What is Amazon Mechanical Turk?

Amazon Mechanical Turk is a marketplace where businesses and individuals can outsource small, tedious tasks to a large pool of workers. These tasks, known as Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), can range from data entry and categorization to image tagging and transcription. Requesters post HITs on the platform, and workers complete them for a small payment.

MTurk has been around since 2005 and has become a popular platform for individuals looking to earn money online. According to Amazon, there are over 500,000 workers on the platform who have completed over 1.5 billion HITs.

Getting started with Amazon Mechanical Turk

Getting started with MTurk is easy. All you need is an Amazon account, and you can start browsing HITs immediately. However, before you start working, there are a few things you need to know.

1_Qualifications

To access certain HITs, you may need to meet certain qualifications. These qualifications can be based on your location, age, education level, or experience. To qualify for HITs, you need to take qualification tests provided by the requester. These tests are usually short and straightforward and test your skills and knowledge in a particular area.

2_Reputation

Your reputation on MTurk is essential. Your reputation is based on your approval rating, which is the percentage of HITs that requesters approve. To maintain a good reputation, you need to complete HITs accurately and on time.

3_Payment

Payments on MTurk vary depending on the requester and the complexity of the HIT. Some HITs pay as little as a few cents, while others can pay up to $50 or more. Payments are made via Amazon Payments, and you can cash out your earnings once you reach a minimum threshold.

Finding high-paying HITs

Finding high-paying HITs can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you find high-paying HITs on MTurk:

 1_Use filters

MTurk allows you to filter HITs based on various criteria, such as pay, location, and qualification requirements. Using filters can help you find HITs that are better suited to your skills and pay higher.

 2_Check forums

There are several forums and websites dedicated to MTurk where workers share information about high-paying HITs. These forums can be a great source of information, and you can find some hidden gems that you may not have otherwise found.

 3_Build relationships with requesters

Building relationships with requesters can help you find high-paying HITs. When you complete HITs for a requester, they can rate you and leave feedback. If you do good work, they may invite you to work on more HITs or give you access to higher-paying HITs.

Optimizing your workflow

To make the most out of your time on MTurk, you need to optimize your workflow. Here are some tips to help you work more efficiently:

 1_Use scripts and extensions

There are several scripts and extensions available that can help you work more efficiently on MTurk. These scripts can automatically accept HITs, refresh pages, and fill in forms, saving you time.

2_Batch your work

Batching your work means completing similar HITs together. This can help you work faster and more efficiently because you won't need to switch between different tasks constantly. For example, if you're completing transcription HITs, you can batch similar ones together and complete them in one go.

3_Set daily goals

Setting daily goals can help you stay motivated and focused. Set a target for how much you want to earn each day and work towards that goal. This can help you avoid burnout and ensure that you're making progress towards your earnings target.

Conclusion

Amazon Mechanical Turk can be a great way to earn money online. While the pay may not be substantial, it can be a good source of side income or a way to earn money while looking for a full-time job. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your earnings on the platform and make the most out of your time.