Write good instructions

Why it matters

Every campaign is reviewed before it goes live, and clear, step-by-step instructions get approved fastest. After launch, workers decide in seconds whether a task is worth starting. If they can't tell what to do, many leave without submitting, and the campaign page warns you when that happens often.

Vague instructions also cause arguments later. If a worker followed what you wrote, it's hard to justify a rejection, and a worker can open a dispute about a revision request.

Structure your instructions

You have up to 5,000 characters. Use them for clarity, not padding. Short sentences and simple words work best, because many workers don't speak English as a first language.

Match the time and the payment

Try the task yourself and time it. Set Time to Complete with some margin (the maximum is 120 minutes), and set a payment that is fair for that effort. If a high share of workers leave without submitting, the campaign page suggests a higher payout, and you can use Raise payout without starting over.

Write proof requirements that are easy to check

Each proof field has its own description. Write it as an instruction the worker can follow, not as a label.

• Weak: Screenshot. Better: Screenshot of the confirmation page showing your username and today's date.
• Use one image proof per screenshot you need, so workers upload each one in its own slot and you can compare submissions easily.
• For text proof, say exactly what to type: the URL of the page, the code shown at the end, or an answer to a specific question.
• Ask for something a worker can only get by doing the task, like a code at the end of a survey or a detail visible only after signing in.
• Ask only for proof you will actually check. Every proof item adds a small fee per position.

Use the features that help

• Reference images: add up to 10 example images to show what a good result looks like. Workers see them above the instructions.
• Files for workers: for categories like Image Tagging or Audio Transcription, upload the material workers need to process.
• Custom Template: for structured answers, build a form under Templates so every worker fills in the same fields.
• Required Qualification: test workers first with a qualification and only let those who pass take the campaign.

Tip: If a submission is close but not right, ask for a revision with clear feedback instead of rejecting it. You can request up to 3 revisions per submission.

Stay within the rules

Workers can't be asked to install software, pay for anything or enter payment details, sign up for paid memberships or free trials that auto-renew, share personal information (except when submitting leads), exchange money between payment systems, spam other sites or write fake reviews. The full list is shown at the top of the campaign form.

Common questions