Content moderation jobs are becoming increasingly common as more content is created and shared online. Companies like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter rely on content moderators to monitor user-generated content on their platforms. So how does one get a job as a content moderator?
What is a content moderator?
A content moderator is responsible for reviewing user submissions to online platforms like social media sites, forums, and commenting sections. Their main role is to ensure content adheres to the platform’s community standards and guidelines. This involves identifying and removing content such as spam, pornography, harassment, violence, illegal activities, and other policy violations.
Content moderators may review text, images, videos, live streams, and user profiles. They make quick decisions on whether to allow, remove, or escalate content. Content moderation helps protect users, limit liability risks, and maintain the platform’s reputation.
What skills are required?
Here are some key skills and qualifications needed for a content moderator job:
- Strong communication skills – Moderators need to explain decisions clearly and provide feedback to users.
- Detail-oriented – Must be able to review large volumes of content quickly while identifying policy violations.
- Critical thinking – Able to use good judgment when interpreting vague or edge cases.
- Emotional resilience – Viewing harmful content can take an emotional toll, so moderators need to manage this.
- Flexibility – Policies frequently change so moderators must adapt accordingly.
- Cultural awareness – Understanding cultural contexts is important when evaluating content.
- Technologically savvy – Should be skilled with using platforms’ moderation tools and systems.
What are the education requirements?
There are no strict education requirements for becoming a content moderator. However, the following education backgrounds are common and helpful:
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in communications, media studies, or a related field
- Training in law, policy, ethics, psychology, or counseling
- Experience studying issues like cyberbullying, disinformation, or online extremism
Having an educational background related to content moderation can help build relevant knowledge. But hands-on moderation experience or internships are also extremely valuable.
What is the work environment like?
Here are some key things to know about the work environment for content moderators:
- High volume – Moderators review hundreds or thousands of pieces of content per day.
- Fast-paced – Quick decisions are needed to keep up with incoming content.
- Repetitive – Reviewing content can get monotonous after hours of non-stop screening.
- Disturbing content – Moderators inevitably see extremely objectionable and graphic material.
- Office setting – Most moderators work in an office setting, often in front of computer screens.
- Structured schedules – Work is typically structured into shifts with set hours and breaks.
- Psychological support – Given the nature of the job, wellness resources may be provided.
Working conditions can be demanding. Self-care and utilizing wellness resources is important for moderator mental health.
How much do content moderators get paid?
According to PayScale, the average hourly wage for a content moderator in the United States is $16. However, pay can range from $9 – $28 per hour depending on factors like experience, company, and location.
Many content moderator jobs are full-time roles that pay annual salaries. Average reported salaries for content moderators include:
| Company | Average Salary |
| $45,000 | |
| YouTube | $47,000 |
| Accenture | $36,000 |
| Appen | $40,000 |
Additional benefits like health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off may be provided as well.
What are some common content moderator job titles?
Content moderator jobs can go by various titles, including:
- Community Support Associate
- Community Operations Analyst
- User Operations Specialist
- Content Review Analyst
- Community Manager
- Social Media Coordinator
- Forum Moderator
- Trust and Safety Associate
Look for roles related to community management, user operations, trust and safety, content review, or moderator when searching for content moderation jobs.
Where are content moderator jobs located?
Many large technology companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter have content moderation teams working in offices at their headquarters and major campuses. For example, Facebook’s content review hubs are located in cities where it has offices like Seattle, Dublin, Austin, and Singapore.
Contract moderation firms that work on behalf of clients also have offices globally. Major third-party moderation companies like Accenture, Appen, and TaskUs have sites in the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Some moderator roles are remote, enabling working from home. But for sensitive content, most review happens in secured office settings.
How can I get content moderator job experience?
Here are some tips for getting hands-on content moderation experience that will appeal to hiring managers:
- Volunteer as a forum or group moderator for an online community you are part of.
- Look for relevant internships at technology companies or moderation firms.
- Shadow or get mentored by an experienced moderator in the field.
- Take online moderation training courses to learn platform-specific skills.
- Moderate comment sections or submissions on your own website or social pages.
- Join moderation teams on crowdsourcing platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk.
Paid moderation experience is ideal, but unpaid opportunities can also demonstrate your abilities and strengthen your resume.
What is the job outlook for content moderators?
The job outlook for content moderators is very strong. As more user-generated content is created across social media, video streaming, gaming, ecommerce, and other platforms, there is an increasing need for moderation.
Facebook reported in 2019 that it had over 15,000 moderators reviewing content across over 50 sites globally. YouTube stated in 2018 that it had over 10,000 people in its trust and safety team. These numbers have likely grown significantly since.
The rise of misinformation, extremism, and cybercrime online also makes hiring more moderators a priority for companies. According to Statista, the number of content moderators worldwide could reach 200,000 by 2023.
With content volumes continuing to increase, content moderator should be a highly in-demand job in the coming years.
Conclusion
Content moderation is a rapidly growing field as online platforms adapt to managing large volumes of user submissions. Moderators require a mix of communication abilities, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and decision-making skills. While the work can be challenging, content moderation offers stable in-demand career opportunities.
Getting experience through internships, volunteering, or moderation roles and learning platform policies are key steps to landing a content moderator job. Major technology firms and outsourcing companies offer content moderation jobs globally.
With strong employability prospects, content moderation is an ideal choice for those interested in maintaining online community standards and safety.