Transcription is a growing industry, with a growing demand for professional and accurate transcription services.
With so many options available, choosing the best transcription platform can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re a professional transcriptionist or just starting out, it’s important to find a platform that suits your needs and provides a good earning potential.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best transcription platforms available in the market, taking into consideration factors such as flexibility, accuracy, pay rate, and support.
Let’s begin!
What Is Transcription?
Transcription refers to the process of converting spoken words into written format.
This is also called shorthand writing and involves listening to audio files and typing the words.
Transcribing can be challenging for those with slow typing speed, but with practice and patience, it can be learned.
There are three types of transcription work: subtitling, voice over, and captioning.
Subtitling is similar to subtitling in videos, voice over is commonly used at radio stations, and captioning requires close attention to detail to caption dialogues precisely.
Transcription jobs can be found both online and offline.
What Skills Are Needed For Transcription Jobs?
To qualify for transcription jobs, you should have strong English skills and the desire to work from home.
Transcriptionist positions offer a flexible schedule and the ability to earn money while working part-time or full-time.
The key requirements for this role are a high level of English proficiency and the ability to effectively listen and transcribe audio content.
1. High Level Of English.
Transcriptionist work can be an attractive option for those who want to work from home and earn money while taking care of family responsibilities.
To excel in transcription jobs, it is important to have a strong command of the English language, as transcription is often performed in English.
It’s essential to have a high level of English proficiency to produce high-quality output.
When evaluating someone’s suitability for transcription work, it’s recommended to ask about their prior experience with different types of transcriptions.
2. Excellent Skills In English Writing, Grammar, And Punctuation.
Transcription requires careful attention to detail.
Mistakes often occur with individuals who have slow typing speeds or lack attention to writing detail.
To be successful as a transcriptionist, it is important to have strong English writing, grammar, and punctuation skills.
While good listening and reading skills are helpful, they are not the only requirements.
The ability to type quickly and a keen eye for detail are also important qualifications for this role.
3. Decent Typing Skills.
A decent typing speed is a crucial requirement for transcription work.
The ability to type at least 40-70 words per minute is necessary to accurately transcribe spoken words.
If your typing speed falls below this standard, you may struggle to secure transcription jobs, unless you possess other important skills.
4. Knowledge Of Using Computers And The Internet.
A requirement for transcription work is familiarity with computers, the internet, and the necessary software.
This includes owning a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection.
Showcasing proficiency in these areas can showcase expertise in the subject matter.
What Equipment’s Are Needed For Transcription Jobs?
To work as a transcriptionist, you require a computer with internet access, editing software, and typing skills.
These basic tools are all you need to start working for companies in search of individuals with the relevant skills and knowledge.
1. A Computer.
To work as a transcriptionist, you need a computer and an active internet connection.
This computer will be used to transcribe audio and video files, and edit and proofread the transcriptions.
Additionally, you will need to install transcription software for editing and processing purposes.
A decent typing speed is also crucial for a smooth and efficient workflow.
While a highly configured computer may cost more, a good laptop may also suffice for transcription work.
2. Good Quality Headphones.
To perform transcription effectively, it’s important to have a good pair of headphones.
These headphones can help improve your transcription accuracy by allowing you to hear the audio clearly and maintain focus on the task at hand.
If you don’t have headphones, consider purchasing a decent pair from an online retailer like Amazon.
While having a laptop and internet connection is not a requirement for transcription work, it can give you an advantage over others who do not have access to these tools.
3. High-Speed Internet Connection.
Having a fast internet connection is crucial for transcription work.
Ideally, a 2mbps connection through ADSL is suitable.
The quicker the internet, the more efficiently you can complete your work.
Slow internet can hinder the quality of your work and slow down progress.
A Starlink satellite internet connection is not required for transcription work, and it’s recommended to choose a reliable broadband internet provider available in your area.
What Are The Best Websites To Find Transcription Work?
Here are the top 21 best platforms to find transcription jobs online:
1. TranscribeMe.
TranscribeMe provides initial pay ranging from $15 to $22 per hour of audio and offers training to its transcriptionists.
You’ll be transcribing short audio clips of 2-4 minutes and have the freedom to take on as much work as desired.
The process is straightforward as once one clip is finished, the next one automatically loads.
Additionally, there are opportunities for advancement within TranscribeMe, including working on specialized teams for medical transcription and with VIP clients on specific styles.
2. Rev.
Rev is a leading provider of online transcription jobs with over 170,000 clients globally, including CBS and Viacom.
The company is searching for transcriptionists who possess exceptional English skills and a keen eye for detail, offering a great opportunity for aspiring freelance writers.
To begin your transcription career with Rev, there is no prior experience required.
Simply pass a grammar test and complete a brief transcription sample, and you’re ready to start.
3. GoTranscript.
GoTranscript provides flexible work options for transcriptionists, allowing them to choose their preferred work schedule and projects.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, the company has a steady supply of work.
Transcriptionists have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, from police investigations to research projects.
The company assigns ratings to transcribers based on their work quality, and they can earn up to $.
60 per audio minute.
Additionally, transcriptionists are paid on a weekly basis.
4. SpeakWrite.
SpeakWrite is a transcription career opportunity that is restricted to legal residents of the U.S. or Canada.
However, it is worth noting that applications from California residents are not accepted.
In order to apply to SpeakWrite, one must have a minimum of one year of transcription experience in an office setting and pass a typing test with a minimum speed of 60 words per minute.
It is important to note that SpeakWrite is not a freelance gig, but rather a full-time work-from-home career option.
If you find transcription work fulfilling and enjoyable, SpeakWrite may be a great opportunity for you.
5. Scribie.
Scribie provides two options for transcription services: A.I. generated with accuracy ranging from 80% to 95%, and human-generated with 99% accuracy.
While the A.I. option is more affordable and faster, some clients may prefer the higher accuracy of human-generated services.
Despite the development of A.I., human transcribers are still needed for quality control as the technology is not perfect.
At Scribie, multiple people work on each audio file to ensure thorough transcription.
If you are interested in becoming a transcriber, you can reach out to Scribie through their contact page on their website.
7. CastingWords.
CastingWords is a transcription company that always hires freelancers.
If you’re interested in transcribing, take their transcription test.
Only freelancers hired through their website are considered legitimate.
CastingWords uses a crowdsourced approach, meaning projects are distributed to independent freelancers.
They offer transcription services in English, French, and Spanish, with guaranteed next-day service within 24 hours.
Transcribers are paid per minute and must be 18 years or older.
8. Tigerfish.
Although not currently accepting new applicants, Tigerfish should be on the radar of aspiring transcribers.
With a client list that includes big names like Gap and Newsweek, it’s no wonder why.
Tigerfish has come a long way from its beginnings as a one-person operation, transcribing cassettes and delivering typed transcripts.
However, it’s not for those just starting out in the transcription industry.
For instance, its premium product, Tigerfish Air, promises to deliver a transcript of live or recorded events within two hours.
So, if you’re an experienced transcriber looking for new challenges, be on the lookout for job opportunities with Tigerfish.
9. Speechpad.
Speechpad supports its transcriptionists to help them succeed.
They have a team of global support staff available 24/7 to assist.
All you need after your application is accepted is a computer and a fast internet connection; Speechpad provides the necessary software to optimize your time.
You have the flexibility to choose the projects that interest you, and transcription rates range from $0.25 to $2.50 per audio minute.
10. GMR Transcription.
GMR Transcription seeks transcribers with a career-oriented mindset.
No prior experience is needed to apply, however, transcribers can increase their earnings by accepting more complex projects.
GMR aims to provide opportunities for growth and development for its transcriptionists.
As part of the application process, candidates must pass a transcription test and have access to over-the-ear headphones, a foot pedal, high-speed internet, and Microsoft Office.
The expected monthly income for a GMR transcriber is between $1000-$3000.
Note that the job is open to residents of the US except California.
11. QA World.
In the QA world, you have to listen to audio and type it correctly without missing out on any single word or phrase in order to get paid.
The average pay rate of this site is $1 per minute which is quite a decent amount if you choose QA world as your side job.
They have many advanced features like spell checker, noise reduction, time-stamping, etc. so that their workers won’t miss out on any single word or phrase while listening and transcribing them onto the computer screen.
12. Crowdsurf.
Crowdsurf pays by the minute for transcription work.
As a freelancer for Crowdsurf, you’ll be responsible for creating captions for videos for the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and second language viewers.
Thus, strong attention to detail and listening skills are necessary.
Additionally, excellent proofreading skills and fluency in English are required.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up on Work Market, and then connect with Crowdsurf to begin your freelance transcription work.
Crowdsurf promises that you can earn cash by the end of the day.
13. Quicktate.
Quicktate provides a broad range of transcription services, which require a proficient level of English language skills.
However, if English is not your primary language, they also offer transcription work in foreign languages.
To work with Quicktate, you need to have prior experience in transcription, making it less suitable for beginners.
Additionally, you must have a clean criminal record.
The nature of the work can vary greatly – one job could involve transcribing 2-3 minute voicemail messages, while the next could entail transcribing several hours of conference calls.
14. eScribers.
eScribers is a leading legal transcription company in the United States.
To work with them, you must have the legal eligibility to work in the US, even if you are based abroad.
They primarily hire experienced legal transcribers but also welcome those with transcribing experience looking to transition into legal transcription.
Payment for transcribers is done weekly, but the exact pay rate is not disclosed to the public.
eScribers provides a promising outlook for aspiring transcriptionists.
15. 3Play Media.
3Play Media provides transcription and editing opportunities in both English and Spanish.
The company utilizes its own transcription software which new transcriptionists and editors are required to learn.
Weekly pay is offered, with the option to set your own hours and pick the projects you prefer.
3Play Media emphasizes that you can still earn pay even if you only work for a few hours.
16. Babbletype.
Babbletype is a selective and exclusive transcription company that is seeking new talent.
The company specializes in market research reports, requiring high levels of accuracy from its transcribers who work as independent contractors but are considered an important part of the team.
The hiring process includes watching a 30-minute video, participating in an interview, and undergoing a paid testing period.
Accurate summarization of content is valued over typing speed.
17. Pioneer Transcription Services.
Pioneer Transcription Services requires applicants to complete an online application and pass a transcription test.
Once passed, successful candidates will be hired as subcontractors for transcription jobs.
Most of the work involves transcribing one-on-one interviews, and the company has a consistent demand for both general and legal transcriptionists.
If you have transcription experience, attention to detail, and advanced English skills, Pioneer may be a good fit for you.
18. Way With Words.
Way With Words is searching for highly skilled English speakers.
They prioritize those who have a good understanding of various accents.
No prior transcription experience is required as training is offered.
The pay rate for transcribing audio is between $.45 to $1.73 per minute and can increase with experience and speed.
Accuracy is emphasized over a specific typing speed.
19. Transcript Divas.
Transcript Divas is a highly selective transcription company that has strict requirements for its transcribers.
With numerous applications, standing out from the crowd is essential to secure a position.
Those who make the cut will need to pass a special test and complete a phone interview.
However, this opportunity is not available for residents of California.
The average pay for a diva transcriber is $1.15 per minute and many stay with the company for years.
20. Daily Transcription.
Daily Transcription focuses on four main transcription areas: entertainment, corporate, legal, and academic.
They offer training and feedback to both new and experienced transcriptionists.
Candidates who excel in attention to detail and meeting tight deadlines are highly sought after.
Daily Transcription claims to pay higher than other companies and the starting rate is roughly between $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute, with top transcriptionists earning $250 to $950 per week.
To begin, one must pass a skills assessment test and a transcription test.
21. Cambridge Transcriptions.
Cambridge Transcriptions is a unique transcription company that uses “e-recorders” for accurate on-site recordings.
Established in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1989, they offer both on-site and remote work options for transcriptionists.
The company looks for individuals with high intelligence and a background in corporate or legal transcription.
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and sample transcripts via email.
22. Averbach Transcription.
Averbach Transcription is searching for transcriptionists with a strong understanding of various accents.
No prior transcription experience is necessary.
The company operates through email communication and requires transcriptionists to work independently.
The ideal candidate should be able to edit their own work and have experience with transcription software like Express Scribe.
To join Averbach, one must pass a skills test.
The company pays $1.00 per audio hour for regular transcription jobs and $1.50 per hour for expedited projects, which equates to $20 to $30 per work hour.
23. Freelance Websites.
Freelance websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Guru offer the opportunity to earn money through transcription work from home.
However, these platforms are competitive and attract professional transcribers, meaning you will face competition when seeking jobs on these sites.
If you decide to pursue freelance transcription work, it is your choice to select the most suitable website.
Conclusion.
The best transcription platforms offer a great opportunity for those who are looking to earn money from the comfort of their own home.
With the right skills, experience and attention to detail, you can earn a great income transcribing audio or video files for businesses and individuals.
Whether you choose a dedicated transcription company, or one of the many freelance websites, it’s important to do your research and choose the best platform that fits your needs, skills and schedule.
By carefully considering the pay rates, support, and reputation of the platform, you can ensure that you make the most of your time and effort and earn a great income as a transcriptionist.
