1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Transcription and captioning: your step-by-step start

Type out audio and video accurately for transcription platforms or local firms.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Fast, accurate typists with good listening skills and a quiet space.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 60 days.
  • You have no laptop or computer to work on.
  • You have no way yet to receive payments from overseas.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 60 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: shrinking demand due to AI.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How transcription and captioning worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Practise with free audio and check your accuracy3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Apply to two or three platforms and local firms3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Check status3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Track what you earn per audio hour3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Pivot if no access3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Move to captioning or local-language transcription if you can3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to R800 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Express Scribe (free)
  • Good headphones

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.