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Babbletype Review: A Transcription Job to Consider?

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Babbletype is one of the many online transcription companies that are always looking for new transcriptionists, editors and translators.  They say they are very selective, but they almost always have an opening available.   If you want to make money in any of these fields online, it can be done, but is Babbletype a company to consider?

In today’s review, I sign up for Babbletype to see how the company works, what you can make as well as what others think of it.  In the end, I then let you know what to expect from them if you were to apply.

As in all of my reviews, I’m 100% honest, only recommending companies I would use.

With that out of the way, let’s dive in and see what Babbletype is all about.

What is Babbletype?

Babbletype specializes in audio-to-text services for market research and that’s it.  As of this review, they have more than 10+ million minutes transcribed and have been in business for more than 20 years.

Unlike many transcription companies that use software to produce their work, Babbletype is different in that they use native-speaking human beings.  They also don’t subcontract their work, a process that many transcription companies are guilty of doing.

In business for more than two decades, there’s no doubt the company is legitimate, but the true question is if it’s worth your time.



Signing up for Babbletype

If you’re interested in becoming a transcriptionist with Babbletype, I first encourage you to view the company’s “Apply for Work” page.  On this page, they let you know a bit more about their company as well as provide you with a video as to what to expect as an applicant.  You can also find more information about the sign-up process if you are interested and feel you’re a fit.  While I touch upon the basics, you will want to watch the entire 30-minute video to figure out more about how it works.

In short, as an applicant, you will be asked to watch a detailed introduction video (about 30-minutes long) and then pass a real-world transcription test.  If you pass, then you will be asked to take part in an interview, followed by a detailed assessment.  If you were to pass all of these steps, then you will be welcomed on board as an independent contractor.

And, as to who they are looking for, they generally want someone who is:

  • professional, reliable and available
  • knowledgeable with good research and computing skills
  • not afraid to tackle a variety of topics
  • good grasp of the English language beyond simple verbatim transcription

In signing up, Babbletype will warn you that they do receive a lot of applicants and almost everyone is not qualified as most don’t fit what Babbletype is looking for.  Don’t let this discourage you, though, as this is one of the strictest transcription companies I have researched yet.

Other Qualifications

Aside from the skills they are looking for, the company also wants you to abide by the following prerequisites:

  • be at least 18+ years old
  • have a Gmail account
  • have a PayPal account
  • computer (no mobile devices/table)
  • good quality internet connection (no mobile connections)
  • headphones
  • have an audio play program (they recommend Express Scribe)

The qualifications aren’t much, and they don’t ask for previous experience, but seeing you do need to pass a real-world transcription test, it will be, at best, to at least type 65-75 WPM and have a good idea how the transcription world works in general.

Availability: Yes, You Need to Commit

Unlike a lot of transcription companies that give you free roam and allow you to work whenever you please, this isn’t the case with Babbletype, unfortunately.

As a contractor on the platform, they do expect you to abide by some availability standards.  This includes:

  • available to transcribe an hour of audio at least four times a week
  • available to do a significant amount of work at most times
  • willing to help as needed, such as during a busy time

If you’re looking for a short-term gig or you want to work whenever you please, Babbletype strictly states this may not be the job for you.

How to Apply

While the company doesn’t have a direct applicant page, they ask that you email a specific email that’s mentioned in the video.  Again, I recommend you watch the video to know more about what’s expected of you.  If you feel you’re a good fit, then you can shoot off that email and take the test.

As of this review, the email is TestRequest@ the company’s name .com.  I’m going to put it as that just so that it doesn’t trigger any spam filters.

Once you email this address, you will receive an automated email back, along with instructions as to how to proceed.

Taking the Test

When you receive that automated email in regards to that test, it will look something like this:

As it’s all automated, it will ask you to find the test document as well as the test audio.  It’s then up to you to follow the instructions and complete the test.  As long as you follow the instructions and submit it as expected, you will receive a reply.  Make sure you read these instructions in detail as there’s a lot to absorb.

If you take the test and you fail, they will explain why you did, but if you passed, you will then have to proceed to that interview, followed by a paid assessment, in which you will work with guided assignments.  The process is lengthy, but according to most of the reviews I did read, it’s very much worth the wait.

As mentioned prior, they have strict standards during the applicant process.  So much so, very few get accepted.

How Much Do You Make on Babbletype?

If you’re lucky enough to become a transcriptionist with Babbletype, it appears the median wage tends to be about $0.50~ per audio minute.  Remember, this is per audio minute, not the actual minutes you’re working on the clock.

As a rule of thumb, experts will tell you to multiply the job by three or four to figure out how long it will take you to complete the file.

So, if it says it’s a 20-minute file, then it will probably take you 60 to 80 minutes to complete.  In this case, you will work for one hour for about $10.  In the transcription world, this isn’t too bad.  I have reviewed companies that pay much less than this.  Nonetheless, don’t expect to get rich in the transcription world.

Of course, you can make much more if you type faster, but I’m going to use that ratio to estimate the pay rate.

Payments are made weekly and paid out via PayPal.



What Others Are Saying

Of course, anything that I review will have both good and bad things about it.  And, this wasn’t an exception with Babbletype.

On Glassdoor, reviewers gave the company a 2.7/5, with only 43% saying they would refer this company to a friend.  They boasted about the ability to work from home and flexibility, but they didn’t like how you had to update them when you were working and the lack of work in some cases.

On Indeed, the company had a similar review, with a poor 2.8/5 review with most not liking the job security and compensation.  They did like how the company worked with transcribers, however.

To sum things up, this is what I found in most reviews:

The Pros

  • seems to be a supporting company
  • decent pay for transcription
  • flexible schedule (even though you have to commit)
  • big clients
  • most jobs are easy to complete
  • weekly PayPal payments

The Cons

  • lack of work
  • no benefits
  • no consistency in work grades
  • some complaints about Google Docs system in how they assign jobs
  • strict deadlines with most projects

Final Thoughts

8/10Out of most of the transcription companies I have reviewed, Babbletype sets the bar high.  Since they believe in providing high-quality work, they are going to look for the same in a transcriptionist or editor.

If you feel you have what it takes based on what you have read, then, by all means, take the sample test and see if you can get approved.  If so, it seems that you will be in good hands as the company does appear to treat their contractors with respect.

On the downside, however, it appears they use an archaic system, which can be hard for you to grab work, which, according to freelancers, the good stuff gets snatched up fast.

In the end, Babbletype is 100% legitimate and it’s one to consider.  Just don’t be discouraged if you find out you didn’t pass the test as it isn’t the easiest job to get into.  You won’t get rich in the transcription world, but it’s a nice way to earn a few hundred dollars a month.  If you’re happy with that, it’s one to consider.

For now, and as always, you’re more than welcome to comment on Babbletype below.  Whether it’s a question, concern and/or you want to vent, you’re more than welcome to do so.

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Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

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