Becoming a transcriptionist is a very straightforward way for people to make money from home. However, getting started in transcription can be tough due to the high competition in the industry and the increasing demand for general transcriptionists day by day.
If you are a newbie in the transcription industry or are
looking for answers on how to become a transcriptionist, then you're in the
right place. This is a complete guide for you to learn everything front to back
about how to become a transcriptionist.
If you are frustrated with your 9-5 job and are looking for
an alternative way to earn money, then look no further. What if we told you
that it was possible to earn money from the comfort of your home, through
transcription and captioning? It’s true! You could do it part-time if you’re
looking for a good side income to complement your salary. Or you can even make
a full-time living working as a full-time transcriptionist.
In this post, we’re going to walk you through how you can
make money as a transcriptionist and captionist in Kenya. I’m sure you’re
wondering what is transcription and captioning? Aren’t they the same thing?
What exactly does the job entail? Before we get into the earning bit of this
video, let’s take a little time to understand what transcription and captioning
really are.
Point-to-note: Before we go any further, allow
me to clarify that transcription and captioning is not a get-rich-quick scheme.
When you search on transcription and captioning online, many gurus may give you
the illusion that you don’t need any skills to get started and be successful in
earning money online in this field. Other misconceptions you may have, maybe
that transcription and captioning are simply about fast-typing and that they’re
an effortless job. That is definitely not the case. The job is open to anyone
and you need skills just like with any other job. That requires effort and time
from your end, but not to worry the effort pays off in the end. Keeping this in
mind we can now proceed.
What is Transcription?
Transcription is simply the process of converting a speech
or audio into a text format or written document. But it’s more than just
listening and typing out what you hear. It requires you to focus and pay
attention to the very little details. A great example when a podcaster or
YouTuber asks you to change the audio file of their episode into a written
format.
There are different types of transcribing jobs:
General transcription. This type of transcription
doesn’t need special formal training for you to qualify. You can be asked to
transcribe varied types of audios, from phone calls and lectures to webinars
and podcasts. Some subspecialties fall under this category such as legal,
financial, corporate, and data entry transcription. These require you to have a
little bit of experience in the subject matter especially due to some jargon
words or technical terms you may come across.
Medical transcription. This category requires you to
undergo special training to become a medical transcriber. Two main
certifications that are recognized are Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)
and Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT). The job entails transcribing a
medical personnel’s dictations that are then added to the patient’s medical
report. It is therefore important that you understand, things like the human
anatomy and medical terminologies.
Real-time transcription. This type of transcription
requires an expert level of skill with a typing speed of at least 100 words per
minute. The job entails listening to live audio and converting what you hear
into a text format. You need to be very attentive and fast not to miss anything
that’s said. Job under this category includes being a real-time captioner,
court reporter, or a Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) service
provider.
Aside from the different types of transcription, there are
also different transcription formats you need to familiarize yourself with. The
formats include intelligent, verbatim, and edited transcripts.
What is captioning?
Now that you understand what transcription entails, it’s
time to understand what captioning is and why it differs from transcription. In
essence, you could say that captioning is similar to transcription since it
involves converting the audio file into text format. The difference however is
that, unlike a transcript, the captions are displayed on the screen in segments
timed to align with when the exact words are being spoken.
You could be asked to caption a movie, webcast, TV
broadcast, or live video. But you shouldn’t confuse captioning with subtitles.
Unlike subtitles, captions are done in the original language and are not
translated into different languages, like from Chinese to English or English to
French.
Like transcription, there are different types of captioning:
Closed captions. With this type, you have the choice
to either view the captions with your video or not. There’s normally a CC
symbol on the video or program guide that you can click to switch the captions
on or off.
Open captions. This type of caption is permanently
displayed on the video, normally at the bottom. You usually see an OC symbol on
the video to denote it has open captions. Such captions are commonly used in
foreign movies, especially where there are heavy accents.
Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART). This
type is commonly used for TV broadcasts like reality TV shows, or sports and
news coverage. They are also sometimes used in educational videos. Such
captions are created during the broadcast, meaning in real-time. It’s also used
to provide real-time captions for individuals with hearing impairment.
Who are your clients for Transcription?
There are many reasons why people need their audio files
converted into text formats. One of the main reasons is that the transcript gives
a clearer and cleaner message, especially in situations where the speaker may
have had a heavy accent. You’ll find a lot of clients approaching you for
transcription services for various reasons.
An attorney or legal professional, for example, may approach
you with a deposition, court hearing, or witness statement as an audio file or
video footage, for you to transcribe. The transcript is important since it
avoids any misinterpretations when the video or audio is played as the judge
goes through the transcript. Medical personnel may also approach you with
dictations or audio recordings of the procedures and notes about a patient. The
transcript is added to the patient’s record and plays a vital role in tracking
the patient’s progress. Other clients include students, lecturers, podcasters,
YouTubers, videographers, filmmakers and so many more. The list is almost
endless.
Who will hire you for captioning?
As with companies, many clients are outsourcing captioning
services for many reasons. One of the reasons is that captioning increases
viewership. Captions also help in the SEO ranking of videos. In addition,
people with hearing impairment are also able to access video content easily
thanks to captions.
Some of the clients likely to approach you include production
groups like filmmakers, TV show producers, or news stations. Marketing teams
may also approach you if they rely on video production as their marketing
strategy. Even creative content creators that come up with visual media content
like YouTubers are also potential clients.
Where do you look for the clients?
There are many available platforms today where you can get
clients offering transcriptions and captioning jobs. Some of these platforms
are specifically tailored for transcription and captioning, whereas others are
more general, providing clients offering different online jobs including
transcription and captioning. Most of these sites work on a bidding system
where the client posts a job and you along with other experts send in proposals
to apply for the job. You may also have an option of creating a package that
details your type of service and rates and have clients approach you with
offers.
Online Transcription Jobs in Kenya
Here is a list of online websites where you can find online
transcription jobs:
1. TranscribeMe
Number one on our list of transcription jobs website
is TranscribeMe.
TranscribeMe is a transcription website that creates opportunities for anyone
who has typing skills. Transcriptionists can transcribe almost any type of
audio, from voice messages to podcasts or YouTube videos, and make money by
submitting their work in real-time.
Transcribers are paid up to $0.60 per audio minute on the
program, with average earnings coming out to around $150 per month.
2. Scribie
Scribie offers general transcription services. You can do
these jobs at home and work around your own schedule. Scribie has been in the
transcription industry for over 20 years, and Scribies can choose from several
different types of work. Scribie offers
jobs such as transcriptions, captioning, digital voice-overs, data entry
services, and more.
Before applying and taking its certification test,
transcribers can also work on various practice tests to improve their skills.
In addition to being an accurate typist, the company looks for someone who can
correct both manual and automated transcripts.
It pays out $5 to $25 per audio hour rather than weekly or
monthly. And your earnings accrue daily in your Scribie account- so you can
transfer them as you see fit.
3. GoTranscript
GoTranscript is
an online web-based transcription and translation company. They are always
looking for excellent writing, editing, listening skills, and fluent English
speakers (or those that can understand it). You will also need experience in
transcribing audio files of various lengths. I recommend you check them out
when you are just starting.
Transcribers on the platform get paid $0.60 for every video
minute transcribed— coming out to an average of $150 per month and top earners
cashing out more than $1200 monthly.
4. Rev
Rev is
a startup based in San Francisco and Austin that allows freelancers to work
online as transcribers. They are always looking for enthusiastic and talented
people to join them and offer transcription services.
Unfortunately, they don’t accept Kenyan transcribers. Rev
accepts Transcription and Caption freelancers from the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- New
Zealand
- South
Africa
- United
Kingdom
- The
United States but not Canada.
The range of pay on rev is from $0.30 to $1.10 Per
audio/video minute.
5. CastingWords
CastingWords allows anyone to sign up and transcribe.
Casting Words pays for every minute completed at a rate of $0.60 per audio or
video minute, which comes out to an average of $150 per month in earnings for
most people who work on Casting Words regularly.
Once you’ve signed up with CastingWords,
you will be asked whether you want to set your preferences— that way, they can
match what projects are best suited to your skillset as soon as possible!
6. Speechpad
You may have seen ads for Speechpad on
your Facebook News Feed or Google search results, but you’re not sure what
Speechpad is. SpeechPad is a website that offers transcription services to
individuals and businesses alike. You can find work as either an individual or
collaborate with other transcribers in the industry to create teams of
freelancers.
Speechpad accepts applications from anyone, which means you
don’t need any previous experience to get started! All you need is a computer
with internet access and basic typing skills.
7. Verbal Ink (Now Ubiqus On-Demand)
Verbal Ink is a transcription company that has been in
business for over ten years. They offer services to companies and individuals
alike, with the ability to serve both individual projects or large-scale
enterprises such as universities, major medical centers, law firms, and even
government entities!
You will have to pass a test to get started working for
Verbal Ink, and if you pass, it will be up to Verbal Ink’s discretion whether
or not they want to hire you.
If you have a good grasp of English and can pass a thorough
screening process, Verbal
Ink is worth consideration. To be considered, you need to provide your
resume and cover letter in the application process.
The company has rebranded to Ubiqus On Demand.
8. GMR Transcription
GMR
Transcription is dedicated to providing high-quality transcription
services. They work with universities, government, and medical institutions,
non-profit organizations, or the legal community.
To apply, submit a resume and take a short transcription
test. GMR Transcripts is flexible in that you can work when you want to and as
often as you need to. Have access to the internet on your computer, Microsoft
Office Suite, foot pedal, and over-the-ear headphones.
9. Appenscribe
Appenscribe is a transcription service that offers
transcription work to freelancers all over the world. So if you are fluent in
multiple languages, you will have plenty of work on this platform.
They will provide you with work at your convenience and pay
you $0.005/word.
To apply, create an Appenscribe profile that includes contact
information and proof of identification such as passport copy or driver’s
license copy to confirm identity and country of origin. Appenscribe also
requires transcripts to be returned within two hours after accepting them–if
not, wage rates may change depending on how many audio minutes remain in the
file.
10. Crowdsurf
The Crowdsurf platform is a web-based transcription service
that requires no download or installation. Crowdsurf also
offers an in-browser editor, which you can use to make notes while
transcribing, and allows you to take advantage of shortcuts for common tasks
like changing formatting, inserting punctuation, etc.
To apply, you need a Mechanical Turk account which is an
Amazon company.
Other popular general platforms you can try out as well are:
- Legiit
- People
per Hour
- Upwork
- Fiverr
How do you get paid – what are the rates?
With transcriptions and captioning, the rates at which you
earn and the frequency of payment will depend on the platform you’re using as
well as the client. For a platform like Transcribe Me, for example, you get paid
once every week as long as your account has $20 and above. Mostly, however,
your earning will depend on the length of the audio and the complexity and
skill level required. Real-time transcription for example may earn you more
than general transcription.
As for payment methods, most platforms like Transcribe Me
and Upwork use PayPal. It’s a reliable platform, and especially useful when it
comes to small amounts. You even have the option of transferring your money
from PayPal to Mpesa, although some platforms are introducing Mpesa as an
official payment method. An alternative is Payoneer which is a great platform
for online transaction.
What do clients expect from you – what are the skills needed?
So, now that we are clear on what transcription and
captioning mean and what the jobs entail, it must be clear that skill is
required if you want to be successful in the field. Starting with
Transcription, in as much as you need a great typing speed, you also need good
spelling and grammar. You need to be attentive and accurate to be able to
deliver quality results. You also need proper research skills, to be able to
familiarize yourself with jargon words and technical terms. For example, as a
medical subscriber or while doing legal transcription, you must understand the
terminologies. It makes transcribing easier and speeds up the process. Most
importantly you need to familiarize yourself and master the different
transcription formats. As for captioning, aside from keen attention to detail
and great research skills, you also need to be technology proficient and have a
sharp memory.
Overall, you need to be a good communicator when it comes to your clients. Keeping time when it comes to delivering work is also important to build trust between you and the clients. All of the skills mentioned here, require training. You need to take time and put in the effort to acquire these skills, otherwise, you will never be able to advance in this field. The best way to train and gain such skills is through a good course.
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