Happy Scribe is one of the many transcription companies online.  If you want to get paid to type, then you may want to consider becoming an at-home transcriptionist with the company.

In today’s review, I wanted to talk about how much you can make, what I think of it, and as always, if it’s worth your time.

Let’s begin!

What is Happy Scribe?

Happy Scribe is one of the many legitimate online transcription companies online that hires freelance transcriptionists.  However, what makes Happy Scribe much different than most is that they also offer automatic AI technology, which is said to offer up to 85% accuracy on recordings.  However, if you were to apply, you would be on the human side, which is also offered as a service.  You would be responsible for proofreading the files that the AI already completed.  You will be responsible to make it more accurate than what the technology could do.  Aside from transcription, the company offers subtitle transcription as well as human translations if you were able to speak more than one language.

As a freelancer, you are considered to be self employed, which means you can work whenever you please.  And, once you’re accepted as a transcriptionist, you can access the company’s database, which will present you with the current audio files available that need to be completed.  You can preview all work before you commit and you’re able to choose whichever file makes the best sense for you.  Whichever file you choose will already be transcribed by the AI and it will be your job to simply proofread it.

This is a 100% remote position and all that’s expected of you is a laptop and a good internet connection.

Requirements to Become a Transcriptionist

If you want to start working as a transcriptionist with Happy Scribe, they do have some requirements, which include:

• proficient level of English
• strong knowledge of grammar and spelling
• great attention to detail
• ability to learn styling guide
• need to be at least 18+ years old
• laptop and internet connection

There isn’t much, as you can see.  As long as you’re proficient in English and you’re able to spot grammar/spelling errors, you shouldn’t have a hard time succeeding on the platform.  Of course, typing fast as well can help as this is how you’re going to get paid.

As for who can apply, they are always seeking people who can fluently speak the following languages:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Dutch
• Italian
• Portuguese
• Polish

Anyone can apply as long as they can pay you.  Be sure to look at this link to see if your country is listed.  If it is, you’re good to go.

Applying

At the start, the company will ask for your email to get you started, and from there, you will then have to read the guidelines as to what’s expected of you as a freelancer.  It’s important to read this because you will have to take a test and this will determine if they want to hire you.

During the application process, you will have to take a subtitle/transcription file test after you take a mini training course, which mainly includes the guidelines they expect of you.  Again, it’s important that you pay close attention to these guidelines as this is how you’re going to get accepted.  I can’t stress this enough.  These tests are very commonplace whenever you apply for any transcription company online.

If you fail the test, you will have to wait three months before you can apply again.

Once you submit your application, they will try to let you know your status, usually within two weeks.  Even if you pass, they don’t always need freelancers at the moment, so if this is the case, they will be you on a shortlist and contact you when a spot opens up.  In this case, it could take days or months before you hear back.

Keep in mind that they receive thousands of applications throughout the month, so you’re going to be working with a lot of competition, even if you get approved.  Only 5% of those who apply are approved.

The entire application process takes about two hours to complete and you will not be compensated for your time.

How it Works

After you get accepted, you can then access the company’s dashboard at your leisure and select a file you want to work on.  As mentioned, you will be able to preview the file before you start working on it.  Files can include YouTube videos, video conferences on Zoom, etc.  It’s a bit of everything.

If you do choose to work on the file, then you will already be presented with a file that the AI transcribed.  It will be your duty to go through the file, as seen below, and make any necessary edits, according to the style guide.

 

All work that you complete will never be from scratch, so it’s more of a proofreading job rather than a transcribing job in a way.

How Much Does Happy Scribe Pay?

The amount Happy Scribe pays depends on your language, but to average, expect about $0.90 to $1.50 per AUDIO minute.  It’s about $1.10 to $1.90 for subtitles.  If you do the math, it takes about four to five minutes to transcribe one audio minute, so that means you earn about $15~ per hour at most, which isn’t all that bad in comparison to other competitors.

How much you make will, of course, depend on how often you log in and which projects you work on.  The company notes that some of the best workers on the platform make about $2,000 per month.  They don’t specify how long they had to work for that, however.

How Do They Pay?

The company will pay out every 1st and 15th of the month via a company called Wise, which is a bank transfer-like company.  Be sure to look at this link because it will note which countries they work with at the moment.  If you don’t see your country, you will not be able to use the Wise service and you cannot be paid.

The Reviews Online

The reviews online seemed to be very positive from what I read.

For instance, on Glassdoor, more than 30+ people gave the company a solid 4.6/5.  They loved the culture, the CEO as well as the platform.  It seemed to have a very good vibe.

Trust Pilot, a site that I kind of trust, also had a nice review, with 700+ people giving the company a 4.8/5 rating.

The Pros

• great culture
• decent pay
• easy to use
• innovative
• work whenever you please
• great work for those who are inexperienced
• requirements are very low barrier
• very supportive culture
• Discord channel for workers

The Cons

• only 5% get accepted
• test is said to be hard

Final Thoughts

8/10Happy Scribe has a very good reputation online.  In fact, I think it has one of the better reputations out of all the companies I have researched.

If you want to type online and average about $12 to $15~ per hour, then I say sign up.  If you do, just remember that you should study that guideline book like you’re taking an exam.  They only accept 5% of those who apply, so the chances you get approved is very slim.  I don’t want to be negative but that’s the reality here.

In the end, give them a shot.  The pay is okay and the company seems to be pretty innovative in comparison to competitors.  You won’t make a ton, but it can make for a fantastic part-time job.

That’s going to do it for now.

As always, if you want to comment on your experience, feel free to do so below.