How to Make Money with Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) in 2023
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a platform that allows individuals and businesses to outsource small tasks or “Human Intelligence Tasks” (HITs) to a global workforce. These tasks typically involve simple tasks like data entry, image tagging, or categorization, and can be completed quickly and easily by workers around the world.
While it’s possible to earn money through MTurk, it’s important to note that the pay for these tasks is generally quite low, often just a few cents per task. With that said, here are some tips for making money with MTurk:
- Find HITs with high pay: While many HITs pay very little, there are occasionally higher-paying tasks available. You can use websites like Turkopticon or HITs Worth Turking For to find HITs that pay better than the average.
- Choose HITs you’re good at: If you have a particular skill or area of expertise, try to find HITs that play to your strengths. This can help you complete tasks more quickly and accurately, allowing you to earn more money in less time.
- Keep an eye on your hourly rate: To make sure you’re earning a reasonable rate for your time, keep track of how long it takes you to complete each HIT and how much you earn. This will allow you to identify tasks that are worth your time and avoid tasks that aren’t.
- Be consistent: To build up a reputation and gain access to more HITs, it’s important to be consistent and reliable in your work. Always complete tasks to the best of your ability and meet deadlines to maintain a high approval rate.
- Consider using scripts: Some users have developed scripts or browser extensions that can automate some of the more repetitive or time-consuming aspects of MTurk. While these can be helpful, be sure to read and follow the MTurk terms of service and any HIT-specific instructions carefully to avoid getting banned.
- Be mindful of time: Be sure to take into account the time zone differences if a task requires you to be online at a certain time. Additionally, be mindful of the time you spend completing tasks as it may become addictive, and it may not be worth the time and effort.
- Use qualifications to your advantage: Some HITs require specific qualifications, such as having completed a certain number of HITs or having a certain approval rate. Try to earn as many relevant qualifications as possible to increase your access to HITs and potentially earn higher pay.
- Watch out for scams: While the vast majority of HITs on MTurk are legitimate, there are occasionally scams or fraudulent tasks that can waste your time and potentially even steal your personal information. Be wary of any HIT that seems too good to be true or requires you to provide sensitive information.
- Keep an eye out for bonuses: Some requesters offer bonuses for completing HITs quickly or accurately. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and try to complete high-paying HITs as quickly and accurately as possible to increase your chances of earning a bonus.
- Be patient: Making money on MTurk requires some patience and persistence. It may take time to build up a reputation, gain access to higher-paying HITs, or find the right mix of tasks that work for you. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t earn a lot of money right away.
Overall, while it is possible to make some money with Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, it’s unlikely to be a significant source of income. However, it can be a useful way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time or to supplement your income from other sources.