When to Use AI vs Human Translation
One of the biggest advantages of Taia is the flexibility to choose between instant AI translation, AI + post-editing, or full human translation β based on your goals, timeline, and content type.
This guide helps you decide when to use what.
π€ AI-Only Translationβ
Best for:β
- Internal content
- Drafts and working documents
- Product specs or technical data
- When speed and scale are critical
Pros:β
- Lightning fast
- Affordable (5,000 words/month free)
- Great for high-volume or low-priority content
Watch out for:β
- Nuance, tone, or idioms may not be perfect
- Risk of brand misalignment without glossary/style guide
- Still requires review for client-facing material
π AI + Post-Editing (MTPE)β
This is the default hybrid mode β combine the speed of AI with a human eye for detail.
Best for:β
- Marketing content
- Blog posts and campaigns
- Product listings
- User interfaces
Pros:β
- Faster than human-only translation
- Higher quality than AI-only
- Editors can apply glossary, tone rules, and style guides
Available via:β
- Your internal team (via CAT Editor)
- Taiaβs network of linguists (MTPE service)
π©ββοΈ Full Human Translationβ
Choose this when accuracy, brand voice, and trust matter most.
Best for:β
- Legal documents
- Contracts or regulatory content
- Print materials
- High-visibility landing pages
- Complex multilingual campaigns
Pros:β
- Linguists consider culture, tone, and context
- Second (or third) layer of QA
- Translation + revision workflows (Enhanced/Ultimate tiers)
Considerations:β
- Takes more time than AI
- Higher cost per word β but also higher impact
π― Quick Decision Guideβ
Content Type | Recommended Approach |
---|---|
Internal docs, drafts | β AI-only |
Blog posts, product copy | π€ AI + Post-editing |
Compliance/legal | π©ββοΈ Full human translation |
Email marketing | π€ or π©ββοΈ, depending on region |
SEO-focused content | π©ββοΈ (tone + keyword precision) |
π§ The Smartest Approach?β
Use all three β but use them strategically:
- Start with AI to move fast
- Layer in human editing where value is high
- Escalate to pro workflows when needed
Taia makes this seamless β you can upgrade any project after initial AI translation without re-uploading.
π‘ Tipsβ
- Set expectations with stakeholders (AI β perfect)
- Use glossaries and style guides to improve AI accuracy
- Review output in the CAT Editor before publishing
- Let humans focus on content that actually needs their expertise
Need help setting up a hybrid workflow for your team?
Talk to us β