If you’re looking for a part-time or full-time job which only requires work from home, exploring transcription jobs is a great way to start.
Transcription jobs are just like any other freelancing job and I actually find them quite similar to freelance writing. You get a high level of flexibility and choice of projects. It essentially includes listening to audio/video files and turning the speech into written text form.
That means, you only need knowledge about the language you are transcribing to apply for transcribing jobs. There is no prior skill or experience required in most cases. The faster you get at freelance transcription jobs, the more you will earn.
In this article, we take a look at the top online transcription jobs in India and how you can apply for them:
What are transcription jobs?
Transcription jobs involve getting audio or video recordings and transcribing them to text files. These are work from home job opportunities which are great for freelance content writers looking for some extra income.
Good typing speed and accuracy are needed for transcribing. You can get started working with a laptop and no equipment as a beginner. Later on, you can invest in a set of good-quality headphones too.
Transcriptions jobs can be of several types, including:
General transcription services
These services include transcribing general content, which can be anything from YouTube videos, books, to podcasts. Formal training is not required for general transcription, though these usually pay freelance writers a little less than legal and medical transcription services. However, if you have more experience and know the right places to find work, your pay rate can be just as high as a legal or medical transcriber.
Legal and medical transcription services
These transcription services have a higher barrier to entry, unlike the one described above. You can get freelance transcription jobs in India that offer both of these services. Specialized training in these fields may allow you to get hired more easily – as in, you need to have a strong grasp of medical terminologies and legal language.
A transcriber with more experience is more likely to get hired for legal transcription services than an inexperienced one. A medical transcriber with approved certification is also more likely to get more medical transcription jobs. In short, your experience is important when it comes to doing legal and medical transcription from home in India.
What is a transcriptionist?
A transcriptionist is a content writer with strong attention to detail who listens to audio or video recordings and then types the content being spoken. The recordings to be transcribed can be a business meeting, interviews, or even a podcast.
Accuracy is important for a transcriptionist to be able to provide error-free text files with the correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
How to become a transcriptionist
As long as you have the required skills and abilities and the necessary software or equipment, you can become a transcriptionist online. You need to sign up on a transcription website. When signing up, some transcription sites may even require you to take a transcription test. The test is mostly for beginners with no prior experience.
If you’re looking forward to becoming a medical or legal transcriptionist, you can invest in certification. Several companies offer transcription jobs for beginners, but each may have its own requirements.
What are the required skills for online transcription jobs in India?
You can start transcription work with no prior experience or training. Here are the common required skills and abilities for online transcription:
A good typing speed
The more you write per hour, the more money you make with transcription. You are required to type without errors, usually 60+ words per minute. Even though a good typing speed is important, there are transcription companies that require the ability to summarize text more accurately than your typing speed.
Good listening skills
Any ideal candidate for freelance transcription jobs should have a good ear for people’s speech. As a transcriber, you may get audio files from speakers who have strong and varying accents. It’s up to your listening ability to understand the audio, with the context, and transcribe it perfectly with complete accuracy.
Ability to focus for longer periods
Ideally, transcription work will require you to sit and type text files for extended periods which is why it’s important to have the ability to stay focused for long periods.
Benefits of work from home online transcription jobs
Access to transcription jobs from home for beginners comes with a variety of perks, including:
- Remote work: You are free to work from a coffee shop, go to an office, or stay at home. This is possible as long as the place is not noisy and does not interrupt you from hearing the audio to be transcribed.
- Flexible timings: Working when available and at your own pace is another major benefit of transcription jobs. A transcriptionist can work at a specific time set by themselves. This gives you the time to learn more about transcription services online as a beginner.
- No prior skills needed: Online transcription jobs for beginners in India require less creativity as they just involve typing exactly what you hear from audio. This saves you time to complete tasks successfully compared to other freelancing writing jobs. For content related jobs, you may want to explore creative writing courses or content writing courses.
Top places to find online transcription jobs in India
There are several places to consider when looking for freelance transcription jobs. Some of the top transcription websites include:
1- Upwork
One of the best places to find transcription jobs as a beginner is Upwork. The platform is full of clients looking for different types of transcription, including:
- Academic Transcription
- Audio Transcription
- Business Transcription
- Legal Transcription
- Medical Transcription
- Podcast Transcription
- Video Transcription
The biggest advantage of Upwork is that you get to apply for projects that you like and work on a pay rate that you prefer. You will also find projects that require transcription in local languages including Hindi and Marathi.
Though, Upwork also has a lot of competition, making it difficult for new freelancers to get the attention of clients
Expected Pay: Anywhere between $5 to $100 per transcription
Payment methods: PayPal or direct bank transfer (Note that Upwork now deducts TDS for freelancers in India)
2- Crowdsurf
Crowdsurf is a great place to start if you have no experience and do not have any extra transcription equipment. It provides different types of transcription jobs online including captioning videos for viewers who are deaf or are second language users.
Candidates for Crowdsurf do not need any specific typing speed or experience. You’ll be required, however, to pass the assessments and have appropriate and legitimate proof of identity. Transcribers can take any type of job available once approved. No commitment is required.
Anyone looking for audio transcription jobs in India will get the opportunity to work on audio clips.
Expected Pay: $0.03-$0.20 per media minute
Payment methods: Direct deposit or PayPal
3- Rev
Rev is one of the largest transcribing platforms which offers a variety of online transcription jobs. If you are working as a content writer in India, you can also start taking up general transcription work on this platform.
New applicants are required to pass a test before getting hired as no experience is required. The test involves a transcription test and a grammar quiz.
Rev offers online transcription jobs with a completely flexible schedule. Even though they offer a low pay rate, it can be a good fit for beginners. The payouts are on a weekly basis.
Expected Pay:
- $0.30-$1.10 per audio or video minute for basic transcription.
- $1.5 to $3 is for subtitle work for those who are well-versed in foreign languages.
Payment methods: PayPal
4- Quicktate
Quicktate also offers audio transcription jobs from home which can include transcribing conference calls or voicemail messages. Conference calls can be significantly longer while voicemail messages and other recordings can be 2-3 minutes in length.
Payments are made weekly. When applying, you’ll be required to:
- Provide 3 references
- Clear a background check
- Pay a $20 background check fee
Expected Pay: The pay ranges from $0.0025 to $0.005 per word
Payment methods: PayPal
5- Speechpad
Signing up on Speechpad is free, and newbie candidates are required to pass a grammar and typing test. You get the option to select the precise jobs that you want to work on.
As a transcriber, you’ll receive a rating for completed jobs which will determine the types of jobs you qualify for. A high rating will give you more job opportunities.
Expected Pay: $0.25 to $2.50 per minute of audio
Payments methods: Paypal (Payments are made twice a week)
6- TranscribeMe!
TranscribeMe is a great platform providing transcription jobs for beginners with no prior experience to start on. However, for you to get hired, you are supposed to pass an English exam. You’ll then be required to go through their training course. You should also make use of Google Chrome as your default browser to complete the tasks assigned successfully.
The average monthly earnings for transcribers on this platform is about $250.
Expected Pay: $15 to $22 per audio hour
Payment methods: PayPal
7- CastingWords
CastingWords is a US-based company that offers online transcription jobs to suitable candidates residing in any of the supported countries.
They offer general transcription services in English, French, and Spanish. Payment is made once every week
Expected Pay: $0.085 to over $1 per audio minute
Payments methods: PayPal
8- GoTranscript
GoTranscript is a transcription and translation services company. No experience is required for new applicants however having strong English skills is essential. The company provides transcription jobs from home in India and anywhere in the world.
The average earnings for transcribers on this platform can be $150 per month. The working hours are also flexible with 10 hours to complete every 10 minutes of video or audio files.
Expected Pay: $0.60 per audio minute
Payment methods: PayPal
9- Daily Transcription
Daily Transcription provides work that is structured differently whereby it is scheduled on your behalf. Not only is the work structured differently but also the type of audio files you’ll be transcribing. You’ll be required to provide transcription services for audio files from sectors such as academic, corporate, legal, and entertainment fields.
You’ll do a test as part of the application process as a content writer. After passing their transcription and skill assessment tests, you’ll receive training before getting started. The training is to help you learn more about the company. Payments are made every week.
Expected Pay: 75 cents to 85 cents per audio minute
Payment methods: PayPal or cheque
10- Scribie
Scribie provides opportunities for freelance writers in India and anywhere in the world. You’ll do a transcription test as part of the application process. When you join as a transcriber you are allowed to choose short audio clips, 10-minute or less. This gives you the opportunity to choose assignments that you’re interested in.
One feature that makes Scribie stand out is that clients can get AI or human-generated transcription services. AI provides services at a cheaper and faster rate but with low accuracy. Human transcription services are more accurate and efficient. Therefore, as a freelance writer in India, you’re likely to get a position to transcribe because of the varying accuracy.
The audio transcription jobs you can do from home with this company are general. Transcriptionists who can finish transcribing three hours of audio each pay period get a bonus. Your pay rate and bonus earnings accumulate daily in your account.
Expected Pay: $5-$20 per audio hour
Payment methods: PayPal
11- GMR Transcription
GMR Transcription provides part-time transcription jobs in a variety of fields from business, legal, and academics to medical online transcription jobs. This is expected as they work with government, universities, and medical institutions. This transcription company does not require much experience but if you can complete more hard tasks, your pay rate will increase.
Medical transcription work with this company is not part-time as it is available on a daily basis. You’ll be required to complete 60 minutes of audio work consistently for this position. The work involves transcribing interviews on various issues, including medical conditions.
The application process for this company involve s passing a short transcription test after submitting your resume. Once hired you can expect to make $1000-$2000 per month as they claim. This depends on the type of tasks you take on and your skills.
Expected Pay: Rates are revealed once you get hired
Payment methods: Direct deposit or PayPal
12- Ubiqus
Candidates looking for transcriber jobs in India with some experience can get started with Ubiqus. The platform provides provides general, legal, and medical transcription jobs with different pay structures.
Instead of per audio minute, the company calculates the payout rate per word. The rate is the same for everyone when starting.
Expected Pay: The exact rate is undisclosed.
Payment methods: The exact payment type is undisclosed.
Have you taken up any transcription jobs online? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments
Pay rates of freelance transcribers vary depending on the complexity of the task. It is important to note that transcriptionists get paid either per word or line transcribed. A transcriber’s average salary ranges between $15-$28 an hour. A dedicated transcriber who is a beginner can make up to $900 per month, working 3 hours a day for 20 days.
You can get a job in transcription through a transcription company that offers remote jobs for freelance content writers. You can take an extra step and look for your clients to work for. Podcasters, public speakers, and journalists are some potential clients. You can get these clients on platforms such as Upwork, Facebook groups and even LinkedIn.
You can start doing a transcription job with a computer and functioning writing software. Setting up a stable and high-speed internet connection is essential. A good internet connection will help you get extra transcription software to adjust the pace of the audio while listening.
A good part of transcription services online is that as long as you have the skills required, you can get hired without prior experience. Some major skills needed for transcription jobs for home beginners include:
- Fluent in English
- Ability to type fast and accurately
- Great listening skills
- Accuracy in grammar, spelling, and punctuation