Daily Transcription Review: Is It a Good Side Hustle?

If you’re interested in transcription jobs, there are a number of platforms that offer freelance or independent contractor work. In this Daily Transcription review we’ll look at one of those platforms to help you to determine if it could be a good option for you.

A Brief Overview of Daily Transcription

Daily Transcription is actually one of the oldest translation and transcription companies in the USA. It has been operating since 2005 and has built up a reputation as an industry leader. The company has accumulated millions of hours of transcription footage and has hundreds of transcriptionists working for the company across the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other native English speaking countries.

How Daily Transcription Works

Daily Transcription provides both translation and transcription services. The company handles all varieties of video and audio formats across academic, legal, entertainment, and other industries.

Clients upload their audio or video file, regardless of the length on to the secure DT server. As a worker, you’ll receive a notification that there are files ready for transcription according to your availability. Once you log into the assignment directory, you’ll need to transcribe your assigned files. The style, media content, pay rate, subject, and due date are all listed upfront, so you can check that it appeals to you before beginning.

Of course, upon accepting the assignment, you’ll need to adhere to the specified deadline, or you could be penalized.

After you complete the assignment, you can upload the file to the server and readjust your availability according to your schedule.

The Job Requirements

Unlike some transcription platforms, Daily Transcription does not require previous transcription experience. However, there are some requirements to determine if you are eligible to join the platform.

• Age 18+
• Ability to type 50+ words per minute
• Solid grammar skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Able to meet deadlines

You’ll also need some basic equipment to complete the transcription assignments. This includes:

• A reliable computer
• Access to the internet
• Headphones
• A foot pedal

It is also recommended to have online grammar tools, anti virus software, and transcription software. Daily Transcription recommends using Express Scribe and offers a free download or the online otranscribe.com service.

See our recommended transcription equipment here.

How Much Does Daily Transcription Pay?

Daily Transcription claims to offer one of the best rates for transcriptionists on the market. You can earn $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute as a base rate.

You can set your own schedule and availability, so you don’t need to work a minimum number of hours. However, the company claims that its top transcriptionists are earning $250 to $950 per week.

It’s important to bear in mind that these rates are based on an audio minute. Experienced transcriptionists can typically transcribe one audio minute in approximately four or five minutes. This converts to an hourly rate of $9 to $11 or more per hour. However, if you’re a complete newbie, it may take you longer to complete an audio minute.

You’ll receive payment for the work you complete each week. Payments are made by check, but if you prefer, other payment arrangements, such as PayPal, may be available.

Daily Transcription Reputation

Like many other transcription platforms, Daily Transcription does not have an active Better Business Bureau profile. However, the company has mixed ratings on other review platforms.

The company has an average rating on Glassdoor with 52% of users saying they would recommend DT to a friend. The reviews at Indeed are slightly better but still mixed.

Daily Transcription also has a number of resources on its website that can help newbies and experienced transcriptionists get the most out of the service.

Getting Started

You can sign up for Daily Transcription on its website. There are links on the website for each area with work opportunities. You will then be directed to the DT careers forms.

You’ll need to complete the form and provide information, including your name, email address, location, and any pertinent other information. You will also need to attach your resume.

Once you have completed the form, you’ll also need to complete a skills assessment test. This is to determine that you have the basic skills necessary to complete the work. The recruitment process is completed with a Transcription test in your area of expertise.

You’ll receive a confirmation email after you complete the process, but if you don’t meet the required criteria, your application will be rejected.

When you pass the assessment and test, you’ll receive training from Daily Transcription. This includes training videos, procedure documents, style guides, and practice jobs.

The company recommends taking your time to learn, paying particular attention to the style guides to ensure that you meet the company requirements. You can also request additional practice tests and receive constructive feedback until you feel comfortable working.

When you’re approved, you will need to log into the Daily Transcription dashboard and update your scheduler. This lets the team know when you’re available and how long you can work. You’ll then receive email alerts when jobs are available.

The Potential Drawbacks

No company is perfect, so you need to be realistic about any possible drawbacks before you decide to sign up. The possible drawbacks of Daily Transcription include:

• Stringent Signup Process: In addition to completing an application form and skills test, there are other assessments and training resources. This is to ensure that you meet the standards the company requires of its transcriptionists. However, if you are only looking for a little work on a very flexible basis, you may find this to be a little stringent.
• Pay Rates Don’t Favor Newbies: Although Daily Transcription does allow newbies to sign up, the pay rates would not work out very favorable if you can’t complete an audio minute in four or five minutes. With a typical rate of $0.75 to $0.85 per audio minute, if you take eight to ten minutes to complete each minute, you’ll only be earning approximately $4.50 per hour.
• No Details About Deadline Penalties: Daily Transcription insists its transcriptionists are dedicated to meeting deadlines, but there is no information about if there are any penalties if you fail to meet an assignment deadline.

Conclusion

Daily Transcription has a solid industry reputation and invites newbies through to experienced transcriptionists to join the team. This makes it a decent option for work at home transcription opportunities.

While you don’t need experience to become a transcriptionist with DT, you do need to meet the minimum typing speeds and pass the assessment tests before you can begin. Additionally, Daily Transcription claims to offer an industry high base rate, but if you’re not particularly fast, you will only make $4 to $6 per hour.

However, the company does provide some great resources to help you to succeed. The website contains some very helpful information to help you decide if you want to sign up. Once you’re accepted, you’ll also have access to the platform dashboard, where you can access additional training resources and help.

So, whether you’re new to transcription or have transcription experience, Daily Transcription is a solid option that could provide a decent side hustle.