Updated Sept. 17, 2026.
If you're looking for a flexible way to earn some extra money from home, CastingWords is one transcription company you may come across.
They've actually been around since 2005, so this isn't a brand-new platform. CastingWords offers freelance transcription and related work through its online Workshop, and one of the nice things about it is that you're free to work when you want.
There are no required hours or minimum amount of work you have to complete.
Below, I have more information on how it all works.
What Is CastingWords?
CastingWords is a U.S.-based transcription company that provides transcription services to clients. The people doing the work are independent contractors rather than employees.
Most freelancers start out doing transcription, but there are other types of assignments available as you move up on the platform, including editing, grading, and reviewing work.
Everything is handled through the CastingWords Workshop.
There aren't any required minimum hours, so you can log in and look for work whenever it fits your schedule. You can work often, occasionally, or simply check in when you have some extra time.
Because the amount of work can vary quite a bit, though, I would look at CastingWords more as a flexible extra money option than something you should depend on for steady income.
CastingWords itself acknowledges that work isn't always available at every freelancer level, and the entry-level assignments can sometimes get claimed pretty quickly.
What Does a CastingWords Transcriptionist Do?
The exact type of work you'll see depends on what you're qualified to do and what badge level you've reached.
Available assignments may include:
- Listening to audio and transcribing it into text
- Editing and improving transcripts completed by other workers
- Editing computer-generated transcripts
- Grading transcription and editing work
- Approving completed work
- Reviewing disputed grades
Don't expect to see every type of assignment as soon as you join. Some of the work is only available once you've reached a higher badge level, so new freelancers may have fewer options at first.
Requirements to Work for CastingWords
The basic requirements for CastingWords aren't especially complicated.
You need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in a location CastingWords currently supports
- Be legally able to work as an independent contractor
- Have a PayPal account in your own name that can receive CastingWords payments
- Read and understand the company's style guidelines before completing paid work
Right now, CastingWords is registering new freelancers from the United States only.
There are also some state restrictions you need to be aware of. At the time of this update, new accounts are not supported in California, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, or West Virginia.
You'll also need a computer and reliable internet access.
As far as listening to the audio goes, CastingWords lets you play it directly through the assignment page. You can also download the file and use your preferred compatible audio player if that's easier for you.
How Much Does CastingWords Pay?
This is one area where CastingWords can vary quite a bit.
According to the company, transcription assignments can currently pay anywhere from about $0.085 to a little over $1 per audio minute.
How much you actually receive will depend on the assignment itself, your level on the platform, and in many cases, the grade your completed work receives.
And if you're brand-new to transcription, it's important to understand what “per audio minute” actually means. An audio minute is not a minute of your working time.
So if you're given a 10-minute audio file, that doesn't mean the job will take you 10 minutes to complete. It could take considerably longer, especially when you're just getting started.
Difficult speakers, poor audio quality, background noise, and unfamiliar names or terminology can all slow you down.
How Does CastingWords Pay?
CastingWords pays freelancers through PayPal only.
Payments are scheduled every Friday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
You do have to wait until you've been a Workshop member for at least one week before requesting your first transfer. After that, as long as you have at least $1 in your CastingWords account, you can request your money.
CastingWords also says it pays the PayPal transfer fees, so the amount being transferred from your Workshop balance isn't reduced by a CastingWords PayPal fee.
Is Work Always Available?
Unfortunately, no. This is probably one of the biggest things to keep in mind if you're considering CastingWords.
The company says there is not always work available at every freelancer level. New assignments are added when customers place orders, so the amount of work you'll see can change from one day to the next.
They also mention that weekends, U.S. holidays, and the summer months may be slower.
It's probably better to think of it as another site you can check when you have time and want to pick up some extra transcription work, while also applying with other companies.
Tips for Doing Well at CastingWords
If you decide to give CastingWords a try, don't skip over the style guide.
Be sure to read it carefully before you start accepting paid assignments because your grades can affect both your earnings and the types of jobs you're allowed to take.
CastingWords recommends that beginners start with shorter assignments that have clear audio, which is probably a smart way to ease into it.
You can also preview an available job before accepting it. That gives you a chance to listen to the audio first and decide whether it's something you actually want to tackle.
You don't necessarily need a lot of special transcription equipment to get started with CastingWords, but a decent pair of headphones can make difficult audio much easier to understand.
You can read more about equipment commonly used for transcription here.
Is CastingWords Worth Trying?
CastingWords is a legitimate transcription company that's been operating since 2005, and its Workshop is still accepting eligible U.S. applicants.
The biggest advantage is the flexibility. There aren't any required minimum hours, and you can choose from the assignments you're qualified to complete rather than being locked into a set schedule.
On the other hand, work is not guaranteed. Entry-level assignments can get picked up quickly, some jobs pay very little, and the grading system can have a noticeable effect on what you actually earn.
So, you should not sign up expecting CastingWords to provide you with steady full-time income. But if you're interested in transcription and like the idea of having a site you can check whenever you have some extra time, you might find CastingWords to be worth it.
How to Apply for CastingWords
You can apply through the CastingWords Workshop application page.
The application starts out pretty simply. CastingWords asks for some basic information along with a short bio.
Once you're approved, you can log into the Workshop and check the Available Jobs section to see what you're currently eligible to complete!
Want More Legit Transcription Jobs?
If CastingWords doesn't have enough work for you, isn't available in your state, or you simply want more companies to apply with, my General Transcription Guide gives you a much larger list of places to try.
The guide includes 70 companies with regular openings for general transcribers, divided between beginner-friendly companies and those that require more experience.
It also covers:
- What general transcription work is really like
- How transcription companies pay
- Skills that can help you succeed
- Equipment and software you may need
- Tips for taking transcription tests
- Additional places to look for transcription work
The guide is an instant download and is currently $10.
Learn more about the General Transcription Guide here.
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.