Crowdsurf Review: Is it a good source of income? Or is it a scam?

Welcome to my Crowdsurf review!

You might have come across Crowdsurf as you’re searching for a legit source of income online.

For some reason, it might have caught your interest and want to know more about the background of the company, and if they are a good source of income.

If this is your concern, then you have to the right place.

In this review, I will help you in determining whether Crowdsurf is the platform you’re looking for or should you keep on searching.

So without further delays, let’s begin my Crowdsurf review…

What is Crowdsurf?

Crowdsurf is a platform that offers captioning and transcribing services. They also provide an opportunity for online transcriber to earn some extra income.

The company primarily services individuals who are hearing impaired.

Other institutions that avail their services are in the field of business, education, entertainment, etc.

Basic information about the company is inconclusive, but a Twitter feed suggests that it was founded in 2013, and their base of operation is outside of the United States.

I also check the age of their domain. It says that it was created on November 29, 2020, which is about seven years and eight months ago.

Typically, I am hesitant to join any companies that do not disclose such basic information. If a business is truthful and honest, I believe that there’s no reason for them to provide this information to the public.

Well, that’s just me.

I also found such a trend of non-disclosure among GPTs, PTCs, transcription services, and other microsourcing platforms. I am not sure if it’s a common practice or not, but some of them are legitimate.

I have reviewed other transcription and caption services platforms in the past. You may check them out if you like—Speechpad, Babbletype, and 3Play Media.

The registration process

The signup process in becoming a Crowdsurf transcriber is relatively easy and straightforward.

But it may take a few days before you can actually work for them because you need to undergo evaluation first.

Such a protocol is completely understandable since they need to provide quality service to their clients.

Also, you need to possess specific qualifications to register for their platform successfully.

One of which and the most basic requirement is the applicants’ level of communication in English.

Well, they are not really looking for someone who can right transcriptions or captions that are perfect—as long as you can properly express your thoughts in English and keen to details, then it’s all good.

You must also be at least 18 years of age and possess moderate-speed typing speed. But faster, your typing speed is—the better.

Also, you have to sign up with a third-party freelance platform called Work Market.

Yes, apparently, they do not have a database for members and have to outsource it to another freelance site.

This is unlike compared to other platforms that offer the same services, such as Speechpad, 3Play Media, and Babbletype, which have their own procedures in storing member information.

The good news, however, is that they do not require previous transcription or caption experience. But you’ll have sort of an advantage over others if you have a background.

Doing transcriptions and captions is basically easy once you get the hang of it. So you don’t really have to worry about how it works—you’ll be fine.

You also have to provide your preferred mode of transfer (for cash transfers) and tax information.

After signing up for the necessary information, you have to wait for a response, which should be within 24 hours.

And then, you have to login into your account the next day and take the assessment examination.

The result of the assessment examination would only take 3 to 5 days. Once you passed, you can now start working for them.

How Crowdsurf works?

Transcription works are pretty straightforward but may take time to finish depending on typing speed.

So basically, an audio or video file shall be provided by the client. And your main responsibility is to transcribe or create captions based on the file given.

Generally, that’s how most transcription services work.

But in the case of Crowdsurf, you may find that it seems that there are more video transcriptions jobs than audio transcriptions. Either way, you would just be listening and transcribing them.   

It is for this reason that you may need a good pair of headphones to clearly hear what’s being said.

The transcriptions must also send to them in verbatim. It means that it should be the exact words as it was relayed in the file.

That’s the basics of how they work. But as easy as it may sound, the pay from such businesses isn’t that great as well.

If you want a better source of income, then you have to check out my best work-at-home recommendation below—

What to expect?

In this section, I’ll provide some of the expectations you have to bear in mind before joining the platform.

3.5-grade maintenance

After submitting your work, it will be evaluated if it was able to meet the quality standard. And then, the transcriptions will be graded accordingly.

Crowdsurf maintains a high standard. Therefore, be sure to double-check your work before submitting them to ensure that you don’t get any demerits.

To keep your membership in the platform, you need to maintain an overall rating of 3.5 and 900 qualification standing.

Video files are relatively short

The transcription tasks are referred to as HIT or Human Intelligence Task.

The video files that you’re going to transcribe or HIT usually ranges from 5 to 35 seconds.

And as mentioned, your work must be submitted in verbatim, which means that it should be the exact words as you’ve heard them.

But you don’t have to worry about fillers like “Uhmm…” or stutters because you have to submit files that are clean and easily understandable.

How much would a transcriber earn?

How much you earn with Crowdsurf depends on the number of jobs you’ve completed and the quality of transcriptions.

Crowdsurf offers a pay rate that ranges from $0.03 to $0.20 per media minute, which typically lasts for 5 seconds to 30 seconds.

This is also unlike other transcription services that normally offer per word transcribed or video minute.

Per media, minutes mean that you earn per task accomplished.

Let’s say, for example, that a 30 seconds video file may take you 1 to 2 minutes to transcribe.

So for a 30-second file, your potential income would be actually $0.10 if the rate is $0.20 per media minute.

And in an hour of transcribing, you should be earning $6. Now, this is just a rough estimation assuming that you are paid the maximum of $0.30.

Thus, you could be earning less than $6 if you get lower rates.

Lastly, Crowdsurf will transfer your earnings through in your PayPal or bank account, whichever you’re comfortable with.

If you’re looking for a reliable and higher source of income, then check out the description below—

Is it a reliable source of income?

If you’re thinking quitting you’re day job and do transcribe instead, then you’re making a huge mistake!

Income from Crowdsurf and other microsourcing, GPT, and PTC platforms are only as good as a source of extra cash.

As you’ve seen in the previous section, the potential earning is low and not stable—meaning that it fluctuates depending on the client.

Maybe making a living from transcribing works is possible for some companies like 3Play Media, especially for people residing in Boston. But this is not the case with Crowdsurf.

What I Don't Like About Crowdsurf

No BBB credentials

The Better Business Bureau or simple the BBB is one way people check the credibility of a company.

Not having one doesn’t immediately conclude that the business is fraudulent in any way. But it may greatly impact the decision-making of potential new members.

Hard to make any significant income

As mentioned, the potential earning is very low—$0.03 to $0.20.

Also, your income would vary depending on the client.

What I Like About Crowdsurf

Work from home

You can essentially work anywhere and anytime you want.

Payment method

The payment method is very convenient, which is either through your bank account or PayPal.

If you’re not comfortable using your bank information, then you can always turn to PayPal.     

Is Crowdsurf a scam?

No. I am positive that Crowdsurf is not a scam.      

They are a legitimate company that provides transcription and caption services.

Final thoughts

I hope my Crowdsurf review has provided you sufficient information in determining whether the platform is a good use of your time or not.

I believe that Crowdsurf is perfect if you’re looking for a good source of extra income.

Although the company is legitimate, I still don’t recommend if your aim is stability and high income.

If you want a better alternative, then continue to the last section, and I’ll show you how you can achieve financial freedom online…

How I earn income online

Affiliate Marketing is a better option than any online money-making scheme because of a few apparent reasons—

• No risk!
• No upsells!
• It is free to begin with!
• A higher and more reliable source of income!
• Unlimited income because you can essentially promote as many businesses as you want.

Yes, what you’ll basically be doing is to promote a brand using an affiliate link through your online site.

And you earn commissions anytime someone engages the affiliate link and then avails the products or services offered on the landing page of the brand you’re promoting.

Of course, the success of this endeavor depends on the quality of traffic being driven into your website.

If you’re a complete newbie and have no idea where to begin or already have knowledge about how it works but struggling as of the moment, then I have the perfect solution for you…

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Thank you for taking time off and reading my Crowdsurf review!

I hope to see you next time!

Peace!