<h1>How Much Does Audio Transcription Outsourcing Cost?</h1>

Transcription Outsourcing Costs: A Summary by Type

There are three main ways to outsource transcription services:

• AI-powered automatic transcription (0.4 JPY to 40 JPY per minute)
• Hiring individuals via crowdsourcing platforms (6 JPY to 200 JPY per minute)
• Professional human transcription services (108 JPY to 800 JPY per minute)

Generally, the cost tends to increase as you go down this list.

Note: While some providers calculate fees based on character count, most often provide quotes based on time.

Let's delve into each option in more detail.

1. AI-Powered Automatic Transcription (Average Cost: 0.4 JPY to 40 JPY per minute)

If you want to get transcription data quickly with minimal effort, "AI transcription" is highly recommended.

AI-powered automatic transcription services do not involve human intervention, offering several advantages:

• Lower unit cost due to no labor expenses
• No time lost on unnecessary communication
• Reasonably high accuracy

Conversely, the disadvantages include:

• Transcribing all meaningless words like "um" and "uh"
• Potential need for manual correction after transcription

We provide solutions for these issues later in the article, so please check them out if you're interested.

2. Hiring Individuals via Crowdsourcing Platforms (Average Cost: 6 JPY to 200 JPY per minute)

If you're looking for the most affordable human transcription, this method is a great option.

Popular crowdsourcing platforms include:

• CrowdWorks
• Lancers
• Coconala

If you find a good transcriber (crowdworker), they might deliver work that is surprisingly meticulous and fast for the price, making it incredibly cost-effective if successful.

However, if you're new to outsourcing, you might struggle to identify low-quality transcribers or encounter communication issues.

This could lead to increased costs from preliminary test assignments or wasted expenses if you have to re-hire someone else. Therefore, instead of simply delegating, it's crucial to approach it with a mindset of actively engaging with the transcriber.

3. Professional Human Transcription Services (Average Cost: 108 JPY to 800 JPY per minute)

For those who prioritize high-quality transcription and are willing to pay a bit more, the traditional method of using professional services is recommended.

Professional transcribers from specialized agencies ensure reliable results, as errors or missed deadlines can impact their company's reputation. A significant advantage is the certainty of the outcome.

Interactions such as initial consultations are typically very smooth, as expected from professionals, minimizing communication effort.

Generally, professional transcription services often categorize delivery formats in detail, such as:

• Verbatim transcription: Transcribing every word exactly as spoken (Average cost: 240 JPY to 700 JPY per minute)
• Clean verbatim: Removing meaningless words and filler (Average cost: 108 JPY to 700 JPY per minute)
• Edited transcription: Converting spoken language into written language (Average cost: 240 JPY to 1000 JPY per minute)

This allows you to choose the optimal format for your specific needs.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages such as higher costs and many agencies only accepting projects of a certain volume or larger.

The cost varies depending on the quality of the original audio data and the required turnaround time, and calculation methods differ among agencies. If you want to minimize costs, it's advisable to get multiple quotes.

[Summary] Transcription Outsourcing Cost Chart (by Type)

Related Articles on Transcription Outsourcing

This article also explains various services for outsourcing transcription.

If you're interested, please take a look!

Transcription Service (AI App, Freelancer, Professional) Comparison Summary [3 Types, 7 Picks] | AI Transcription Service - Mojiokoshi-san

AI Transcription is Recommended for First-Timers

So, among the three types of outsourcing methods, which one should you choose?

For those looking to outsource transcription services for the first time, "AI transcription" is the most recommended method.

The biggest advantages are its low cost and short turnaround time.

In recent years, with the dramatic advancement of speech recognition technology through deep learning, AI transcription has become capable of transcribing with very high accuracy.

It handles specialized terms, proper nouns, and even foreign languages, which can be difficult for domestic crowdsourcers and agencies in Japan.

Furthermore, services like "Mojiokoshi-san" offer free plans, so you can experience how well AI transcription performs for free before committing to full use.

If you're unsure about outsourcing transcription, why not try an AI transcription service like "Mojiokoshi-san" first?

4 Key Points to Consider When Outsourcing Transcription

I have a general idea of the market rates. I'll go ahead and order a transcription service!

Hold on a moment, even if you're eager to proceed.

Even if you choose a reputable service within a reasonable price range, there are cases where things don't go as planned for various reasons.

The cause of this isn't the service provider, but "you."

There are four main points you should keep in mind to avoid failure when outsourcing transcription:

• Choose the right service for your purpose
• Prepare a glossary
• Specify whether "kebatori" (filler word removal) and text refinement are needed
• Don't haggle too much

Let's look at each point in detail.

Choose the Right Service for Your Purpose

Even within the realm of transcription services, each has its own "strengths and weaknesses."

• Hiring a highly specialized professional transcription service for short audio data where quality isn't a major concern.
• Handing over confidential company data directly to an individual.
• Attempting to transcribe low-quality audio data as is.

When there's a mismatch between your objective and the service, as in these examples, it can lead not only to wasted time and money but also to unnecessary problems.

※Even among professional transcription companies, there are various types, such as those specializing in quick delivery or those strong in legal or specialized fields.

When outsourcing transcription, make sure to prepare thoroughly and choose the optimal service.

Prepare a Glossary

A common pitfall when outsourcing transcription is that the transcriber may not be able to properly hear (or understand) technical terms, proper nouns, or niche expressions used only within your company.

This is only natural, as the transcriber is completely unfamiliar with your specific context.

Therefore, it's highly recommended to compile a "glossary" of terms and expressions that might be difficult to understand objectively and provide it along with the audio data you're requesting to be transcribed.

While it's understandable to hesitate due to the perceived effort, the transcriber's understanding directly impacts the overall quality of the work.

If you regularly outsource transcription, this will eventually become a necessity anyway, so don't be lazy and prepare it thoroughly.

Specify Whether "Kebatori" (Filler Word Removal) and Text Refinement Are Needed

I thought I requested filler word removal, but I received a half-finished verbatim transcript...

This is a common occurrence when dealing with individuals.

Conversely,

I requested a verbatim transcript, but they performed filler word removal and text refinement...

Such cases also happen.

While some might consider the latter lucky, there's a non-zero chance it could be unnecessary meddling depending on the purpose of the data.

To ensure the transcriber's efforts aren't wasted, make sure to clearly confirm the desired format of the delivered data when placing your order.

Don't Haggle Too Much

I want to spend as little money as possible.

While that sentiment is perfectly understandable, insisting too much on the lowest price can lead to a "you get what you pay for" situation, which defeats the whole purpose.

In everything, there is a concept of a fair price.

The prices set by each service have their own clear reasons. If you ignore these and forcefully lower the price, problems will inevitably arise somewhere.

Such "invisible shortcuts" are often hard for an amateur to notice.

As long as you don't deviate significantly from the market rates introduced here, it's generally better not to engage in aggressive price negotiations, as this will ultimately lead to more satisfactory results.

Must-Read: Thorough Preparation is Key.

I want to outsource to minimize effort.

However, complete丸投げ (simply sending raw audio data without proper explanation) is strictly prohibited.

In addition to the glossary and delivery formats mentioned above, make sure to:

• Provide details on the original audio content and specifications.
• State the purpose of the transcription data.
• Specify the desired quality.
• Indicate whether timestamps are needed.
• Set a deadline (preferably with milestones).

In short, organize and present as much detailed information as possible in an easy-to-understand manner.

While this preparation might seem like a hassle, considering the potential for unnecessary burdens or troubles later on, it can be considered a necessary investment.

As mentioned earlier, clearly defining your purpose often leads to insights like, "Wait, maybe I don't need to hire a professional for this..."

The Single Best Tip for Affordable Audio Transcription

Outsource high-quality transcription as affordably as possible, while adhering to fair market rates.

Such a dream method actually exists.

It's the technique of:

Combining AI and human effort

As previously mentioned, transcription can be broadly divided into three stages:

• Verbatim transcription (transcribing every word exactly as spoken)
• "Keba-tori" (removing filler words and unnecessary sounds)
• "Seibun" (rewriting spoken language into written language)

By outsourcing these stages to different entities, you can achieve high-quality transcription.

The recommended combination is:

• Verbatim transcription: AI
• "Keba-tori": Individual freelancer
• "Seibun": High-rate individual freelancer or do it yourself

Let's explain each in detail.

【STEP1】Verbatim Transcription: AI

Recent advancements in AI are remarkable, and for the verbatim transcription stage, you can often get better quality than by hiring an individual through crowdsourcing.

※Especially if you cannot prepare the "glossary" mentioned in the previous section, AI, which often has built-in dictionary data for technical terms, may be superior.

While there are certainly minor aspects where it falls short compared to verbatim transcription from a specialized professional service, unless you need absolutely precise, word-for-word data, there's no need to choose an expensive service.

Some transcription services reportedly use tool-based methods for verbatim transcription before "keba-tori" or "seibun." In such cases, using AI yourself is significantly more cost-effective.

Let AI (machines) handle all tasks they excel at, and let humans focus on tasks only humans can do.

For AI Transcription, "Mojiokoshi-san" is Recommended

When choosing an AI transcription tool for the first time, "Mojiokoshi-san" is highly recommended.

Mojiokoshi-san uses the latest AI to provide highly accurate and fast transcription.

Furthermore, you can choose between two types of AI, each with distinct features:

• PerfectVoice: Supports over 100 languages, including Japanese and English.
• AmiVoice: Features speaker diarization (transcribes by individual speaker).

These features make it suitable for various scenarios, such as transcribing foreign languages or meeting minutes.

You can use it for free for up to 3 minutes, with no registration or login required, so it's highly recommended to try "Mojiokoshi-san" first.

[STEP 2] Rough Transcription Cleanup: Individuals

If the task only involves removing filler words like "um" or "uh" and correcting typos, it's easier to hire individuals at a lower cost. Even on crowdsourcing sites, you can generally ensure a certain level of quality for this type of work.

As a tip, if you pre-remove sections that clearly won't need cleanup during the initial raw transcription phase, it reduces the workload and saves costs.

When outsourcing, it's a good idea to approach individuals on crowdsourcing sites who regularly accept transcription jobs and ask, "Can you do just the rough transcription cleanup for a lower price?"

[STEP 3] Polishing/Editing: High-Rate Individuals or Do It Yourself

While simply converting spoken language to written language is one thing, summarizing and rephrasing content for clarity requires a certain level of skill.

Therefore, it's best to clearly separate the polishing/editing phase and entrust it to an individual who can deliver reliable work, even if their rate is slightly higher.

※Even then, it will still be cheaper than hiring a specialized agency for the entire process from raw transcription to polishing.

If you have enough time, another recommended approach is to handle only the polishing/editing yourself.

Someone who is familiar with the original audio data and understands the context of the conversation can sometimes summarize the text better than a professional writer.

Aim to Become an "Outsourcing Master" in 3 Steps!

By breaking down the outsourcing tasks into smaller parts, you can reduce the total cost while selecting the most suitable service for each task, thereby greatly improving quality.

Someone who is good at outsourcing is someone who knows the optimal tools and personnel for each task and can assign roles appropriately.

Why not aim to become such an "Outsourcing Master" yourself?

Summary

By effectively utilizing transcription outsourcing services, you can achieve higher quality work at a much better cost-performance ratio than doing it yourself.

But outsourcing costs money...

Even if you've been hesitant, comparing the time and effort cost of transcribing yourself with the quality of the final output will surely make you realize the hidden losses you might be incurring.

Leave it to the experts. Use the time freed up by outsourcing to focus on more important tasks that only you can do.

The method of combining AI and human effort, introduced at the end of the article, is a highly useful technique that can be applied beyond transcription, so make sure to master it.

For AI transcription services, trying "Mojiokoshi-san" is highly recommended.

■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"

"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).

• Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
• Can be used from both PC and smartphone
• Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
• Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
• Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages ​​including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.

To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.

It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images. Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free. You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text. You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.

HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com