You’ve heard of CrowdSurf, but you’re wondering if it’s worth your time. Keep reading! This CrowdSurf review has everything you need to know before jumping into this work from home opportunity.
Transcription work is one of the most popular work from home typing jobs to consider. Transcriptionists are responsible for turning audio and video files into text. While transcription jobs are plentiful, you may be wondering what companies pay for this type of work.
CrowdSurf is a good option for both new and experienced transcription workers. If you’re looking to set your own hours, gain experience, and support a worthy cause, continue reading to learn more about transcription work opportunities currently available through CrowdSurf.
CrowdSurf Review
CrowdSurf is a company that provides paid transcription jobs that you can do from home. The company works with thousands of freelancers to provide on-demand transcription and captioning services.
CrowdSurf’s mission is to solve media challenges for deaf, low-hearing, and second-language viewers. The company provides opportunities for freelance transcriptionists, translators, and captioners in the US and Canada.
Freelance Transcription Platform
CrowdSurf partners with WorkMarket, an ADP company, to send freelancers work so you can get paid faster. After you’ve signed up for your WorkMarket account, you’ll need to apply to CrowdSurf as a new transcriber, review the guidelines, and take an assessment to join the editing platform.
If you pass the test assignment and meet the other requirements, your account will be ready to start receiving paid work requests. Each transcription task is called a HIT, which stands for Human Intelligence Task. Your transcription files will be reviewed by quality control upon completion for accuracy.
CrowdSurf uses a QC or Quality Control score to rank your work. The ranking starts at 950, which is the highest. In order to continue working with the company, you must maintain an average QC score of 900. Since CrowdSurf’s purpose is to help low-hearing and deaf individuals consume content, they take the qualification standing of each completed transcript very seriously.
Transcription Jobs Requirements
You must meet a few requirements to get hired for freelance work. CrowdSurf is looking for English-speaking individuals with media and audio transcription experience. Some of the niches they specialize in include education, entertainment, and business.
You must also be detail-orientated, fluent in English, and understand accurate punctuation and grammar. Transcription workers should also have excellent proofreading skills. Since you’ll be working from home, you will need a PC or Mac to complete assignments and have a reliable internet connection. To make transcribing easier, you should also purchase a pair of high-quality headphones and transcription software with a foot pedal.
Some additional requirements include:
- Fast and accurate typing speed
- Excellent listening skills to deliver a clear verbatim transcript
- Familiarization with software tutorials a plus
- Pass the transcription assessment
- Have a valid US or Canadian ID
Compensation
CrowdSurf allows you to work conveniently from home at your own pace. There are no strict commitments, and you’ll be paid as you complete tasks. Freelancers are paid based on their level of proficiency and the amount of work completed.
Assignments range from 5-second to 30-second audio files, and compensation ranges from $0.03 to $0.20 per media minute, plus additional bonus rates. Once you complete an assignment, you can transfer your earnings to your preferred payment account. Funds can be withdrawn to a PayPal account, direct deposit, or a WorkMarket card.
CrowdSurf Reviews and Ratings
While CrowdSurf does not have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, they do have a 3.4-star rating on Indeed and a 2.3 rating on Glassdoor. Most workers only use the platform for part-time income opportunities due to the shorter tasks and lower pay.
Here are some CrowdSurf reviews from freelancers who left reviews on Indeed:
I work on transcription tasks at least 8 hours a day at CS. I’ve learned to be a good listener. The hardest part of the job is getting no tasks on the work dashboard.
I really liked the company. The only issues I had is it hard to get through and a little difficult to join, and the minimum wage pay of $12/hour isn’t so exciting, but the audio hours are as few as 20 seconds which makes the job quite easier. I love working from home gives me the opportunity to do other things and have time for myself personally. Overall, it’s a good company!
Pros and Cons
Before deciding if CrowdSurf is the right remote work opportunity for you, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and compare it to what you’re looking for in an ideal job.
Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks that stand out most.
Pros
- Easy to sign up for if you meet the basic requirements
- Shorter tasks and opportunities to build your transcription skills
- Flexible work schedule
- Get paid quickly and earn bonus payments
Cons
- Lower pay for assignments
- Workload may vary, especially if you don’t meet QC standards
- There may not be opportunities for advancement
- You’re working as a 1099 independent contractor
- No benefits
Alternatives to CrowdSurf
CrowdSurf is not the only transcription company that allows you to work from home on your own terms. Some other notable transcription jobs include:
View this article for our recommendations on additional paid transcription companies, tips for getting started, and how to use good judgment when narrowing down potential jobs. You may also want to consider trying multiple transcription sites to maximize your earnings.
CrowdSurf Review Wrapup
Obtaining a CrowdSurf account to freelance with the company makes it easy to get established as a transcription worker. They will provide assignments so you won’t have to worry about fixing audio quality, although you should always review your completed transcripts for quality control.
In order to continue working with the company, you’ll need to complete as many successful HITS as possible, which will challenge you to grow your skillset and accuracy. If this type of work sounds like a good fit for you, head here to sign up via Work Market and take the brief assessment so you can start receiving paid work.
Have you worked for CrowdSurf? Give us your CrowdSurf review below; we’d love to hear about your experience with the company.
Originally published June 21, 2023. Content updated June 2024.