CastingWords Review – Scam or Legit? Exposed!

Are you looking for a CastingWords review? But you may wonder if it is a scam.

It’s easy to dream about working from home. To feel calm and relaxed after getting up, not having to worry about traffic, colleagues or time because you don’t have a job. That sounds good, doesn’t it?

Of course, imagining and actually living such a life are two completely different things.

Some people have had success with CastingWords. The company offers remote transcription jobs.

There are many opportunities for anyone experienced or not in transcription to work from home. Some of them are reputable, while others aren’t.

In this review I’ll discuss the process, the services, the team and most importantly what CastingWords can do for you.

As a disclaimer, I’m not affiliated with CastingWords. It means I’m not paid to write this review. So you can rest assured that you will get an honest and unbiased review from me.

At the end of this review, I’ll also tell you the best alternative to CastingWords that has enabled me to make a full-time passive income online.

What Is CastingWords?

Founded in 2005, CastingWords (CW) is a leader in the transcription industry (November 2005, to be exact). The company is headquartered in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Rachel Pearson and Nathan McFarland founded their company with the intention of connecting clients with skilled transcriptionists and giving remote transcriptionists a way to make a living.

Since their inception, they have made great strides. There are full-time employees and freelancers who transcribe, edit, and perform a variety of other tasks.

CastingWords has expanded internationally and now employs freelancers from all over the world and serves a diverse clientele. Their transcription service is currently offered in a variety of languages.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Does CastingWords Work?

When clients need transcription services, CastingWords recruits freelancers and independent contractors to help.

If you’re a freelancer working with CastingWords, you must be able to transcribe and edit your work to the company’s specifications. The work you submit must’ve a high level of correctness, and if you’ve experience transcribing work, you know that this type of work has strict requirements for the correct use of pronouns, spelling, punctuation, etc.

The company and clients will give you specific instructions from time to time.

This position offers you flexibility in scheduling and the independence that comes with working from home. So you can work when and where you want. All that’s required for this form of employment is an Internet connection, a computer, a high-quality audio headset, a quiet room, and no interruptions.

I don’t have to convince you that working from home has its advantages, but there are also disadvantages that you should be aware of.

Regardless of your individual motivations, you can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you like – a general advantage of self-employment.

Providing accurate transcriptions is your sole responsibility to CastingWords (meeting the requirements and passing the review). It goes without saying that you must submit your work before the deadline.

How to Apply for Transcription Jobs with CastingWords?

1. Fill out their application form after you register on this page.
2. If you are accepted (which according to some sources can happen immediately), you will receive a welcome email from them.

You can start your job search directly from this location.

However, before you begin, check out ALL for rules and restrictions. Achieve good grades and earn badges so you can apply for a well-paying job as soon as possible.

If you are redirected to a test page after filling out your application, it means that you must first go through a screening process before you are accepted. Here you will be expected to copy a short passage. You should read the requirements carefully before submitting to the test.

After about two weeks, you will receive an email from CastingWords with the results. Once you know if you have been accepted, you can start looking for assignments and sign up for your first job.

There is also a possibility that they will reject your application. In that case, your chances of getting a second try are limited. To answer this question, you need to know the details of the rejection. You will have to wait a week if you are accepted to retake the test.

Even if you are not accepted or find that transcription is not for you, there are other ways to earn some money online.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

CastingWords Jobs

Works available on CastingWords include the following:

• Audio/video file transcription
• Transcript editing
• determining the audio quality of client-sent files
• Transcriptions and corrections made by transcriptionists/editors will be graded.
• Acceptance of transcriptions and changes made to them

Get Start With CastingWords Transcription Jobs

Follow these simple instructions to get started transcribing at CastingWords…

1. Once accepted, navigate to the Available Tasks section of your Workshop page to select a task (you may receive more than one). The number of assignments on your account is determined by your current level as a Transcriber.
2. If you find something that piques your curiosity, click on it to open it in preview mode. There you can read the instructions for that specific task. Specific/additional instructions may also be provided by the consumer or CastingWords.
3. Once you’ve decided to accept the assignment, click the Work on This button to begin.
4. You can download the file to your computer and do the transcription in a Word document (or something similar). If you prefer to work directly from the page, there’s also a built-in player.
5. Perform the transcription.
6. When you’re finished, simply copy and paste your work into the transcription form.
7. Before you click the “Submit” button, review your work again. They offer some extremely interesting built-in tools.
8. I recommend you check your work several times for errors before you submit it and make sure everything is correct (structure, format, etc.).
9. Fill in the comments section. In it, you should assure that you’ve done all the necessary research on correct pronouns, spelling, etc. You should also express your concerns in this field if you’re unsure about something.
10. To submit your work for review, click the Submit Assignment button.

On the whole, this is quite simple, but there are a few points to remember:

• You can use their mechanism to return orders. If something comes up on your end and you know you can not meet the deadlines, just send the work back to CastingWords.
• When you work for CastingWords, it’s important that you meet your deadlines. When you accept an assignment, you will see a live countdown clock that you should keep an eye on as long as the assignment is under your name. Please note that failure to meet deadlines can result in poor grades and loss of badges.
• Other freelancers on CastingWords can review your transcription work. The review will also be done by CastingWords staff. In order for your work to be accepted, it must first pass their review (and get paid).
• Many people look for work online because they need money immediately. Therefore, please keep in mind that it can take up to 30 days for a transcription job to be accepted. It takes longer to approve work from new transcriptionists (if you’re new to CastingWords, your work must go through numerous reviews).
• Premiums are given for transcription and editing services. So, to earn a significant amount of money, you need to achieve more than the minimum grade.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

CastingWords Jobs, Badges, and Grades

Your salary at CastingWords is determined in large part by your performance ratings and badge totals. This serves as motivation for them to strive for excellence in their careers.

You will receive your “New Transcriber” badge once you are activated (after you are accepted). After your first submission is accepted, you can proudly wear the “Beginner” badge. You will receive the “Diligent” badge after you have submitted 10 approved assignments.

The more badges you have, the more jobs you can accept (also, the better paying jobs are only accessible to those who have multiple badges).

Depending on the quality of your contributions, your badge will increase or decrease. If you maintain a high standard of accuracy in your work, you can be sure that you will consistently excel at your badges.

You should expect that your future grades and overall status in the company will be affected by your track record (in terms of your badges). For example, if you maintain a consistent level of performance, it will benefit your career at CastingWords.

If you have poor academic performance and a low number of scores/badges, you will be offered fewer jobs and may not even be able to find a transcription job at all.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

CastingWords Workshop

If you’re a freelancer, check out the workshop page on CastingWords. It basically consists of three parts:

• Your Dashboard 
• Available Jobs
• My Jobs (this contains your accepted assignments)

If you are a freelancer for CastingWords, you can use the workshop page as a reference guide. To successfully complete your tasks, you must study both the Main Style Guide and the Quick Start Guide.

You can meet the requirements if you read and study the guides carefully.

Remember that your transcript must pass the test(s) before you can submit it. Also, better grades and test scores lead to better paying employment opportunities.

Below are some examples of the requirements set forth in the rules:

• For word-for-word assignments, write everything exactly as you hear it (including background noise, grammatical errors, filler words, etc.).
• Use appropriate markers such as [?] if you are not sure.
• Assignments should not be paraphrased verbatim.
• You must follow formatting guidelines.
• Tasks that are not paraphrased verbatim must be cleaned up by removing stutters, false starts, and filler words.
• As a transcriptionist, you are responsible for checking important elements (such as proper nouns, spelling, and odd terms) before submitting your final work to CastingWords.

How Much Can You Make With CastingWords?

CastingWords’ entry-level transcription price ranges from 8.5 cents to just over $1.

CastingWords also uses a grading system to determine how much you can earn; this system can increase your pay by three times over the minimum wage.

Below are examples of variables that affect the salary:

• Type of job
• Level you have reached
• Grade you earn

Is CastingWords a Scam or Legit?

CastingWords reviews can only be found on Glassdoor. The average rating of a CastingWords transcriptionist is 2.7 out of 5 stars (based on 94 ratings).

Those in the transcription industry appreciate that newbies are welcome on the site. Working with this organization seems safe, as inquiries are answered quickly.

However, the starting salary for transcriptionists isn’t satisfactory. If you don’t move up, it’s hard to make ends meet, they say.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who is CastingWords Best for?

CastingWords is best suited for people looking for internet or freelance jobs. CastingWords is a platform that allows freelancers to transcribe, edit and proofread audio files from the comfort of their homes for a fee.

CastingWords is a great tool if you want to set your own hours, work from home and determine how much you work.

CastingWords Transcription Reviews and Complaints

CastingWords Transcription reviews were mixed, with both praise and criticism.

Overall, CastingWords was rated only 2.6 out of 5 stars by its employees on Glassdoor. So I decided to do some research.

I read some of the praises and found that many of the reviewers shared the following views:

• CastingWords’ high-quality work will eventually lead to high-paying jobs.
• They pay on time, every time.
• Their Facebook group has a strong community of freelancers.
• CastingWords’ customer service is fantastic.
• If you’re just starting out as a transcriptionist, this is a wonderful place to start.
• It’s a good area for side hustles.
• You can learn and earn while working for them as a transcriptionist.
• It may take some time before you earn a substantial amount from the company, but once you get good grades and do well, you should be able to make a good living.

It seems that CastingWords is a viable source of income for independent transcriptionists. You can make a living with their various professions once you have a solid academic record (and a large number of badges).

However, you need to prove yourself and gain their trust before you can do business with them. This is what less experienced transcriptionists and others with negative opinions have said…

• Pay is poor, especially in the beginning.
• There is no guarantee of employment and there are dry spells, such as in the summer.
• Working at CastingWords was perceived by some as a waste of time.
• For some, the work environment at CastingWords is hectic.
• Some complained about the inconsistent editing.

I finally understand why there were so many complaints. One of the challenges of starting as a transcriptionist at CastingWords is that new transcriptionists are placed in a tier where their work is heavily vetted (really thoroughly and by multiple people).

Trying to please everyone must be a stressful and confusing experience. As with many other things in life (such as going to the gym), it can also be unnerving and difficult at first.

I think it can be exhausting to maintain a poor academic standing (poor grades, few badges) for an extended period of time. And that may have happened to people who were unhappy in their careers at CastingWords. I can not say it’s their fault.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

CastingWords Benefits

Work From Home

CastingWords lets you pick your online jobs from the comfort of your own home. Since you are your own employer, you can run your business without ever leaving home.

Flexible Work Schedule

CastingWords gives you the ability to choose the online gigs you want to work on and set your own hours. You have the freedom to create a schedule that works best for you.

Be Your Own Boss

CastingWords lets you be your own employer and work at home. A flexible work schedule allows you to work as much or as little as you want, take only the jobs that are right for you, and balance your workand personal life.

CastingWords Requirements

Create an account on CastingWords if you meet these criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must live in and be supported by one of the countries on the list.
• You must be able to accept payments through the PayPal MassPay system.
• You must be legally able to work as an independent contractor

After creating a profile, you may be asked to take a writing exam before you are given the green light to begin your work.

CastingWords Costs

CastingWords is completely free and can be used immediately. Free registration allows you to apply for jobs once your profile is verified.

CastingWords takes care of PayPal transfer costs so that you receive the full amount owed.

CastingWords Payout Terms and Options

Since CastingWords uses the PayPal MassPay system and pays the PayPal fees, you will receive the full amount of your PayPal balance upon transfer.

Each week, at 10am on Friday, Pacific time, a transfer will take place. If you have funds in your account and would like a transfer, you can do so at any time during the week by clicking the “Request Transfer” button in your Dashboard.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

CastingWords Pros

• The use is free of charge.
• Pays your PayPal fees on your behalf
• Flexibility in working hours
• Work from home with online orders

CastingWords Cons

• Low pay rates for newcomers: due to the badge system and pay structure, it can be difficult for newcomers to earn a respectable salary. To gain access to better paying assignments, you must earn badges and improve your grade.
• An excess of comments: Constructive criticism can be useful, but the amount of feedback from different people on the site can be overwhelming, especially for beginners.
• The setup is a bit difficult: While the application process is simple, the overall setup is a bit difficult. It can take some time to understand the concept of earning badges and improving your grades.
• Approval delays: It can take up to 30 days for an assignment to be approved after you submit it. Compared to other transcription sites, this is quite slow, which can be annoying when you’re waiting to pay out your winnings.

How Good is CastingWords Support?

CastingWords’ Frequently Asked Questions page answers many typical inquiries and concerns. You can also email [email protected] to contact CastingWords.

Sites Like CastingWords

CastingWords vs. DoorDash

Both CastingWords and DoorDash allow you to work whenever you want and for as long as you want.

CastingWords is an online platform where you can get short-term freelance writing jobs that pay you between $10 and $30 per hour. DoorDash, on the other hand, lets you deliver food and earn an hourly wage plus tips.

CastingWords vs. GrubHub

At CastingWords and GrubHub, you can pick and choose your jobs and set your own hours. CastingWords lets you do quick tasks online, while GrubHub lets you work as a food delivery person.

While GrubHub pays a base hourly rate plus tips, CastingWords pays differently for each job.

CastingWords vs. GoPuff

Both CastingWords and GoPuff give you the freedom to work when it suits you.

Work from home with CastingWords and get paid differently for each project you complete. To put it simply: As a GoPuff food delivery driver, you can expect to be paid $10 per hour plus tips. 

While CastingWords doesn’t require any special equipment or transportation, GoPuff does.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

CastingWords FAQs

Is CastingWords real?

CastingWords is a website where people can get paid for transcribing, editing and other online tasks.

How old do you have to be to work on CastingWords?

CastingWords is a company that requires its employees to be at least 18 years old.

What kind of jobs are there on CastingWords?

Transcription, transcript editing, transcript evaluation, audio quality assessment and more are just some of the online jobs offered through CastingWords.

How much time do I have to complete a job?

Above the preview screen is the estimated time it’ll take to complete each task. Once you receive a task, a real-time clock starts counting down the time until the task is due.

Who freelances for CastingWords?

CastingWords only employs remote workers who have access to a computer and the Internet.

CastingWords Review: Final Verdict

If you are looking for serious transcription work, CastingWords is a good place to start. Moreover, if you already have prior knowledge in the field of transcription, working for CastingWords is very easy.

Working for CastingWords can be a great way to get started in your chosen field. It will be difficult if you just want to make money quickly. CastingWords is most beneficial if you see it as an opportunity to expand your skills and gain insight into the field of home-based work.

Those who are willing to grow from their experience will find it a useful learning environment. 

The principles you learn while transcribing for Casting Words can be applied to a variety of other transcription projects.

Not everyone is suited for independent work, but if you can handle it, such positions allow you to set your own hours (and have a good work-life balance). Working a regular job can be challenging if you are a stay-at-home parent, a student, or have health issues.

CastingWords is just one example of the flexible employment options available to today’s workers. It’s like working, except there are no office hours, no bosses and no annoying colleagues.

If you want to start your own online business, let me tell you more in the next section.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Best Alternative of CastingWords to Make Passive Income

If you want to make a stable and secure stream of passive income, I would suggest you start an affiliate marketing business online.

Affiliate Marketing is perfect for anyone who is new to online business. 

In fact, of all the online business models I’ve tried, affiliate marketing is the easiest and most rewarding so far.  

In affiliate marketing, you can actually run your business almost with zero cost and achieve a steady and sustainable passive income to pay for your bills. You don’t need any initial capital and can even do it as a side hustle.

And if you really want to learn affiliate marketing and build a business from scratch, I’d recommend you to get started with the most reputable platform for affiliate marketing: Wealthy Affiliate.

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform for building your affiliate marketing business from scratch. It offers you a free account (including a free website) with comprehensive training on SEO (free traffic methods), which enables you to get started with affiliate marketing right away without paying a penny.

But How Much Can You Earn with Wealthy Affiliate?

A 21-year old student from Wealthy Affiliate was able to earn $7,395 in just 1 week, which means he made more than $1k a day…all while using free traffic methods.

Wealthy Affiliate has existed for 15 years and there are many success stories in the past decade.

To give you more examples, here are some of the other inspiring success stories of Wealthy Affiliate members.

Where to Join Wealthy Affiliate?

Wealthy Affiliate has a very simple pricing scheme. It has free and premium membership.

If you want to feel about Wealthy Affiliate, you can sign up for the free starter membership here (no credit card required). You can select to be a free member with no time limit.

And as a starter member, you can get instant access to the community, live chat, over 500 training modules, 2 classrooms, networking, commenting, 1 free website, access to the keyword tool.

You can enjoy all these values without paying a penny. 

So I strongly recommend you to register a free account and see it yourself.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative