with rates ranging from $350 to $950 per week.
