If you’re looking for an easy way to make money from home, transcription jobs are a solid place to start. I gave Rev a try (which works a lot like TranscribeMe), and getting set up was simple. If you can type fairly quickly and stay focused, it’s a decent way to earn some extra cash.
Of course, it’s not all perfect. Sometimes the work slows down, or you get stuck with files that are pretty boring – think long lectures or topics you’d never normally listen to. But if you’re after a flexible side hustle that’s easy to jump into, transcription is definitely worth checking out.
If TranscribeMe has caught your attention, you’re probably wondering the same thing I did. Is it legit? Is it worth your time? Keep reading for the full review and see if it’s a good fit for you.
Read our comprehensive TranscribeMe review to determine if TranscribeMe is an appropriate side hustle for you.
Table of Contents
What Is TranscribeMe?
TranscribeMe is a company that offers remote transcription services and translation work to people who want a flexible remote job. If you’re interested in transcription, the job is simple:
- Listen to an audio file or video
- Transcribe what you hear as accurately as possible
Everything is done directly on the TranscribeMe platform, so there’s no need to download special software.
As you build your skills, you can unlock opportunities for editing, proofreading, or joining special teams. You’re considered an independent contractor, meaning you set your hours and can treat this as self-employment, a side hustle, or a way to make extra cash.
How Does TranscribeMe Work?
When a new audio file comes in, it’s broken down into smaller sections based on how long the original recording is. These smaller clips are uploaded to TranscribeMe’s job board, called “Workhub.” That’s where transcribers step in and pick up new assignments.
All transcriptions are crowdsourced to humans, and their job will be to type everything they hear as accurately as possible. Everything you listen to is played through the onsite transcription software, and once this task is complete, you submit your work.
Your transcriptions will be manually compared to the audio file to ensure accuracy. Once each split section is transcribed, they will be combined to match the original audio source before being distributed back to the client.
Is TranscribeMe Legit?
You’ll find a mix of TranscribeMe reviews, but one thing is clear. TranscribeMe is legit. It’s a real company that’s been around for years, and when it comes to work-from-home jobs, it’s one of the more well-known names in transcription because of how easy it is to get started.
Here’s the catch: this type of work isn’t always as easy as it sounds. It takes concentration, patience, and time to build up your skills. If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the process before diving in.
If you want to enhance your skills on the job, TranscribeMe is also open to working with beginners, and there are no arduous tests to pass before joining.
We couldn’t find any reviews suggesting this was a work-at-home scam or claims of any other scams relating to TranscribeMe, for that matter.
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What Is the TranscribeMe Application Process?
The hiring process for TranscribeMe is simple, and you don’t need any prior experience, live in a certain location, and have no specific equipment requirements. However, you must have a high school diploma, speak and write fluently in English, have access to the internet (high-speed internet helps) via Google Chrome, and have fast typing skills.
Apply for the Job. The first step is to register online through the TranscribeMe website. You’ll fill out some basic personal information — no resume or work history is required, and the process is quick and non-intrusive.
TranscribeMe Overview. After registering, you’ll watch a short introductory video that walks you through the application process. This video also explains how transcription works and how to navigate the TranscribeMe platform.
Entrance Exam. Next, you’ll take the TranscribeMe exam. Don’t let the word “exam” intimidate you — it’s very manageable if you take your time and follow instructions.
The exam includes:
- A short multiple-choice quiz based on TranscribeMe’s Style Guide
- Transcription of a few short audio clips (typically around 3–6 minutes each)
You’ll need to achieve at least 98% accuracy to pass. If you don’t succeed on the first try, you can retake the exam up to three times.
Start Working. Once you pass the test, you’ll gain access to the WorkHub and can begin transcribing paid jobs right away. You choose your own schedule and can work as much or as little as you like.
Optional: Tools to Improve Efficiency. While not required, the following tools can help boost your accuracy and workflow:
- Quality headphones for better audio clarity
- A foot pedal for hands-free playback control
- Text expander tools to speed up common typing tasks
What Does TranscribeMe Pay?
So, now that you know that TranscribeMe is legit, you may also wonder how much they pay.
Let’s be real: there are a ton of TranscribeMe reviews out there, and everyone says something different about what they actually pay. Well, here are the real figures!
TranscribeMe offers starting pay rates of $15 to $22 per audio hour for regular transcription services.
Depending on your speed, that translates to $0.25 to $0.36 per minute.
However, if you are very accurate, you can qualify for TranscribeMe’s Special Teams where you can transcribe medical, legal, and other specialty topics due to their complexity and uncommon terminology. These pay, on average, between $60 and $70+ per audio hour.
With little to no experience and having the ability to work at home, the pay rate is decent.
Please note that the industry standards say it takes 4 to 8 minutes to transcribe 1 minute of audio. This is why it’s so important to be efficient. The quicker you can decipher and transcribe the audio, the more you will get paid. For those who don’t know, a foot pedal may increase your audio transcription speed.
TranscribeMe offers the occasional opportunity to provide files with special requirements that allow you to speak another language. This means that if you’re multilingual, you can potentially begin earning money above the regular rate.
TranscribeMe makes payments weekly via PayPal. You can request a payment if you have a minimum of $20 in your account. You should know that they currently do not offer other payment methods.
On average, TranscribeMe transcriptionists earn approximately $250 per month. While this may not be a substantial income, it can serve as a reliable way to cover a bill or two each month. Although it won’t cover major expenses like a mortgage, it is an excellent side hustle option.
Privacy and System Requirements
TranscribeMe takes privacy seriously by dividing each audio file into smaller sections or micro-tasks. This means no single transcriptionist has access to the entire recording. Instead, the transcription work is crowdsourced, and multiple people may transcribe different parts of the same project. Once everything is complete, TranscribeMe combines the sections and delivers the final file to the client.
The good news is that you don’t need any special equipment to get started. You only need a computer, a stable internet connection, and a Google Chrome browser. While TranscribeMe recommends using a quality pair of headphones or earbuds to help with audio quality, they’re not required.
A foot pedal can help you work faster, but it’s optional. The setup is simple, and you don’t need much to start. If you’re looking for a low-stress side hustle to make money on the side, TranscribeMe is a solid pick. Many TranscribeMe reviews mention that it’s easy to use and beginner-friendly, especially if you’re just getting into transcription.
TranscribeMe Reviews
Check out the good and the bad, according to those on Glassdoor.
The Good
- “Work from home, flexible, do it when you want”
- “Freedom to work whenever you like, although there is a quota system now.”
- “Flexible hours and can take tests to advance”
The Bad
- “Really hard to pass entry exam and low pay”
- “You have to take exams to advance and get on specialty teams to make more money.”
- “Despite my typing an average of 95 wpm, their page requirements took a minimum of 20 hours per week to complete, even weeks after training was complete.”
Similar Options to TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe isn’t the only option for freelancing transcribers. Here are other options, too.
Upwork
Upwork is a well-known platform for freelancers and a good place to offer transcription services. You’ll begin by creating a profile that highlights your skills, then browse listings from clients looking for help. To apply, you use credits called Connects to submit a proposal and bid for the project.
Since other people are applying, you might have to go through a quick interview, depending on what the client is looking for. One thing to keep in mind is that competition can be challenging. Some freelancers try to win jobs by offering very low pay, making it harder to land a good-paying job unless you have strong skills or experience.
Fiverr
Fiverr is another popular freelance marketplace where business owners look for transcription services. On Fiverr, you create a profile and set up custom gigs tailored to what you offer. Each gig can have multiple tiers, allowing you to offer a basic package and upsell extras like longer audio files, editing, or faster delivery.
Clients browse your gigs and decide who they want to work with. They can message you directly through the platform, and all communication, work, and payments happen there. With over 3.8 million buyers visiting Fiverr daily, it’s a great place to find new assignments and earn money if your skills and profile catch your attention.
Rev.com
Rev.com works in a similar way to TranscribeMe, using a crowdsourced model for transcription tasks. It’s beginner-friendly and also offers opportunities in captioning and translation. Payments are sent weekly through PayPal, which makes it a reliable option for earning money from home on a flexible schedule.
CrowdSurf
CrowdSurf is just like TranscribeMe, offering small files to transcribers to transcribe. This makes it easy to fit small bits of work in during your free time. To work for CrowdSurf, you must have a Work Market account.
Transcribers on CrowdSurf transcribe anything from important interviews to cartoons to make it more accessible for everyone. In addition, CrowdSurf provides all the necessary training to succeed.
Casting Words
CastingWords is another solid choice if you’re looking for flexible online work. Like TranscribeMe, they break large audio files into smaller sections and send them to multiple transcribers. You can work whenever it fits your schedule, whether a little or a lot. What’s nice is they use a graded pay system, so the higher your quality, the more you can earn over time.
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TranscribeMe Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can work as much as little as you want on your own schedule
- You don’t need expensive equipment to get started
- Offers competitive pay for the industry and pays weekly via PayPal
Cons
- There’s no guaranteed work will be available when you can work
- It can be hard to get work when you first start
- You get only two chances to pass the test
Transcription Challenges
Transcription can be a great way to do small freelance projects, but it does come with a few challenges. Here are some of the most common issues transcriptionists run into.
Background Noise
To be honest, when the audio isn’t clear because of background noise, it can really slow you down. Finishing the file takes much more time if you’re constantly replaying parts to figure out what’s being said. And since transcription is usually paid per audio minute or hour, that extra time can lower your overall hourly rate. Clear audio makes a big difference in how efficiently you can work.
Poor Annunciation
If the speaker doesn’t speak clearly, it can be hard to understand what they’re saying in the recording. This can slow you down as you replay sections to catch missed words. It affects your overall productivity and can lower your earnings per audio hour. While context can sometimes help you figure things out, unclear speech and poor audio quality still make accuracy difficult. Even experienced transcriptionists deal with this from time to time.
Unfamiliar Vocabulary
It can be challenging to keep up if you’re working on a file from an unfamiliar industry or the speaker uses advanced or technical language. You might spend extra time looking up terms or risk making more mistakes simply because the content is more challenging to understand.
Benefits of Working for TranscribeMe
Good Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest perks of doing transcription work is the flexible schedule. You get to choose when you work, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. If your kids have a soccer game or something comes up, you can step away without stress. Just log into TranscribeMe or pick up a project later when things settle down. That kind of freedom makes managing work and family life much easier.
You Can Earn Extra Income
Whether you’ve got a full-time job or are home with the kids and want to bring in some extra cash, the great thing about transcription work is that you control how much you earn. Need more money in one week? Pick up more projects. Feeling comfortable with your budget? Take it easy. Since TranscribeMe and other platforms pay weekly, it’s easy to adjust your income based on what works best for you.
You Can Start Working Right Away
The TranscribeMe application process is simple, so you can start picking up transcription jobs quickly if you need to earn money fast. It’s a solid option for stay-at-home parents or anyone looking for a typing work to boost their household income. With few barriers to entry, flexible hours, and no special equipment required, it’s an easy way to start transcription work and begin bringing in extra cash immediately.
FAQs
How Flexible Are TranscribeMe’s Working Hours?
You set your own hours when working for TranscribeMe. The key is whether work is available when you log in, which can vary daily.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Interview After Applying to TranscribMe?
TranscribeMe doesn’t require an interview. Instead, their interview is an exam. Once you pass the exam (you get two chances), they’ll usually activate your account within a few days.
How Often Does Transcribe Me Pay Out?
TranscribeMe pays via PayPal weekly, but you can request a payout if you have $20 in your account.
Does TranscribeMe Offer Health Insurance?
Transcribers on TranscribeMe are independent contractors, so there are no insurance benefits. You are responsible for insurance, taxes, and other benefits.
TranscribeMe Review: Boost Your Income as a Transcriptionist
Overall, TranscribeMe is legit and can be a great way to bring in some extra cash with a part-time job that lets you enjoy a flexible work-at-home schedule. It’s easy to fit around your day and works well as a side hustle. However, it likely won’t replace a full-time job. The number of available transcription jobs may not offer steady income, unlike what some TranscribeMe reviews may say.
Currently, Glassdoor gives TranscribeMe a 4.1-star rating, with many users calling it one of the better work-at-home jobs available. About 79% of reviewers recommended working on the TranscribeMe platform.
There are definitely higher-paying jobs out there, or you could focus on building your own business if that’s your goal.
If we’re keeping it real, if you’re looking for a work-from-home job to add to your portfolio and prefer working alone, TranscribeMe is one of the better options. It’s easy to sign up, works around your schedule, and is available to freelancers worldwide.
If you’re curious, give it a shot. There’s no harm in trying it out and seeing how it works for you.
Watch the NoScamReviews video for a full breakdown of what to expect from the TranscribeMe platform.
Have you ever used TranscribeMe to make extra money? If not, will you start after reading this TranscribeMe review? Let us know in the comments!
Samantha Hawrylack is a personal finance expert and full-time entrepreneur with a passion for writing and SEO. She holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and Master’s in Business Administration and previously worked for Vanguard, where she held Series 7 and 63 licenses. Her work has been featured in publications like Grow, MSN, CNBC, Ladders, Rocket Mortgage, Quicken Loans, Clever Girl Finance, Credit Donkey, Crediful, Investing Answers, Well Kept Wallet, AllCards, Mama and Money, and Concreit, among others. She writes in personal finance, real estate, credit, entrepreneurship, credit card, student loan, mortgage, personal loan, insurance, debt management, business, productivity, and career niches.
