Welcome to my Amazon Mechanical Turk review!
I promise not to bore you with hyped-up promises of how much you can make with mTurk and instead, just give you the cold hard facts. In this review, I’ll answer the burning question: Is Amazon Mechanical Turk a Scam? To do this, we’re going to dig a little deeper and take a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Let me start by telling you here and now: I’m not working for them, and this is not a sponsored post, so I’m just going to give it to you straight up.
Are you ready? Let’s do this!
Amazon Mechanical Turk Review Overview
Product Name: Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk)
Owner: Amazon
Product Type: Mini Task Directory
Price: Free to Join
Best For: Those looking for additional money and don’t mind wasting their time
Pros
- Low Payment Threshold
- Easy, Unskilled Work
Cons
- Low Pay for High Effort
- Questionable Requesters
Quick Summary
Recommended? It is Legit, But the Income Potential Is Really Low
Table of Contents
Is Amazon Mechanical Turk a Scam?
Amazon Mechanical Turk has been around since 2005 and is owned by the online giant that is Amazon. This alone might give you some confidence that it’s not a scam. But what’s the real story? While it’s not a scam in the traditional sense—meaning it’s not going to steal your money or trick you outright—it does have elements that might make some people feel like it’s not worth their time.
Critics often refer to it as a “digital sweatshop” due to the monotonous tasks and low pay, but others see it as a legitimate way to make a little extra cash. Let’s break down how it works and what you can really expect from it.
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What is Amazon Mechanical Turk?
Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk for short) is a platform where large companies and small business owners, known as Requesters, can post mini-tasks for Workers to complete in exchange for payment. These tasks, known as Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), vary widely but are typically small and simple, requiring little to no specialized skills.
Similar to platforms like Gigwalk and Field Agent, mTurk allows people to earn money by completing these ‘gigs’ online. It’s a global platform with more than 500,000 workers from over 200 countries [Source: Wikipedia], and it’s been a lifeline for some who need to make money from home.
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How Does Amazon Mechanical Turk Work?
To get started, you need to sign up as a Worker on the mTurk platform. Once approved, you can browse the available HITs.
Each task will show an overview, including how long it’s expected to take and how much you’ll be paid.
For example:
- Decide if a 10-second video contains sensitive content – $0.03
- 60-minute shopping and dining survey – $0.15
- Transcribe 30 seconds of media to text – $0.05
As you can see, these are very low-paying jobs, and if you’re not careful, you could end up spending a lot of time for very little reward. However, as you build up your approval ratings by successfully completing tasks, you might gain access to higher-paying opportunities. The process is straightforward, but it’s up to you to decide if the time investment is worth it.
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How Much Does Amazon Mechanical Turk Cost?
One of the benefits of mTurk is that it’s completely free to join. There are no hidden fees or subscription costs to worry about. However, while it doesn’t cost you money, it will cost you time—a resource that’s arguably more valuable.
Payment is made either as an Amazon gift card once you reach a $1 threshold or directly to your bank account once you reach $10. While the platform is free, the low pay rates mean you’ll need to carefully consider whether the time spent is worth the financial return.
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Who Is Amazon Mechanical Turk For?
Amazon Mechanical Turk might be a good fit for people who:
- Need to make a little extra money and have a lot of free time.
- Are looking for easy, unskilled work that can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Want to supplement their income without a long-term commitment.
However, it’s probably not ideal for those looking for a substantial or reliable income stream. The pay is too low to replace a full-time job, but it can be a viable option for those in a tight financial spot or who need extra cash for specific short-term goals.
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Can You Make Money with Amazon Mechanical Turk?
Here’s the truth: you can make money with Amazon Mechanical Turk, but the amount is usually small, and the work can be tedious. For the majority of HITs, the pay is between $0.01 and $2.00. Higher-paying tasks do exist but are rare and often require you to complete hundreds or thousands of tasks first to qualify.
If you’re diligent and manage to complete tasks quickly, you might increase your hourly rate slightly, but it’s unlikely you’ll earn more than minimum wage.
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Are People Seeing Results With Amazon Mechanical Turk?
There are mixed reviews from people who have worked on mTurk. Some appreciate the platform as a way to earn a bit of extra cash on the side, while others express frustration at the low pay and monotonous tasks.
Complaints often centre around the time investment required for very little financial return, and some workers have reported issues with Requesters who refuse to approve work without valid reasons, further reducing potential earnings.
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Turn Your Passion into Profits
Amazon Mechanical Turk Review: Pros
Every platform has its strengths, and Amazon Mechanical Turk is no different. While it may not be the perfect solution for everyone, there are some notable benefits that make it appealing to certain types of workers. Let’s take a closer look at what mTurk does well.
#1 Low Payment Threshold
One of the standout advantages of Amazon Mechanical Turk is its low payment threshold, which is particularly beneficial for those who want quick access to their earnings. You can cash out your earnings as soon as you reach $1 in Amazon gift cards, or $10 if you prefer a direct deposit to your bank account. This flexibility is ideal for workers who need immediate funds or want to avoid waiting for larger payouts, which is a common issue on other platforms.
#2 Easy, Unskilled Work
Another significant advantage is the simplicity of the tasks available on mTurk. The majority of HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks) are straightforward and require no special skills or qualifications, making the platform accessible to almost anyone with an internet connection. Whether you’re looking to make money while watching TV or need a side hustle that doesn’t demand much mental effort, the low barrier to entry makes mTurk a convenient option for quick, easy work.
Amazon Mechanical Turk Review: Cons
Of course, no platform is without its drawbacks, and Amazon Mechanical Turk is no exception. There are some significant downsides that potential workers should be aware of before diving in. Below, we’ll explore the main concerns that could impact your experience on mTurk.
#1 Low Pay for High Effort
The most glaring drawback of mTurk is the extremely low pay for the amount of effort required. The majority of tasks offer payouts that are far below minimum wage, with some HITs paying as little as $0.01. Even if you manage to complete tasks quickly, it’s unlikely you’ll earn more than a few dollars per hour. For many, the time and mental energy invested simply aren’t worth the meager financial returns, making it difficult to justify mTurk as a viable income source.
#2 Questionable Requesters
Another concern is the presence of unscrupulous Requesters on the platform. Since mTurk is an open marketplace where anyone can post tasks, there’s a risk of encountering Requesters who may disapprove your work without valid reasons, effectively denying you payment for your time and effort. This lack of accountability can be frustrating and discouraging, especially if you’re relying on the platform for consistent earnings. It’s always wise to check reviews of Requesters before taking on their tasks, but even then, there’s no guarantee of fair treatment.
Amazon Mechanical Turk Review: Conclusion
So, is Amazon Mechanical Turk a scam? No, it’s not a scam. It’s a legitimate platform owned by Amazon that offers real payment for completing tasks. However, whether it’s worth your time is another question entirely. For most people, the pay is simply too low to justify the hours required, especially when there are more lucrative opportunities available online.
A Better Way To Make Money Online?
If you’re looking to become financially independent online, mTurk and similar gig sites probably aren’t your best bet. The time investment is high, and the returns are minimal. Instead, you might want to consider building an online business where you can put in the work once and get paid over and over again.
For example, Wealthy Affiliate offers training on how to create a profitable online business, and the beginner’s course is completely free. This approach allows you to build something that generates income for you around the clock, rather than trading hours for dollars.
Thanks for checking out my Amazon Mechanical Turk review. I hope you found it helpful. If you’ve had any experience with Amazon Mechanical Turk—good or bad—please share your thoughts below. If you have any questions about this review, just ask!
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Thanks for reading my Amazon Mechanical Turk Review! If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;).
