GoTranscript is one of the many online transcription companies always looking for freelance transcriptionists. If you’re a skilled transcriptionist and want to work online whenever you feel like it, then it may be one to consider.
In today’s review, I sign up for GoTranscript to see what it’s all about. I will discuss the pay, what I think of it as well as how the entire platform works in general.
As with all of my reviews, I’m 100% honest and only recommend products and services that only I would use.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make some money online, let’s see if it’s one to add to your list.
What is GoTranscript?
GoTranscript is an online transcription company with more than 144+ million minutes transcribed. Their services are 100% human generated and boast a very reputable 98.5% customer satisfaction rate. Customers simply upload their files and then wait for someone like you to transcribe it. Jobs range from simple audio transcription jobs, such as interviews, webinars, and lectures, to subtitles and translation.
In comparison to its competitors, GoTranscript rates start at $0.72, which is much lower than its competition that offers human transcription rates as well. They also offer a loyalty program, offering a discount to those who upload a certain number of minutes on their account.
The company was founded in 2005 by Peter Trebek, and since then, they have been providing high-quality transcripts, translations, subtitles, and captions. No matter the business a customer runs, they can work with it. Today, they are headquartered in Scotland, UK.
Is it legit?
There’s no doubt the company is 100% legit, but just because it is, it doesn’t always mean it’s worth joining.
Getting Started With GoTranscript
To become a transcriptionist with GoTranscript, the company first asks that you abide by a few of their guidelines. This includes the following:
- completing a sample test using the company’s style guide (if you fail, you can try again in the future)
- have good English skills
- computer and internet connection
It’s not much, but it’s important to note that your grasp of the English language is fundamental in succeeding.
The nice thing about GoTranscript is that you can reside anywhere in the world as long as you have, again, good English skills. And, the thing is that no experience is required. As long as you can pass that sample test using the style guide, you won’t have a problem getting approved.
Now, the thing about the sample test, which comes from this video, is that the quality is very low. This is because they have a lot of orders that sound like this and they need to test your ability in transcribing these files.
Working With GoTranscript
Once you’re approved, you can start working on work immediately. It’s going to look something like this:
As you can see, it will show you how long you have to complete it, how long the audio file is, what kind of format it is, the language, as well as any comments if necessary. On the far right, you can see what you’re going to get paid for the job as well as a small preview link so that you can hear the audio before accepting.
If you’re interested in any of these jobs, you can preview any of the files to see if you’re comfortable with it. If so, you click on “make my job” and complete the transcription. Upon completion and approval, the earnings will then be added to your account balance.
The cool thing about the platform is that they use an AI approach, where their in-house software does its best to transcribe what has been heard. It’s then up to you to polish up what you have heard. This isn’t always the case with some audio jobs as some can be harder to hear than others.
After you submit the work, your transcription work is then graded by an editor, where your ratings can range anywhere from one to five, with the higher ratings being good, of course. In this rating, the editor will leave feedback, helping you improve on your future jobs. After you score a 4.5+ rating or higher, you can apply to be an editor, which can lead to more potential jobs.
These ratings will be based upon your accuracy as well as if any grammatical errors are spotted in your work. Also, not adhering to the guidelines can hurt you, too.
The Pay
When you land on the application page, you will notice it states you can make up to $0.60 per audio minute. They also say their top earners are making up to $1,200 a month. Not too bad.
However, It’s important to emphasize that up to as this is the most you will earn. As you can see in the screenshot, this isn’t always the case.
Take that 6:08 transcription that pays $1.53. If you break it down, that’s only $0.25 per minute, a far cry from the “up to $0.60.”
Remember, this is per audio minute and you can make much less than $0.60. On average, it can take four times the number of minutes to transcribe that audio. So, if you were to make $1.53 for that six-minute transcription, it’s probably going to take you 18 minutes to complete it. That’s if you have the speed and experience. If you break it down even further using those numbers, you’re now making less than $0.08 per minute.
While it is possible to make a few hundred, it’s going to be very hard to make more than $1,000 a month. Since the company is paying a few low minute rate, you will be lucky to make $100 in a month before you burn out.
The company will pay every Friday, either via PayPal or Payoneer. It is a requirement to have one of the two payment processors to get paid. There is no minimum to withdraw your funds.
The Pros
All you need to get started is a computer and internet connection.
You do not need experience nor do you have to type fast.
You can live anywhere in the world.
The schedule is 100% flexible, allowing you to work as little or as much as you’d live.
You get to pick the projects you want to work on.
A popular company with thousands of clients. This means a lot of work available.
A wide variety of work, from interesting meetings to a police investigation. It’s hard to be bored with what you’re typing.
It is a legitimate company, so there’s no concern there.
Once a week payments via PayPal. They even cover PayPal fees.
The Cons
The pay can be very low, even for the transcription industry. Plan on earning less than $0.40 per audio minute.
If your rating falls below a 3.5, you will get terminated. But, this is understandable.
A lot of audio is lower in quality, making it very hard to transcribe. In this case, it may take much longer to transcribe, which means less money for you.
What Others Are Saying
On Indeed, about 25 reviewers gave the company an okay 3.5 out of 5 rating. According to the reviews, I saw the following:
Many reviewers loved the constant supply of work and flexibility, whereas some didn’t like the rating system and terrible audio quality.
As for Glassdoor, the company had a slightly higher rating at 3.9/5, with people agreeing with much of what Indeed reviewers said.
People loved the freedom and payment on time, but many complained about the poor quality and the time it took editors to rate transcripts.
Final Thoughts
5/10In the end, yes, you can make money with GoTranscript, but you won’t make much. Even if you’re the best transcriptionist in the world, it will be tough to break the $10 per hour range. In my review here, I found that many audio files were of poor quality and the editors didn’t always give the best grades. Remember, if you fall below that 3.5 rating, you get booted. That can be a tough pill to swallow.
If you want to make money typing, GoTranscript is a mixed bag. They will give you plenty of work, but the pay isn’t as high as I’d like it to be. In fact, it’s much lower than I expected. It’s almost as if they are looking to exploit people to pay them peanuts so that they can keep most of the profits. It’s definitely near the bottom, but this can be said about other transcription companies as well. If you want to get paid to type, you can, but I would recommend you look at other options.
As always, I leave the comments section open to you.
Have you worked with GoTranscript? Do you have any questions?
Whatever is on your mind (as long as it’s on topic, of course), you’re more than welcome to vent below!
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