Platform work

Transcription and captioning

Q: What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn; keep records of every payment received.

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

Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026Under review: details may have changed

To startR0 to R800
First randabout 2 months
WhereOnline
Effort Easy to start

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

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

In South Africa: Available but constrained.

What you need

A laptop or computer
Reliable internet
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 5 hours a week · age 18+
Admin & organising (competent or better) or Spoken English (competent or better)
A way to receive payments from abroad

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

No reliable current SA data.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R0 to R800
Every month: Data and airtime.
Payment fees: PayPal routes.
Margin: Your time.

How it is paid: Per audio minute. Our viability score for it: 35 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Join waitlists; do not rely on this
- Check which platforms accept new South African workers now
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- Apply
- Practise with free audio and check your accuracy
- Apply to two or three platforms and local firms
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Check status
- Track what you earn per audio hour
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Pivot if no access
- Move to captioning or local-language transcription if you can

Waitlists make timing uncertain. First income usually takes 14 to 180 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Transcription: from your first test file to your first paying client

23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Researchers, media, legal firms via platforms.

Accurate text from audio.

Is there demand?

Rev applications are waitlisted as of October 2026 and GoTranscript has reported not accepting new transcribers; AI transcription is shrinking the market.

Rev (waitlist)Local transcription firms

Getting customers

Apply to platforms.

Work handed out by an app or platformApplying for jobs or platform roles

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Shrinking demand due to AI
Low effective hourly rates for beginners

Competition: High; AI pressure.

Room to grow: None.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start transcription and captioning in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R800. Recurring costs: Data and airtime.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 60 days, and between 14 and 180 days. Waitlists make timing uncertain.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Not really. You will need a laptop or computer for most of the work.

What about tax and legal rules?

Sources (3)

Rev: freelancer applications (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Safrea: Freelance Media Industry and Rates Report 2026 (summary) (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)
SARS: how do I register for tax (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)

Free tools for this

Test transcription and captioning with your own numbers Compare overseas payout fees Estimate the tax on this side income

Not sure this is the one?

The free test ranks every option against your skills, time and budget.

Take the free test