Looking for a flexible way to earn extra income from home? Speechpad might be a platform worth considering.
As a transcription, captioning, and translation service provider, Speechpad offers opportunities to make money on your own schedule. But is it really worth your time?
In this review, we’ll dive into how Speechpad works, the pros and cons, and whether it’s a good fit for your side hustle needs. Let’s find out if this platform can help you earn online!
What Is Speechpad?
Speechpad is an online platform that offers transcription, captioning, and translation services. It allows users to earn by completing tasks like transcribing audio files, creating captions for videos, or translating content.
The platform pays per audio minute and offers flexible working hours, making it suitable for those looking for a side hustle.
However, it can be competitive to get accepted, and pay rates vary depending on the job type and experience level.
How Does Speechpad Work?
To start earning on Speechpad, you need to go through an application process, complete jobs using their system, and get paid based on the audio minutes you transcribe or process. Here’s a detailed look at how Speechpad operates:
The Application Process
Joining Speechpad begins with submitting an application and completing skill tests. These tests evaluate your typing speed, grammar, and overall accuracy. If you pass the initial assessment, you may need to attend an interview to finalize the hiring process.
It’s important to note that Speechpad is very selective about who they accept. They prioritize skill and experience, and they only hire when there’s sufficient demand for work. If the platform isn’t hiring when you apply, you’ll need to check back periodically.
Earning Opportunities
Once you are accepted, you’ll gain access to Speechpad’s job board, which lists various tasks you can complete for payment. The platform offers four types of jobs:
- Transcription: Converting audio files into text.
- Captioning: Adding captions to video content.
- Translation: Translating content from one language to another.
- Reviewing: Checking the quality of other people’s work (invite-only).
When starting out, you can only accept basic transcription jobs, as many tasks require a certain rating or passing a qualification test. For example, captioning and translation jobs require you to take and pass specific tests before becoming eligible.
The Job Process
Once you accept a job, you must complete it within the provided deadline. Speechpad’s system makes the process easier by eliminating the need for external software like Microsoft Word. Their system supports certain tools, such as foot pedals, which help improve efficiency and speed.
After completing a job, you submit it for review. If your work is approved, you’ll be paid the rate specified when you accepted the job. Keep in mind that Speechpad pays per audio minute, not the time it takes you to complete the task. To maximize your earnings, efficiency and accuracy are key.
How Do You Get Paid on Speechpad?
Speechpad pays freelancers based on the length of the audio file they work on. Rates vary from $0.25 to $1 per audio minute, depending on the complexity of the job and the turnaround time. Captioning jobs pay slightly more, ranging from $0.30 to $1.00 per audio minute, while review jobs pay between $0.20 and $1.00 per audio minute.
Once a job is approved, payments are sent via PayPal every Thursday and Friday. The best part is that there’s no payout threshold, so you can receive your earnings regardless of the amount. Speechpad also covers all transaction fees, meaning you’ll receive the full payment.
Who Can Join Speechpad?
Speechpad accepts applicants worldwide, but getting hired depends on your skills and experience. Their hiring process is rigorous, and they only bring on new transcribers when there’s enough demand for work.
They’re not always hiring new workers, check out their worker’s page here and click on “apply now” to see if they’re hiring at the moment.
What Equipment Do You Need to Work on Speechpad?
Working on Speechpad requires specific tools to ensure you can complete transcription, captioning, and other tasks efficiently. While the platform provides its own system for completing jobs, having the right equipment is essential for maximizing your productivity and accuracy.
A Computer
You’ll need a computer to work on Speechpad since their system is not compatible with mobile devices. Both Windows and Mac computers are supported, so you can use whichever you prefer.
Reliable Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial because you’ll need to download audio/video files and upload your completed work. Poor internet connectivity could delay your ability to complete jobs on time.
Headphones
High-quality headphones are essential for clearly hearing the audio files you’ll be working on. Look for headphones that offer noise cancellation and clear sound quality to help distinguish between voices and background noise.
Foot Pedal (Optional but Recommended)
Speechpad’s system is compatible with certain foot pedals, which are devices that allow you to control audio playback (play, pause, rewind, and fast forward) with your feet. This frees up your hands for typing and significantly increases your efficiency.
If you don’t already own one, it’s worth investing in a foot pedal recommended by Speechpad. Popular models like the Infinity USB Foot Pedal are often used by transcription professionals.
Keyboard
A comfortable and responsive keyboard is also important. Since transcription requires a lot of typing, you’ll want a keyboard that minimizes fatigue and supports faster typing. Some transcribers prefer ergonomic keyboards for added comfort.
Software or Tools
While Speechpad doesn’t require external word-processing software like Microsoft Word, their system integrates the necessary tools for transcription, captioning, and translation tasks. However, you may need additional software for testing your typing speed or practicing transcription skills.
How Much Can a Beginner Expect to Make on Speechpad?
As a beginner on Speechpad, your earnings will primarily depend on your typing speed, transcription accuracy, and the amount of time you dedicate to completing jobs. However, it’s important to note that beginners will only have access to basic transcription jobs, which often pay less than advanced tasks.
Pay Rates for Beginners
Speechpad pays transcribers per audio minute rather than the time it takes to complete the task. For beginners, the pay rate typically ranges between $0.25 to $0.50 per audio minute for basic transcription jobs.
Let’s break this down:
- If you transcribe 10 minutes of audio at a rate of $0.25 per audio minute, you’ll earn $2.50 for that task.
- For 10 minutes of audio at $0.50 per audio minute, you’ll earn $5.00.
Time Investment vs. Pay
The time it takes to transcribe an audio file depends on several factors, including your typing speed, familiarity with transcription, and the clarity of the audio. On average, beginners may need 4–5 minutes to transcribe 1 minute of audio, meaning a 10-minute audio file could take 40–50 minutes to complete.
At the beginner rate of $0.25 per audio minute, this translates to an hourly rate of $3 to $6 if you’re just starting out. With experience, you can improve your speed and accuracy, boosting your earnings over time.
Access to Higher-Paying Jobs
As you gain more experience and receive positive ratings from clients, you’ll unlock access to higher-paying tasks, such as captioning and translation jobs. These tasks can pay up to $1.00 per audio minute, significantly increasing your earning potential.
Realistic Monthly Earnings
For beginners dedicating part-time hours (e.g., 10–15 hours per week), realistic monthly earnings might range from $50 to $300, depending on job availability and your efficiency. Full-time transcribers with advanced skills and access to higher-paying jobs can earn significantly more.
Pros:
- Flexible schedule and work-from-anywhere setup.
- Reliable PayPal payouts with no minimum threshold or fees.
- Beginner-friendly with basic transcription jobs available.
- Opportunities for advancement to higher-paying tasks.
- Built-in transcription tools provided.
Cons:
- Low initial pay rates for beginners ($0.25–$0.50 per audio minute).
- Long application and screening process.
- Jobs can be competitive and are not always available.
- Requires equipment like a foot pedal and headphones.
- Limited support for mobile users—requires a computer.
Is Speechpad a Good Extra Income Platform?
Speechpad is a reliable platform for earning extra income online, offering flexible work hours and legitimate PayPal payouts with no minimum threshold.
While it’s beginner-friendly with opportunities to advance, the low starting pay ($0.25–$0.50 per audio minute) and selective hiring process may make it less ideal for some. It’s best suited for those with strong transcription skills looking for a flexible side hustle rather than a primary income source.
You might also wanna check out my Top Extra Income Sites as well where you can earn online without any skills.
Is Speechpad Worth Your Time?
Whether Speechpad is worth your time depends on your goals and skills. If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra income and have strong transcription skills, it can be a decent option.
However, the low starting pay, competitive job availability, and selective hiring process mean it’s not ideal for everyone. For those who can work efficiently and build their ratings, it may become worthwhile, but beginners may find it challenging to make significant earnings quickly.