In the wake/aftermath of COVID-19, many will have experienced the luxury of working from home. No workplace will beat the comfort of your home. The internet is home to plenty of online jobs and side-hustles.
Although there are several online jobs offered by companies, this article will only cover two. Between transcription and web/app testing. We’ll look at the best companies to work with.
Transcription Jobs
Transcription is a process that converts speech to written text. Think about that and you may begin to understand the application transcription has as an online job. Organizations like Youtube or TED look to service for closed captioning and other services. For most of these companies, the only real requirement is a sound English understanding. Here are some of the best transcription companies:
1. Transcribeme
Founded in 2011, Transcribeme is a service for two parties. Companies use Transcribeme to translate or transcribe their media. Then, the media is distributed to freelancers. This media comes in the form of two-eight minute videos or audio. Expect poor video quality and thick accents. Keeping their slogan: monetize your downtime in mind, they have optimized this process. If you can block out time just for this endeavor, it can be a legitimate source of income.
With Transcribeme, there’s no entry or member’s fee. Just apply, pass their test, and you can start making money. Transcribeme boasts $15-$22 rates per audio hour. Glassdoor reports an average of $21 per hour and the company itself claims the average monthly earnings are $250! Payments are only made through PayPal ($20 minimum). Importantly, there’s the chance for promotion within the company. Also, with a legal or medical background, earnings will increase. With that, the only problem you may face with Transcribeme is that their business correlates with the work available for transcribers.
2. Rev
Since 2010, Rev has created work-from-home opportunities. Rev differs from Transcribeme by their pay structure, application, and jobs. Aside from that, their plan is the same. Get media from clients—create work for freelancers. Rev gives its freelancers the choice between captioning and transcribing. Captioning involves syncing captions to video and generally yields a better payout. Again, time will determine Rev’s worth.
Like Transcribeme, there are no fees to start. Where the application differs, is in the entry test and Rev’s work sample. Rev’s English test is more of a quiz and they require a transcription or caption sample for quality purposes. We found their application quick and easy. Uniquely, Rev pays by the video/audio hour. Reportedly, transcribers can expect 30¢–$1.10 and captioners 54¢–$1.10 per minute. Notably, translators can earn considerably more than the other two positions. Rev also pays weekly through PayPal. Again, the only downside is the promise of work.
*Bonus: Writers Work
While not exactly a transcription service, it’s still a great option. Writers Work is for people who love to write. It’s a great platform to start your freelance writing career. They accept and find work for any skill level. There is a glut of resources to help and improve your writing. Over time, you could earn more pay from freelance writing than transcription. What’s great about Writers Work is it’s a complete package. You’ll find the platform simple and helpful. It tackles the hardest part of freelance writing—organization.
Pay depends on the employer. But, you can count on Writers Work to bring you all the opportunities. The notable drawback with Writers Work is the fee. All things considered, it’s fairly priced. You can opt for a one-time payment of $47 or a monthly payment of $15. If you’re motivated, you could turn freelance writing into a real online job.
Web/App Testing
Web and app testing is used by companies to get feedback on their platform. Reviews are valued by developers. They help resolve bugs and aid in creating a friendly user experience. If you’ve tried your hand at Youtube, you’ll have no problem with web and app testing. Usually, all that’s needed is a microphone and a camera—which your computer most likely has. Check these companies out:
1. UserTesting
From 2007 to today, UserTesting has provided big brands with priceless reviews. As the world changes, companies will too. Insight from consumers is just one of the ways they keep up with the world. UserTesting is simply a middle-man for companies to get feedback from regular people. To apply, simply provide an email address and take a sample test.
To get the most out of this platform, quality must be a priority. Nobody would want a review from someone looking like they just got out of bed. Simply put, you have to be thorough with your work. Look presentable, have a reliable internet connection, and clear/crisp audio and video. Having all those will give you the best chance of finding worthwhile work. Usertesting promises at least $10 for every 20-minute test and “even more of interviews”. Understanding demographics will have a role in getting work. Aside from that, UserTesting could be a legit online job.
2. Respondent
It’s smart to get skeptical when money and surveys are mentioned. Most paid surveys offer chump-change for time-sapping surveys. Respondent changes the game when it comes to paid surveys or rather “studies”. This isn’t a site that only requires an email address and offers pennies for your time. Respondent values the opinions of professionals, parents, and students. Depending on your background, you could very well may $100+ by completing a study.
This is absolutely a legit way to make some money. The more professional you appear, the greater the odds of matching with high-paying studies become. With Respondent, there are two ways to make money. Through the actual surveys and by referring others. Incentives vary from study to study, but you can expect $50+ per study. If you’re camera shy but still want an online job, look into Respondent.
*Bonus: Social BlueBook
Kylie Jenner can make as much as 1 million dollars for one sponsored post on Instagram. Have you ever wondered how much your social media is worth? Nowadays, you can leverage your social media accounts to earn some extra money. Social Bluebook factors things like followers, subscribers, likes, engagement, etc. to estimate how much a sponsored post would be worth for you. A membership with them will help grant you access to all the tools needed to become an influencer.
Summary:
Both transcription and web/app testing are good ways to bring in some side income. If you treat these side-hustles like jobs, or rather your business, you’re bound to have more success. While these are certainly great opportunities, we always advise starting something that’s your own. If you’re not afraid of failure, try the bonuses. Long term you’ll find more success than relying on a job.