GoTranscript Review 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Audio Transcription Services

Are you considering a freelance transcription job? You might have come across GoTranscript, a platform that offers flexibility, the ability to choose your assignments, and decent pay for those starting in the transcription field. However, there can be challenges, such as low audio quality and difficulty understanding thick accents.

In this article, we will dive into what GoTranscript is, its pros and cons, how it works, and what freelancers say about the platform. We will also explore some alternatives and provide tips on finding the best fit for your transcription career. Are you ready to start? Let’s explore!

Key Takeaways

• GoTranscript offers flexibility and decent pay for transcription freelancers
• Audio quality and accents might pose challenges for some users
• Alternatives and remote job considerations are essential for finding the best fit

What Is GoTranscript?

GoTranscript is a professional transcription service that offers high-quality and efficient transcriptions. With a team of over 20,000 experienced transcriptionists, proofreaders, and editors, they cater to various industries like education, medical, legal, and film. Their services aim to deliver full transcripts within six hours at competitive prices.

So, you might be wondering, how does GoTranscript maintain accuracy? They do so by implementing a rigorous, four-step process consisting of transcribing, editing, proofreading, and quality control.

Here are some key features of their services:

• User-friendly interface: The GoTranscript website is easy to use, making it simple for you to upload files, track progress, and download completed transcripts.
• Wide range of file formats: They accept a variety of audio and video file formats, so you don’t have to worry about converting your files before uploading.
• Confidentiality: GoTranscript takes data privacy seriously, ensuring that all your files and information are secure and treated with confidentiality.
• Multiple language support: They offer transcription services in various languages, catering to a diverse set of clients.

How Does GoTranscript Work And What Are Its Pros & Cons?

Unlike some other services, GoTranscript doesn’t use AI, ensuring at least 99% accuracy in transcriptions. It offers services for many languages, broadening your options to have various content transcribed. The website is user-friendly, making it simple for you to upload files and access transcriptions.

On the other hand, GoTranscript only offers manual transcriptions, which could take longer to complete compared to AI-based transcriptions. While customers seem to have a good experience, some questions remain about how GoTranscript treats transcribers.

GoTranscript Features and Benefits

A Day On The Job

At GoTranscript, you can choose from a list of job posts, and even sample the audio quality before deciding to accept a task. Once you find a suitable job, click “Make My Job” to get started. You can either use their web-based transcription software or download the media and work offline on tools such as Express Scribe or Inqscribe. Your work is autosaved every 30 seconds, and basic formatting is taken care of by the system.

When new jobs are available, you’ll receive an email notification. Remember, you only get paid for transcripts that have been approved by an editor. To request payment for completed jobs, simply navigate to the “STATS” page. A helpful tip is to review the final edits of your transcripts, available under the “Finished Jobs” tab, to improve your skills and familiarize yourself with the company’s expectations.

How To Lose The Job

Submitting low-quality transcripts consistently can lead to losing your job at GoTranscript. If you receive a rating of 3.4 or less for three consecutive jobs, your account will be closed, and payment will not be processed. To prevent this, ensure you follow the guidelines and maintain high-quality work.

Other Freelance Jobs At GoTranscript

Apart from transcription, GoTranscript offers editing jobs and transcription services in languages other than English. If you have a track record of high-quality transcriptions, you may be invited to become an editor. To qualify, you need to complete at least 15 transcriptions with an average rating of 4.5 or higher. Editors can earn between $12 and $50 per job.

For those interested in transcribing in other languages, you can check GoTranscript’s list of available languages and follow the same application process. Though opportunities may not be as abundant as for English language transcriptionists, you’ll be added to their list for relevant job openings.

GoTranscript also offers a bonus system since March 2017 for their top-performing editors and transcriptionists. If you make it into their Top 10 list, transcribers can earn an extra $1-10 per job, while editors can earn an additional $2-20. This serves as an incentive and a customer loyalty program for dedicated freelancers to increase their earnings as they transcribe more audio files and accumulate transcription minutes. So, as you work on more audio files and strive towards a higher loyalty program status, you’ll enjoy greater benefits and rewards from GoTranscript.

What Do Freelancers Say About Working At GoTranscript?

GoTranscript’s reviews are generally positive, and they have a Glassdoor rating of about 3.9. Freelancers have a positive outlook for future growth and work opportunities in the company. 

People love the flexibility and lack of schedules, and you get to choose which transcription jobs to complete. Current and previous freelancers say GoTranscript pays well for beginner’s work, and there’s an advantage to fast typists.

A few freelancers have mentioned that audio quality is often low. Some freelancers have trouble deciphering the thick accents. For those reasons, a common request is for GoTranscript to improve their job rating system to pay more challenging work fairly.

GoTranscript Alternatives

Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance platform that connects freelancers with clients. As a transcriptionist, you can create your own service offerings, and clients can choose from them. While competition is high on Fiverr, it’s an excellent place for newcomers to build a portfolio from smaller projects.

Pros:

• Secure payments
• Fixed-price model
• Encourages tips
• Easy bidding
• Mobile app for project monitoring

Cons:

• 20% platform fee
• Clients can decline completed work
• Strict rules

Fiverr allows you to progress and improve your seller level, making it easier for potential clients to find you.

Jobspresso

Jobspresso is well-regarded for its work-from-home opportunities. The platform carefully vets employers before they can post job listings, ensuring that you’ll find credible opportunities there. However, Jobspresso may not be the best choice for newcomers, as they mainly cater to highly qualified professionals.

Pros:

• No scams due to employer screening
• Better suited for long-term work

Cons:

• Fewer opportunities compared to other platforms
• More suited for employment than freelance work
• Hard to find entry-level transcription jobs
• Not ideal for short-term opportunities

If you’re an experienced transcriptionist with additional relevant skills, take a look at Jobspresso’s listings.

Upwork

On Upwork, freelancers submit proposals for projects that clients have listed. It can be challenging for new freelancers to break into the market due to competition from more experienced professionals. However, once you gain experience, Upwork offers opportunities for high-paying long-term clients.

Pros:

• Efficient search and review systems
• Intuitive native work environment
• Potential for highly-paid work
• Accurate billing and secure payments

Cons:

• Stiff competition
• Complicated approval process for new freelancers

Is the buyer-centric bidding model of Upwork right for you? Explore the platform and determine if it suits your needs.

While GoTranscript is a popular option for transcriptionists, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one platform. Fiverr, Jobspresso, and Upwork each offer unique opportunities for freelancers in the transcription field. By considering factors like competition, skill level, and job type, you can find the platform that’s best suited for your transcription career goals.

Who Is A Good Fit For Freelancing At GoTranscript?

If you have a steady internet connection, fundamental typing skills, and a computer, you might find freelancing at GoTranscript a good fit. You’ll benefit from being a fast typist and having excellent listening skills, which could help you tackle more work. Besides, being open to accepting and integrating feedback from editors is crucial for your success.

At GoTranscript, you’ll enjoy variety in your work. You may transcribe anything from a police investigation to book research, making it an exciting opportunity for those who enjoy diverse tasks. However, keep in mind that all files are confidential, and you cannot share them – which may complicate building a portfolio.

Freelancing at GoTranscript is suitable for:

• Transcribers looking for extra income
• Students who want to efficiently manage their time while earning
• Workhorses who can handle industry and specialized terminology

Remember, GoTranscript uses PayPal for payments. So it’s essential to have a PayPal account to receive your earnings. 

Things To Consider Before Freelancing With GoTranscript

How To Get The Job

As you’re planning to work with GoTranscript, you should know about their pre-employment test. It consists of two parts: a grammar quiz and an audio test. To access the audio test, simply register an account and follow the provided guidelines to transcribe a low-quality audio file.

Once you pass the test and complete registration, GoTranscript will email you instructions to help you get started. Keep in mind that the onboarding process may take a few hours to 30 days. If you don’t pass the test, don’t worry! You can try again after a few days, and the company even offers practice tests to help you improve.

While considering GoTranscript, remember these factors:

• The platform can be cost-effective and offers a five-day turnaround on most projects
• GoTranscript freelance work relies on fast and efficient transcription, so focus on honing your typing skills
• Be prepared for low-quality audio files and learn how to handle them well to ensure a smooth workflow
• Familiarize yourself with their pricing and price quotes so you can set your expectations accordingly.

Things To Consider Before Using A Website To Find Remote Transcription Jobs

How much Demand Is There For Online Transcription Services?

There is a growing demand for online transcription services as businesses, content creators, and professionals require accurate transcriptions of their audio and video files. As a result, several companies, like GoTranscript, are constantly looking for individuals who can take on these jobs.

As technology advances, it’s worth considering that AI-generated transcripts have improved, but they still can’t match the accuracy of human transcriptionists. So, with your skills, you can deliver quality transcriptions that meet the requirements of clients in various professional categories.

When You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re new to transcription, it’s important to find a platform that welcomes beginners. GoTranscript is known for hiring those with no prior experience, making it a great place to start your transcription career.

Before jumping in, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a reliable computer (preferably a PC) and a headset. Though not required, you may find foot pedals help with your efficiency. Mobile apps for transcription do exist; however, they may not always offer the same abilities as a computer, so be cautious if you plan to work primarily from an Android, iPhone, or other mobile devices.

Boost Your Transcription Game With Courses And Practice Tests

Even if you’ve already started working on transcription jobs, it’s never too late to improve your skills. Enroll in courses or take practice tests to familiarize yourself with different types of transcription work. This will help you be more competitive and eventually land higher-paying jobs.

what next?

So, what can you take away from this Gotranscript review? It seems that Gotranscript is a popular and reliable choice for transcription services. Many satisfied users have praised it for offering accurate, human-generated transcripts at affordable rates.

With a user-friendly interface, you’ll find it easy to navigate and upload your files for transcription – but is it the best option for you? That depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. You may want to consider additional features like turnaround time and support. Are you a super-fast typist looking for a more advanced platform? Maybe you should check out other services, but if you need an affordable and reliable option, Gotranscript could be just what you’re searching for.

Happy transcribing!

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