Microtasking is a simple way to earn money online by completing small, repetitive tasks for companies and platforms. These tasks require minimal skills and can be done in your spare time.
What is Microtasking?
Microtasking involves completing small online tasks like data labeling, categorizing images, writing short descriptions, testing websites, or transcription. You get paid for each task completed, making it a flexible income stream.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Microtasking
Step 1: Understand Microtasking
Microtasks are:
- Quick to complete (5 to 30 minutes each).
- Simple and don’t usually require specialized skills.
- Paid on a per-task basis.
They can include:
- Data entry
- Audio transcription
- Content moderation
- Image annotation
- Usability testing
Step 2: Choose the Best Microtask Platforms
Several platforms specialize in offering microtasks. Some of the most popular include:
- Userlytics – usability testing platform, testing websites and apps.
- Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) – one of the largest platforms for simple online tasks.
- Clickworker – offers surveys, data entry, and AI training tasks.
- Microworkers – wide variety of tasks including social media engagement and research.
- Appen – focuses on AI data training tasks like search engine evaluation.
- Remotasks – ideal for tasks like image annotation and AI data labeling.
Step 3: Sign Up on Multiple Platforms
Create accounts on 2-4 platforms to maximize your earning potential. During sign-up:
- Fill in your profile details accurately.
- Pass any initial qualification tests (e.g., for Appen or Remotasks).
- Link a valid payment method (PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfer).
Step 4: Complete Qualification or Training Tasks
Some platforms, like Appen or Remotasks, require you to complete short training or certification before unlocking higher-paying jobs. These training sessions usually cover:
- Task guidelines
- Data accuracy requirements
- Platform rules
Step 5: Start Picking Tasks
Once qualified, browse the available tasks and pick those that suit you. Tips:
- Focus on tasks with higher payouts per hour.
- Avoid tasks with poor reviews from other workers.
- Track your time to calculate effective hourly rates.
Step 6: Work Efficiently
To maximize earnings:
- Complete tasks quickly but carefully to avoid rejections.
- Use tools like Grammarly (for writing tasks) or browser extensions for productivity.
- Batch similar tasks to improve speed and accuracy.
Step 7: Withdraw Your Earnings
Each platform has different payout thresholds:
- Userlytics – Pays via PayPal.
- MTurk – Payments via Amazon gift card or direct deposit (US-based workers).
- Clickworker – Payouts via PayPal or SEPA.
- Remotasks – Weekly PayPal payments.
- Microworkers – PayPal, Skrill, or Payoneer.
Step 8: Scale Your Efforts
As you get faster and more experienced:
- Prioritize higher-paying platforms.
- Join specialized task pools (e.g., AI training for Appen or Remotasks).
- Refer friends to platforms offering referral bonuses.
Tools You’ll Need
- Userlytics – website testing
- Amazon MTurk – microtasking
- Clickworker – surveys & data tasks
- Microworkers – various microtasks
- Appen – AI-related microtasks
- Remotasks – data labeling & AI tasks
- Grammarly – for proofreading
- PayPal/Payoneer – for receiving payments
- Toggl – time tracking tool to measure productivity
Final Thoughts
Microtasking is perfect for people who want to make extra money in their free time. While it may not replace a full-time job, it’s a great side hustle that offers flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere.