Best Translation Platform
Flitto a Korean startup is looking to become the best translation platform in the world. Furthermore, they are looking to take down the difficulties people face when learning a new language. While Flitto is a Korean startup, it was founded in London by Korean founders in 2012. 5 years later Flitto has more than 6 million users. They offer translation for 18 different languages through their website and mobile app.
There are two key issues in the translation market. The first has to do with finding the right kind of translator. The second has to do with the problems with machine based translators that can’t provide accurate translations compared to a local.
Matching People with the Right Translator
Flitto is all about matching people or companies with the RIGHT translator. All they have to do is simply post their request on Flitto via a text message or even a voice message and it will be seen by the millions of translators on their platform. Getting a human translator is far better than an AI translator because AI technology has not advanced far enough to reflect the culture and the right context of the material.
Until machine learning in regards to translations advances greatly over the next few years, Flitto’s human-powered translation service is the best form of translation out there.
How do you use Flitto?
Customers can buy translation points and then use those points to do translations. As for professional translations, users can find translators on the platform and Flitto will take a small percentage as commission. Flitto also works with companies like Naver, Systran, and Airbnb in providing translation services.
Many would be amazed that most companies in Korea do not have English/foreign speakers and is dominated by Koreans. However, only 13% of the users actually come from Korea. Most are from outside of Korea since Flitto is in over 170 countries.
The Translation Market
As globalization is becoming common all around the world the need to network and connect is growing faster than ever. In order to truly connect in this digital world, people must be able to communicate with each other. This is why the translation market is growing 5% every year and the total market size is expected to hit $47 billion by 2018.
Flitto has their competitors but what they are able to do compared to its competitors is offer their service for both the web and mobile. They cover all content from texts to business documents. Their prices can’t be beaten at .001 cent per character and their selection is vast with over 1 million translators to choose from.
The best feature about their service is their function of translating any text automatically using OCR and GPS technology. So a user just has to take a picture of a text they want to be translated. Then will get an instant translation. This will make having Flitto crucial when traveling aboard. The same thing can be done for voice translations. Just upload the record and you will get an instant translation.
Flitto established their China branch in 2015 is looking aggressively to expand into China. They are working with Trip Advisor and MOOC (Massive Online Open Course). They hope to provide translation services in China and grow their brand.
