As technology continues to advance, so too does the need for people who can transcribe clips and videos accurately and quickly. But what do you actually need to get a video transcription job? It’ll be hard to know where to start if you’re new to this field. So I’d like to find out about the skills that you need and also the tools and resources that you need to get a successful career in video transcription. Read on to find out more.
What Is Video Transcription?
Video transcription is the process of converting spoken word audio into text. This can be done by manually transcribing the audio or using automatic speech recognition (ASR) software.
There are a number of reasons why you might need to transcribe videos:
- To create subtitles or closed captions for videos
- To create a written record of what was said in a video
- To improve the searchability of a video by adding keywords
- To analyze the content of a video for market research or other purposes
Usually, a transcription job involves two parts; The first part is for software to pick up words and type them up automatically, and the second part is for a human to correct the software’s job and tidy up the sentences. Software jobs can never be perfect, so that’s where your skills are required.
Why Is ASR Software Not Good Enough?
While AI is being developed continuously, video/audio transcribing software cannot pick up spoken words 100% correctly because of;
- Unintelligible accents and dialects.
- Regional or ”neo” slang.
- People who mumble or talk continuously without using proper grammar.
- Unknown brand names.
- Wordplay and puns.
- Punctuations. Even if spoken clearly, software often places periods and commas in random, wrong places.
There is also a challenging issue when the same sentence means differently depending on where a comma is placed. A typical sentence is for example;
- “A woman, without her, man is nothing.”
- “A woman without her man, is nothing.”
As you can see, these issues need to be corrected after the transcription job is done by software.
What Skills are Required for a Video Transcription Job?
In the old days, transcribers (“audio typists”) were expected to type exceptionally fast. But now that software does most of the typing jobs, typing speed is not necessarily a requirement.
So the skills to get a video transcription job should include;
- Excellent listening skills.
- Knowledge of different dialects and accents, as this can make transcribing videos from different regions much easier.
- A skill to format transcripts correctly, using the correct punctuation and grammar.
- Patience and attention to detail.
- A sense of humor - understanding puns and wordplay jokes.
What Software is Needed for a Video Transcription Job?
Some popular options include Veed, Otter, Temi, Express Scribe, etc.
Once you have your equipment set up and your software installed, you will need to create an account with a transcribing service or company. Once you have done this, you will be able to start searching for videos that need transcribing. Once you find a video that you would like to transcribe, you will simply need to download it and then open it in your transcription software. From there, you can begin transcribing the audio into text.
“Attention To Detail” - Do I Really Need It?
Some people talk so much rubbish, they go on and on. Listening to meaningless chatter for a long time is painful enough, let alone transcribing. It can be exhausting.
If you were to create a summary of spoken word content, you could leave out all the ‘meaningless’ parts. But when it comes to the job for your client, you must be able to transcribe verbatim (i.e., word for word). Because people hire a transcriber for all sorts of purposes. They may be using the content for a linguistic analysis or a personality evaluation. Who knows?
So your attention to detail will be essential.
Where To Find a Video/Audio Transcribing Job
There are many companies that offer freelancing transcription jobs. Some of the popular companies that offer transcription jobs include Rev, Scribie, and GoTranscript. Each company has its own process for hiring transcribers.
Rev requires applicants to take a short quiz to assess skill level, while Scribie asks applicants to transcribe a short audio clip. GoTranscript does not have a formal application process but does require potential transcriptionists to pass an assessment test.
Generally, pay for transcribing jobs ranges from $0.50 - $1.50 per audio minute, though some companies do offer higher rates for more experienced transcriptionists. Payment is usually made via PayPal or direct deposit.
Most companies require transcribers to have at least a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation, as well as the ability to type quickly and accurately. Some knowledge of medical or legal terminology may also be required for certain transcription jobs.
How to Get Started in Transcription
If you're interested in getting started in transcription, there are a few things you'll need to do.
- If you’re not used to using headphones, choose a comfortable set. This will ensure that you can hear the audio clearly and transcribe it accurately.
- Familiarize yourself with different transcription software programs. There are a few different ones on the market, so take some time to try out a few and see which one works best for you.
- Start searching for transcription jobs online. Take some time to browse through different job sites and find one that looks like a good fit for your skillset.
What Equipment do I Need for Transcription?
Whether you need ASR software or not depends on your typing speed - sometimes, it’s quicker to type from scratch to finish than to correct automatically transcribed text.
Otherwise, the software is essential to save time.
A foot pedal is also recommended in order to pause and rewind the recording as needed - much quicker than to keep clicking. Some transcription companies may require that you download their specific software.
Needless to say, make sure to find a comfortable place to work where you can focus on the task at hand. Some people prefer to transcribe in short bursts, while others can sit for hours at a time. Find what works best for you and stick to it.
Sell a Transcription Service on Fiverr
Transcribers for Hire Online Fiverr
Fiverr is a digital marketplace that allows you to sell services as a freelancing basis, starting at $5. Services offered on Fiverr include but are not limited to transcriptions. You can provide any service from writing, graphic design, video editing, etc.
Here's how to get started selling transcription services on Fiverr:
1. Create a gig:
On Fiverr, gigs are service offerings that sellers can create to offer their services to buyers. When creating your gig, be sure to include all the important details about your services, such as what type of transcription you're able to do (e.g., medical, legal, general), your turnaround time, and any other important information potential buyers should know.
2. Set your price:
Once you've created your gig, you'll need to set your price. For transcription services, prices typically start at $5 per audio minute (though this can vary depending on the type of transcription and other factors). If you're just starting out on Fiverr, you may want to consider offering a lower price than average to attract buyers and build up some positive reviews.
3. Start promoting your gig:
The final step is to start promoting your gig so that buyers can find it. You can do this by sharing it on social media or other online platforms, participating in relevant forums and discussion groups, or even reaching out to potential clients directly.
A couple of things you should make sure of when selling your transcription service on Fiverr are;
- Your service should be priced competitively. If you are charging too much, people will be less likely to use your services.
- Market your services well. You need to let people know about your services and why they should use them.
Selling transcription jobs on Fiverr is an excellent way to start your own business and make some extra money.
Tips for Successful Transcription
Here are some basic tips that can help you get started on the right foot (pun intended) and increase your chances of success.
#1 Be Systematic
Whether you create a draft of the whole job and then start proofreading or go section by section, is up to you. But highlight the inaudible parts clearly so you can get back for revision easily.
#2 It’s OK To Say No To Unfamiliar Topics
If a speciality topic requested by a customer sounds too challenging, for example, aerospace science, law, chemistry, etc., then consider carefully declining the order. Because imagine, you may spend hours researching the jargon and still end up presenting an inaccurate document. It’s ok to say no if you’re not 100% confident.
#3 Take Your Time
Rushing through the transcription process will only lead to errors and frustration on your part. If possible, set aside a block of time each day devoted solely to transcription so that you can work at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed.
#4 Proofread One More Time
No matter how confident you are with your finished transcript, proofread it one more time before you submit it to your client. You may catch more mistakes that you didn’t previously. Your accuracy will boost your reputation among clients, which will get you more jobs.
Conclusion
Video and audio transcribing jobs are a great way for anyone looking to make some extra money. With the right skills, you can find many opportunities online or through local companies that need transcription services. To get started, look into freelance sites such as Fiverr and Upwork or search for companies in your area who may be looking for help with their video/audio transcribing needs. No matter what option you choose, this is a great opportunity to earn extra income while honing your skills.
