Have you ever considered online transcription jobs in Kenya as a new career? If the answer is “yes,” this article will provide you with all the information you need to get started. We will discuss what online Transcription means, how it works, and find online jobs for transcribers. Additionally, I will share some tips on getting started in your new career as a professional online transcriber!
Back in 2014, I discovered online transcription jobs for the first time. I had just been laid off from my job, and online work was one of the few things I knew how to do well, so it seemed like a good fit.
After spending some time online comparing companies, deciding what kind of experience I wanted (Transcription or editing), and finding out about online transcription jobs, I could not get a few gigs immediately.
I realized that online transcription jobs are not handed out willy-nilly.
I was online a lot; I found job postings on forums and groups for transcribers. Some of them were good opportunities to get started with the work, and at least one led me to an ongoing position from which I am currently enjoying a steady paycheck!
If you want online transcription jobs- or any online remote work- it is important to search for these types of positions.
Many different companies offer transcription and editing services, so do your research before jumping right in. Working without pay can suck if you don’t like what company/job you’ve chosen after investing some time there.
I wanted to give back, so I wrote this article on Transcription and how to go about it.
Let us begin.
What is Transcription, and how does it work?
Transcription is an online job and is a way of converting spoken words into written text.
Transcription is typically done by a person who listens to or watches an audio recording and uses the nuances in their voice, accents, pauses, inflections, and other verbal cues to transcribe what they hear.
People that do online transcription jobs are usually asked for time-stamped lines so you can edit them accordingly after conversion online.
How much do online transcribers make?
A transcriber’s salary is between $15 and $25 per hour. Advanced transcribers can make up to a few dollars more per hour, usually around $30. But this depends on the transcription rates of the company you are working with.
Online Transcription Jobs in Kenya
Here is a list of transcription sites where you can find online transcription jobs:
1. TranscribeMe
Number one on our list of transcription jobs online 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 of around $150 per month.
2. Scribie
Scribie offers general transcribing jobs in Kenya. You can do these jobs at home and work around your 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, you can not create transcription accounts because 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 pay range 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 $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 one of the best transcription sites 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, so 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 and 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. You need to provide your resume and cover letter in the application process to be considered.
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, medical institutions, non-profit organizations, and 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 worldwide. 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 a 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, an Amazon company.
Conclusion
If you are interested in beginning a career as an online transcriber, this article has given you some knowledge on how to find jobs and what skills might be required. You can check out the list of amazing Transcription tools that can help you transcribe these websites.
Some of these online transcription jobs that pay through mpesa don’t pay directly to Mpesa but through PayPal.
