What Is a Transcriber?
A transcriber listens to audio or video files and types out what is being said. Sometimes, the audio is clear, and sometimes it’s challenging, accents, background noise, people talking over each other, but your job is to make sure the text is accurate.
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- Listen to audio (interviews, meetings, videos, podcasts)
- Type exactly what’s being said.
- Edit if needed (fixing errors, labeling speakers).
That’s it! No fancy degree or experience is needed, just good listening skills, decent typing speed, and patience.
But be warned: It’s not easy. You’ll deal with heavy accents, background noise, and sometimes boring content. But if you stick with it, you can make decent money. Top transcription websites in 2025: Amberscript, Way With Words, and Rev.
Best Transcription Platforms in 2025 (Pay Rates, Availability, & More!)
1. Amberscript (Available in Europe & Worldwide)
Available in: Many countries (check website for details)
Pay rate:
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- Transcription: €0.45 – €1.20 per audio/video minute
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- Captioning: €0.90 – €1.90 per audio/video minute
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- Translation: €3.50 – €6.00 per audio/video minute
What to Expect:
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- Listen to the audio and edit auto-generated text
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- Identify different speakers
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- Sync captions with video
Application process:
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- Sign up and take a test (usually transcribing a short file), No prior experience needed, Once approved, you start working
Equipment needed:
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- Computer/laptop, Headphones (for better audio clarity), Stable internet connection
2. Way With Words (Great for South Africans)
Available in: Many countries, including South Africa
Pay rate: R5.00 – R10.71 per audio minute
What to Expect:
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- Listen to and transcribe audio files, Higher pay for urgent or complex work
Application process:
No experience is needed, but the test is challenging, If successful, they recommend additional transcription tools.
Equipment needed: Computer/laptop, Headphones, Audio player software (VLC Player recommended).
3. Rev (Available Worldwide, US-Based Pay)
Available in: Many countries
Pay rate:
Transcription: $0.30 – $1.10 per audio/video minute
Captioning: $0.54 – $1.10 per audio/video minute
Application process:
Take a short test (usually 5-10 minutes of transcription)
No experience is required, but accuracy matters
If you pass, you can start working immediately.
What to Expect When You Sign Up
You’ll take a test to check your listening & typing skills.
No payment required! (If a site asks for money, it’s a scam.)
Work whenever you want—no strict hours, but more work = more pay.
Payments via PayPal, bank transfer, etc. depend on the platform.
Is Transcription Worth It?
If you’re looking for a side hustle or work-from-home job, transcription is legit. It’s flexible, beginner friendly, and pays well if you put in the effort.
If you’re serious about making money from transcription, pick a platform, apply, and start earning.
To Sign Up on each platform click on the highlighted names, you should then get redirected to their home pages.