The internet is full of all sorts of paid jobs. Even teenagers make money online. The main thing is to find a lifting way of earning: without skills, abilities, simple. This way is just transcription. What it is and how, where to work as a transcriber is detailed below.
What is transcription?
Transcription is the conversion of audio, video into text. Simply put, you need to listen to a video, audio recording, rewrite the speech into a text file.
At first glance, the work does not seem difficult, but there are a number of obstacles when performing transcription (slurred speech, recording defects, dialogues, too fast pace of speech, additional conditions). Transcriptions do not have clear types, subspecies, varieties. As a rule, each order is individual, contains unique requirements.
Conventionally, it can be divided into transcription of dictated speech, interviews, recordings from conferences, meetings, lectures, trials, webinars, wiretaps, focus groups, editing sheets, subtitles.
- Dicted speech. It is considered the simplest type of transcription. Speech dictated to a video or audio recording device is clear, at a moderate pace, without unnecessary sounds. The amount of text received is larger than in other cases. Often, post authors ask to clear the text of parasitic words, stuttering.
- Interview. Cheap but simple format. The customer more often requires to rewrite the words of the respondent (the person being interviewed). The quality of the interview is good, so there are no difficulties.
- Recordings of conferences. Relatively difficult type of decryption. There are many participants in the meetings, they interrupt each other, speak not loudly enough, too quietly. The recording quality will not always be good. A negative factor is the echo from the spacious rooms in which the conference was held. Sometimes the customer requires to rewrite not word for word, but the main thoughts of the participants, which is why you have to listen especially hard.
- Lectures. It practically does not differ from dictated speech, with the exception of the echo, possible interference in the audience. Teachers use long terms, which can be difficult to work with.
- Court Records. Decryption is notable for the complexity of implementation, the severity of customer requirements. The transcriber is required to rewrite even unimportant details, clearly identify all speakers, decipher absolutely all words, phrases (including whispers, exclamations, bickering). They pay accordingly.
- Webinars. The format is not complicated if there is only one speaker. In this case, decoding is no more difficult than copying a lecture or dictation. When there are multiple hosts, the complexity of transcription increases greatly. Sometimes you need to insert remarks, phrases from the chat (for example, questions to the speaker).
- Hearings. The hardest of jobs. Audio/video quality is poor, speech is muffled, slurred, transcribers have to listen multiple times for every sound. The pay for the work done is good.
- Focus groups. These are transcripts of various polls. The difficulty lies in the format of the survey. As a rule, there are several participants at the same time, the answers sound from all sides at once. It is difficult to understand everyone’s speech, but the payment is appropriate.
- Mounting sheets. Interesting and complex format. The transcriber is required to decipher the replicas of the characters, indicate the timecodes of the beginning / end, remarks (for example, they said at once, speaks in a whisper, having come to his senses he said). There are orders for a more complex version – complete mounting sheets. The volume of work increases many times over, a description of everything is added to the usual requirements: changes in the situation, emotions of the characters, changes of plans (with timecodes). Customers ask to arrange transcription in the form of a table.
- Subtitles. The work is not particularly difficult. The employer throws off the film, the transcriber writes subtitles with timecodes. If a person speaks several languages, then he can thus increase the demand for his services. Subtitles are made not only for films, but also for videos of various kinds.
How to transcribe
The most affordable, but long way is to work manually. For novice performers, this seems to be the only right decision. This approach is tedious and time consuming. Manual transcription can be facilitated by a quality audio headset. Advanced transcribers have learned to use special programs to help improve productivity.
- RSplayer. A simple player that processes and decodes sound recordings. Supports hotkeys, which greatly speeds up the process. Works best with Word. Only on Windows.
- Express Scribe Transcription Software. Supports video / audio files, is able to slow down recordings, uses Word as a text editor. English language. The program is available in two versions: paid with great functionality, free. Suitable for Windows, MAC OS X.
- Speechpad. This is an online notepad with the function of turning speech into text. Work with the video takes place through YouTube (you need to insert a link in the appropriate field). Speech is recorded through a microphone.
- Voco. It is also capable of converting speech to text. You can work offline (without the Internet). In addition to the free version, there are two paid ones that work with ready-made recordings (Voco.Professional, Voco.Enterprise).
- LossPlay. Player without complex settings, functions. Suitable for beginner transcribers. Works on Windows, there is a Russian language.
- Dragon Dictation. A speech recognition program that is converted to text. Further, the text can be edited, corrected, copied, sent. Supports 40 languages (Russian among them). Supported by smartphones.
- Transcriber-pro. Russian-language video / audio processing tool. The editor provides the functions of putting down timestamps (time codes), the names of the speakers. The program is not free, you will have to pay an annual subscription (700 rubles). Only on Windows.
- RealSpeaker. It differs from analogues in the function of recognizing “live speech”, analyzing lip movements (increases quality by 40%). Supports 11 languages: Russian and 10 foreign. The program is paid ($30), but there is a trial period.
- Dictationio. Recognizes speech through a microphone. The functionality is small, but easy to use.
- Adobe Audition. A program with the widest range of functions, tools that allow you to modify audio files. Difficult to learn, suitable for professionals who understand sound processing.
- Freemake Video Converter. Free multi-format video converter with the ability to extract audio tracks from videos.
Pros and cons of work
Transcription has a number of pros and cons that are important to know before making a final decision.
Profession benefits:
- Develops short typing, touch typing skills;
- Free schedule;
- Work from home, anywhere you like;
- Develops patience, attention, develops perseverance.
Cons:
- Lack of career growth, development;
- High competition;
- Monotonous, boring work.
How much they pay
The price per minute is up to $1. The duration of the records is completely different, so it is impossible to name the exact monthly earnings. With an eight-hour working day, you can earn up to $ 10.
Profitability is affected by the complexity of transcription (quality of recording, deadline, translation into foreign languages, additional conditions), performance of the performer (typing speed, attentiveness, hearing, knowledge of the language), quality of equipment (headphones, microphone, computer).
Where to work
- On the Internet, freelance exchanges, message boards, and other sites that help beginners find work in any business are common. Freelancers:
- Kwork. A site where performers place ads (work, price), the customer chooses the one he likes by hiring the performer.
- Advego. A platform suitable for copywriters, rewriters, translators, transcribers.
- Freelance.ru. Well-known exchange with constant orders. Provides performers with a lot of conveniences: a safe transaction, a portfolio, a manager.
- MoguZa. The system is like Kwork. The minimum cost of the service is 100 rubles. weblancer. The site helps to find a suitable job for the performer.
- FL. Freelance giant. Orders in various directions, professions. You can buy a pro account.
- Audio Bureau. The resource is focused on transcription, rewriting, copyright, translation.
- Work-Zilla. The exchange is suitable for beginners. Before starting, you need to take a test, pay for a subscription.
Speech transcribing does not require special skills. Anyone can make money from transcription. The first orders cost a penny, but after gaining experience, the daily income will be $10. The work is boring, requires perseverance, patience, attention. Special programs, equipment, skills will help increase profits.
