Unlock Earnings Through Transcription: A Comprehensive Review of ‘Casting Words’

Reviewing CastingWords: A Transcription Side Hustle
Authored by Lorraine Smithills
Updated on April 18, 2023

If you’ve been thinking about transcription as a way to make some extra cash, there are many platforms out there offering transcription jobs. Here, we’re going to take a look at CastingWords to help you figure out if it’s the right choice for you.

So what’s CastingWords? It’s been in the transcription game since 2005, with the primary aim of linking skilled transcribers with clients, providing the freelancers with a source of income. The company has really grown over time, and while they now have in-house staff, they still have opportunities for freelancers all over the world. But it’s not just transcription – they also offer editorial work and other roles!

So how does it work? As a CastingWords transcriptionist, you’re essentially your own boss. You just log onto the platform, browse through available jobs, and pick the ones you want. You can even preview the instructions for any job before you decide to take it. The platform provides a built-in player for you to work directly from, however, you can also download the files if you prefer.

What’s unique about CastingWords is that they allow you to return assignments if you’re unable to meet the deadline. Each assignment comes with a live countdown clock, so if you get unable to work on a task for whatever reason, simply return it as fast as you can. Just remember that it can take up to 30 days for your work to be approved.

The basics you need to join CastingWords are pretty straightforward. You just have to:

1. Be 18 or older.
2. Live in a supported country.
3. Be capable of receiving PayPal payments.
4. Have the legal right to work under applicable laws.

There are no special tools required, though if you have a foot pedal or online grammar tools, those can be helpful!

So what’s the pay like? CastingWords offers around $1 per audio minute. Yet, the pay can vary according to the grades of your work. If your work is excellent (graded 9), you can make up to 3 times the base rate. They also have a badge system; the more badges you earn, the more jobs you’ll have access to. Thus, if you’re consistent and perform well, you’ll make more money. Payments are made every Friday through PayPal, and they cover the PayPal fees!

The reputation of CastingWords is pretty favorable on a number of review platforms. Some users point out that you might have to work for a while before you start getting higher-paying work, but no prior transcription experience is required.

To sign up and start transcribing, just visit the CastingWords website and fill out the application. You may or may not have to take a skills test based on the information you provide. Once accepted, you’ll find all the available assignments on the dashboard.

Like any company, CastingWords does have a few drawbacks. The pay rate can be relatively low for beginners since access to higher-paying work is through badges and grades. Additionally, feedback from various users might get a little overwhelming, especially at the start. It might take a bit to understand the process of earning badges and improving grades, and there can also be a delay of up to 30 days in approving submissions.

Despite these points, CastingWords is a legitimate company offering transcription jobs for freelancers globally. If you’re dedicated, you can gradually earn more and reach those higher-paying assignments. The flexibility of the platform is a plus point – you can even return the assignments if you think the deadline looks tough. So if you’re hunting for a transcription gig, give CastingWords a shot!