Calling All Gig Workers! Join Our Audio Project & Help Improve AI for Everyone (108 hits)
Why This Audio Project Focuses on African American and African Participants
In recent years, voice technology has become part of everyday life—whether we are asking a virtual assistant for directions, using voice-to-text features, or interacting with automated customer support. But despite these advances, many voice recognition systems still struggle to accurately understand African American voices. This technological gap happens for one simple reason: a lack of diverse voice data during development.
To help address this issue, DataForce has launched the Orchid Remote Audio Collection Project, a one-time paid gig designed to gather high-quality voice samples from African American and African adults living in the United States. The goal is to make voice recognition technology fairer, more accurate, and truly inclusive.
Why Is the Project Limited to African American or African Participants?
This project is not about exclusion—it’s about representation. In research, it’s common to focus on specific demographic groups to ensure that the data collected is meaningful and relevant. Just like specialized medical studies, marketing focus groups, or academic research that target particular communities, this project aims to gather voice data from individuals who are currently underrepresented in AI training.
Voice assistants often misinterpret African American speech patterns, tones, and dialects. By collecting accurate voice data from this group, the project helps reduce biases and ensures that future technologies better understand and serve these communities.
This is not discrimination. It is a necessary step toward improving fairness and equity in AI.
What Is the Orchid Remote Audio Collection Project?
The Orchid Project is a remote audio recording initiative led by DataForce. Participants record a series of short prompts using an iPhone and a simple mobile app. The voice samples collected will be used strictly for research and development purposes to improve automatic speech recognition systems.
-It is not a job or employment. -It is a one-time paid gig that anyone can complete from home using only their phone (except in TX, IL, and WA due to state regulations).
Who Can Participate?
To qualify, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older - Self-identify as African American or African - Live in the United States (excluding Texas, Illinois, and Washington) - Be fluent in English - Have an iPhone 11 or newer (released within the last 6 years)
What Will You Do?
Participants will: - Use their iPhone and built-in microphone - Record a set of short, simple prompts - Complete the activity indoors, in a quiet environment - Spend about 20 minutes recording, with the entire task taking up to 1 hour - No special skills, equipment, or experience are required.
How Much Will You Be Paid?
Effective December 18, 2025, you will receive USD 50 for your participation.Payment via PayPal, gift card, or check
Additionally, you can earn more through the Referral Bonus Program, which pays $15 for each successful participant you refer.
Ready to Take Part?
If you meet the requirements and want to contribute to fair and inclusive technology while earning extra cash we’d love to have you participate. Click here to register and start the project:
